Portuguese students’ Erasmus experience and decisions about job search

Abstract

The present thesis studies preferences of former Erasmus students from Portugal about places to look for a job after their graduation and the reasons influencing that choice. It addresses cultural and educational tourism terms, defines the Erasmus programme. The research was comprised of 10 in-depth interviews and an online survey. It was concluded that former Erasmus students from Portugal do not have a clear preference, whether to search for a job in Portugal or abroad. Unwillingness to be away from family and friends was identified as the main reason to stay in Portugal, and “living in a new country” - as the main reason to look for a job abroad.