These days, young people are travelling more than ever before. Studying abroad is a growing and institutionalized practice, (e.g. Erasmus program). But to find out what they’re really getting out of this travelling, we have to get them to tell their stories and explore the meanings of their experience within the broader context of their lives. The results of this study can usefully orient EU policymakers in sustaining young people in their transitional challenges – becoming adults, Europeans and citizens of a globalized world – as well as fostering ongoing education in cultural diversity. Using a mixed-method and interdisciplinary approach, this study investigates the meanings given by a group of international students to their educational,
cultural and overall life experience abroad in Helsinki and Florence.
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| Helsinki-Florence |
Through analysis
of in-depth interviews, autobiographical-autoethnographical essays,
ethnographical observations and focus groups I will address topics connected
with self-construction processes in another culture: family of origin and its
economic, social and cultural capital; perception of European social and
cultural identity and sense of belonging to a “Cosmopolitan Generation”;
fundamental cultural objects shaping the idea of Finland (North Europe) / Italy (South Europe) and
Europe in general; interaction with locals and involvement in the host culture;
key life passages during students’ stay abroad. The narrative
approach yields a clear, in-depth
and comprehensive vision of what students abroad are actually doing and what
they think about it.
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| UH International Master Students |
The aim of the research
project is to select a group of international students in Helsinki and in Florence who are
willing to: (1) be interviewed
following a template
divided into three sections addressing
the basic phases of travel:
departure–transition–arrival. The full transcription
of the interview will be given to the participant and becomes the draft of the (2) autobiography-autoethnography where one can revise, change, add, edit and delete at
will. The participant is also free to develop other
topics and/or to decide to develop certain themes of the template in greater or
lesser depth, since it is his/her story. It will be made clear that it is entirely up to the participant to
decide what to write and what not to write. Afterword (3)
I will organize a focus group session where we can discuss together
themes emerged from your narratives.
That’s all!
All international students who are interested in taking part in the research
project study, or having more info, can contact me by email (pierluca.birindelli@helsinki.fi) and find out more
about me by visiting this blog. All the
participants will be provided with an informed consent form as well as a
detailed information sheet.
Best
Pierluca Birindelli
