Chapter 3 - Local Integration of the Mobile Students By Jurgita Stasiukaityte
International students, willing or not, often create their own “social bubble�. They integrate insufficiently with locals and relationships are formed mostly through classes, group assignments or activities organized by student associations. It is uncommon for locals to spend time with internationals, unless locals are part of such associations. This study aims to understand the level of integration desired by ERASMUS, which it is unclear at this moment. Moreover, this study investigates whether the level of integration depends on the amount of months spent abroad and whether it impacts overall satisfaction. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and governments may not take care of local integration; but also student associations can perhaps act more effectively in this area. This research was carried out primarily targeting exchange students abroad via limited-period international programs such as ERASMUS. But some students were abroad either for a full degree or internship. This may complicate drawing general conclusions from the survey. However, it will offer some ideas on how to improve local integration of all international students and, if there is a significant difference between the aforementioned groups, it will be indicated clearly in the analysis.
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