The Experience of Student Mobility in Primary Education: A Qualitative Case Study within the Framework of Erasmus+

This qualitative study explores the experiences of eleven sixth-grade students who participated in an Erasmus+ KA1 school mobility project, as part of a transnational partnership with a school in Naples. Through semi-structured interviews conducted before and after the trip, and using thematic analysis, the research captures students’ perceptions, perceived benefits, and challenges, as shaped by their experiential engagement. The study examines the cultural characteristics of the host country, the intercultural competencies developed, and the impact on students’ personal growth. The findings highlight the role of direct contact with diverse cultural groups in deconstructing stereotypes, fostering empathy, and promoting active citizenship. Overall, the Erasmus+ programme emerged as a catalyst for intercultural awareness, social empowerment, and the formation of a more open and inclusive European identity.