Before the European elections: OeAD survey emphasises the importance of Erasmus+ stays for building a positive EU perspective

In the run-up to the European elections on 9 June 2024, the OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation, is publishing the results of an anonymous online survey of 1,332 Austrian students who have recently spent time abroad. The survey, conducted between 12 March and 22 April 2024, reveals how international experiences shape students' views of the European Union.

"The survey results illustrate how cross-border European programmes promote European unity. They help to strengthen tolerance, solidarity and intercultural understanding and offer participants sustainable networks for their personal and professional development," says OeAD Managing Director Jakob Calice.

A majority of 65 percent of survey participants plan to take part in the upcoming European elections, which underlines the importance of these programmes for the political education and participation of young people.

According to the survey results, European exchange programmes such as Erasmus+ strengthen the sense of belonging to Europe and promote optimism towards the EU. Before their stay abroad, 37 per cent of students felt very optimistic about the EU; after their return, this figure rose to 45 per cent. "I have a much more positive view of the EU as a result of my stay. The change of perspective was very enriching," commented one participant.

The survey also shows that stays abroad not only promote personal development, but also improve professional and language skills. For example, 88 per cent of respondents confirmed that they had developed their professional skills, while 86 per cent improved their language skills and 96 per cent were able to strengthen their self-organisation and teamwork skills.

Relevance of EU topics for students

The OeAD survey recorded in detail which EU topics are of particular importance to students, and the results provide an insight into how young people prioritise the EU. These results show that students in Austria not only have strong opinions on key issues such as climate change and educational exchange, but also express a clear expectation for the EU to respond to these challenges:

"I think that my view of the EU has improved once again as a result of my experience abroad. On the one hand, the exchange programmes have shown me how important such an institution is for making study visits within Europe easier, but also how many opportunities we are given in terms of education, career and life within the EU. ..." (Comment from a participant)

However, the survey also shows a small proportion of voices that are critical of the EU but still took part in the programme. The proportion of very/rather pessimistic students increases by 0.9 percentage points.

Which topics do students think the EU should address and how important are these topics to them?

• Combating climate change was rated as "very important" by 79 per cent of participants and as "somewhat important" by a further 14 per cent. Overall, 93 per cent of respondents therefore consider climate protection to be necessary, which underlines the high level of urgency that young people attach to this global issue.
• 71% of respondents consider Erasmus+ and similar programmes - i.e. initiatives to increase exchanges between young people - to be "very important" and a further 26% "somewhat important". This means that a total of 97% of students consider mobility programmes to be important, which illustrates the strong support for intercultural and academic exchange within the EU.
• The topic of "promoting study and research exchange" is seen as "very important" or "somewhat important" by almost 98 per cent. This reflects the high level of interest in academic networking and cooperation across borders.
• An increased commitment to inclusion, diversity and equal opportunities is rated as "very important" or "somewhat important" by around 91 per cent of survey participants, which shows how important it is to students that the EU actively promotes a more inclusive society.
• Strengthening the common economic area and jobs: At 58 per cent "very important" and 33 per cent "somewhat important" (in Summer more than 91 per cent), it is clear that economic stability and job opportunities are absolutely key concerns for young people in the EU.
• The fight against poverty is also seen as a priority issue, with 72 per cent of students rating it as "very important" and 21 per cent as "somewhat important", which illustrates the expectation of 93 per cent for the EU to become active in social justice and poverty reduction.
• Interestingly, the enlargement of the EU and driving forward the digital transformation were given lower priority than expected.

The survey is also published in the OeAD magazine #youngeurope at www.oead.at/youngeurope

Download graphics (in German):

Question 1: When have you been abroad?
 

Question 2: View of the EU - before and after your stay abroad

Question 3: My stay abroad has contributed to...

Question 4: Which topics do you think the EU should work on and how important are these topics for you? 
 

Question 5: From today's perspective, will you take part in the European elections in Austria?