From expectations to results: the effects of Erasmus plus mobilities on staff at a Romanian higher education institution

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a comparative analysis between the expectations of international mobility beneficiaries in the higher education sector, and the results obtained following participation in such programs. To this end, a pilot quantitative study was conducted among staff members of Ovidius University of Constanța, Romania, who benefited from at least one Erasmus Plus teaching or training mobility (N = 96). The research instrument was a questionnaire adapted from the EU Survey developed by the European Commission. The results highlight effects analyzed through both gap analysis and statistical significance testing. The gap analysis indicates improvements in organizational, managerial, and leadership skills, increased confidence in intercultural contexts, and the generation of indirect outcomes such as the development of joint curricula, courses or modules, academic networks, and research collaborations. The results of the statistical analysis indicate a negative outcome, expressed through unmet expectations concerning the development of professional and methodological competences, especially regarding innovative teaching practices and the acquisition of practical skills.