The role of Erasmus mobility in the European Union's soft power: The cases of Akdeniz University and Antalya Bilim University

Utilizing Joseph Nye's concept of soft power, the research examines the extent to which Erasmus mobility program contributes to the European Union's soft power in the cases of Akdeniz University and Antalya Bilim University. The research finds that Erasmus mobility positively affected the perceptions of the participants about the European Union. Approximately 95% of the respondents recommended the Erasmus program. About 80% of the participants wish to go to Europe again. More than 50% of respondents plan to live or work in Europe. 95% of respondents are attracted by European culture. Most Erasmus participants are committed to European shared values. After Erasmus, the rate of students who define themselves as international or global citizens increased to 50%. This research finds that freedom, rule of law and prosperity are the prominent values. Erasmus beneficiaries emphasize that the level of democracy and freedoms, quality of education and technological developments are better in Western Europe. Respect and openness highlighted by respondents within the scope of European traditions show that political liberalism and democratic values are embedded in the culture. Turkish students had more vivid impressions of European culture, and their awareness of cultural differences increased more than foreign participants. Erasmus program is effective when political values and cultural components of soft power are evaluated. Data was insufficient to make an assessment on the foreign policy component.