Share
Focus Group with Incoming Erasmus Students
In May, third-year undergraduate students of the History-Sociology study program, under the mentorship of the ECTS coordinator of the Department of Sociology, Assistant Professor Dr. Miriam Mary Brgles, conducted a focus group with incoming Erasmus students from Portugal, Hungary, Italy, and Turkey. The topic was the Erasmus mobility experience in Croatia and at the Catholic University of Croatia.
As motivations for participating in mobility, the students highlighted their desire for independence and to improve their English language skills. While Croatia was not the first choice for all of them, some chose it because they believed it would be better to go to a smaller EU country—one that is close to many others and easier to explore. They took advantage of their stay by traveling to destinations such as Dubrovnik, Plitvice Lakes, the island of Pag, Rijeka during the carnival, Ljubljana, and more.
The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Croatia played the most significant role in organizing group social events. These gatherings allowed them to meet many other Erasmus students, which led to increased socializing and meaningful connections. Although they met local students in their departments at CUC, they primarily spent their free time with fellow Erasmus students. Through one another, they learned a lot about different EU countries, discovered cultural differences, and overcame stereotypes, stating that they are now more open-minded. Some wanted to experience as much as possible during their time in Croatia, so they participated in competitions and various ESN-organized events.
At CUC, they emphasized the advantage of practical over theoretical teaching, though they had to adjust to differences—for example, in Hungary, students can choose their own class schedules and courses, and exams and grading systems differ. One participant shared that, thanks to the new approach at CUC, she grew to love her chosen study program more—even though she previously doubted her decision and regretted not choosing another field. Through the mobility experience and CUC’s approach to teaching, she became confident that she had indeed made the right career choice.
While the greatest benefits of the experience were gaining independence and personal growth, the biggest challenges included homesickness and missing parents, friends, and—for those in relationships—partners.
In conclusion, they shared advice for students considering mobility: "For me, when you enter the Erasmus life experience, you have to come with an open mind. And you have to think, okay, I’ll be far from my family, from my friends for a long time. But I’m here now, and I will miss it when I leave. So, I will try to do everything I can and enjoy every moment with everyone. (…) So, I think, come here with a free spirit. And yes, try to catch as many things as you can."