Melissa Härtel and the emergence of an Erasmus identity

Melissa Härtel, researcher and author of the work 'Erasmus or the construction of a European cultural sphere,' has released a report on the Erasmus program analysing the 20-year experience that has included more than 1.5 million participants. "The dazzling success of the Erasmus program has shown that it represents a strong force in the development of European identity. In mixing with students from all over Europe, participants develop in an international social environment, enriched by many different external influences, all while remaining in the 'Erasmus atmosphere'. Brought together under the aegis of a common program, for a determined period in a certain location, students don't think in terms of national identities, but in terms of their 'Erasmus' identity. The exchange trip is, for the former participants, a moment when they were able to create with other Europeans a common culture, which went beyond all physical and national borders. This notion thus allows a solid construction of a real European identity."

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