The role of Erasmus Programme experiences in university students' opinions on gender: Case of Ege University

The aim of this research is to determine whether Erasmus experiences have any influence on the opinions of students who participated in the Erasmus Program regarding gender equality and to examine the awareness and perspectives of students on gender during this process, as well as their proposed solutions to gender inequality. The findings obtained from evaluating these proposed solutions are also intended to contribute to the development and dissemination of gender equality understanding in Higher Education Institutions. The phenomenology model was used in this study, and in-depth interviews were conducted as the data collection tool. The main population of the study consists of 11 undergraduate students from various faculties and departments of Ege University who studied and stayed in dormitories at various universities in Germany during the spring semester of the 2021/2022 academic year. The participants include 6 males and 5 females. According to findings from research, the Erasmus experience has been shown to provide benefits such as gaining new perspectives, self-confidence, sensitivity, tolerance, and awareness through living together with different cultures. The Erasmus process has provided an opportunity for female participants to question and change gender roles. The Erasmus experience has enabled students to develop awareness of gender equality and alter their future plans. As a result, the Erasmus experience enhances the desire to contribute to more egalitarian and free societies. Students express that their perception of gender has changed along with their experiences of getting to know different cultures. Recommendations for improving gender equality include gender studies courses, lessons on gender equality in primary and secondary schools, mixed-gender dormitories, and promoting awareness of gender equality.