Thoughts on “Studying in the European Union – chance and challenge for international students”

Just finished this work (edited by Katarzyna Hadas) and, as I’ve said before, I’m not hugely convinced by some of what it has to say. That said, it did make me think I might want to explore students’ previous experiences of Europe in my interviews.

The work used Phenomenology to analyse the findings which I want to find out more about to avoid the issues I had with it: namely, the lack of editing editing and explanation of how many replies make a phenomenon.

In Chapter I, Section 7, the report examines the students’ plans for after completing the programme and there is strong anecdotal evidence of students’ wanting to return home to implement changes learnt on their course. This applied to subjects from Energy Storage to Quaternary and Prehistory, from International Health to SEN. In Chapter 2, there’s an analysis (with some of the few statistics in the work), of reasons why students joined an Erasmus Mundus programme; 62.18% answered ‘very important’ to ‘career opportunities after completing the course’, 28.15% ‘important’, 7.14% ‘not very important’ and 2.52% ‘unimportant.’ This echoes my research’s findings that students are motivated for personal reasons ahead of altruism. Now there is no ‘changing my home context’ reply to this and the replies cover everything from local culture, weather (?!) and finding information on the internet. So, whilst I am not convinced by the question asked as a tool, I am sure I will quote the findings to back up my own.

This report comes closer than many in addressing my research questions but due to the lack of analysis, I am convinced I can take my work further than this. Unlike the official evaluations of Erasmus Mundus, it asks questions which are tied into the original aims of the programme and provides an interesting starting point.

Trying to Write the Conference Paper

Trying to write this conference paper and to be honest do not really have the motivation or confidence to make sure that it is of sufficient a quality.  It is sunny outside and it feels wrong to be working.  Ho hum.  But I suppose that is the reason I cam home so I had better type on.  I have revuised the structure somewhat and reduced the content so I may be able to get through it in the 20 minutes I have ...

I do start to realise why academics say they spend so much time writing, taking every Friday off but then in reality do not produce many outputs.  It is quite a grind ...

Mixed Thoughts from Funding to Research Questions

On train to a consultation by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills about Framework Programme 8, the post-2013 European Funding programme.  More relevant to work than to the PhD but it will indicate the future nature of the actions coming from Europe for Universities - as well as the reduced cash available. 

Been thinking about the methodology lecture on Wednesday and the comment that the methodology is one of the ways which one's research can be made unique.  I may need to concentrate on this a little more! 

The way I can explain the changes in my PhD research questions (no longer exploring Higher Education's reasons for taking part in Erasmus Mundus) has to be in terms of (1) HE is the deliverer, I am interested in the impact on the student, (2) looking at one University does not allow for generalisation, (3) the HEI is one of the influences on the Erasmus Mundus student and should not be singled out and (4) I am interested in the policy/student relationship and not the interim.  Clutching at straws?  Definitely.

Another Analysis of the Erasmus Mundus Student Experience

Just found a new student experience report based on Erasmus Mundus.  Not hugely impressed after the first 120 pages (of 300) as it makes 2 classic errors.  Firstly, it feels the need to quote several students in quite some depth when 1 or 2 would have done.  Secondly, it provides little or no academic context or analysis of their answers so whilst interesting from a course management perspective, it is less interesting from an academic one.  It is, however, a relief from my own research's perspective that it is not taking over 'my' ground.  That said there are some nice quotations by some EM SEN students which is always encouraging! 

Changing (And Explaining) The Methodology

Just been to an interesting lecture this evening.  It wasn't on the subject I was expecting (Researching Higher Education) but was actually a little more useful as it looked at Research Methodology. 

Prof Penny Jane Burke explained how her methodology had changed and reminded me that methodology should fit the project and not the other way around.  The methodology needs to reflect my changing methods and positions, not simply be a litterature review.  So when I consider the removal of one of my research questions, I need to think why I wanted to do that not simply because the methods were not answering but about what sort of questions I want answered. 

As a final thought, she seemed to infer I was a Positivist.  Not sure if I am (or quite what that is) but I am a 'glass half full' sort of chap (particularly if it is filled with G&T) so does being positive count?! 

Not The Only One

Just seen a friend for coffee who is at the opposite end of the doctoral spectrum to me and about to submit her thesis.  Interestingly, we still share an awful lot of the same concerns. She told me that when she is asked how things are going, she finds that her answer is no more advanced or technical than when she started.   Secondly, she expressed something I have often felt that it is very hard to explain to those outside of the PhD circle (and even to those who have completed it) what it feels like to go through this deeply personal and academic period of growth.  So, some relief that I'm not going mad.  Or at least, not the only one going mad.

Finding Hope and Meaning - and Pleasure in this Simple Read

It was a relief (and a pleasure) to read Trystan Owain Hughes’ new book “Finding Hope and Meaning in Suffering”. I once sat through a dreadful sermon where a vicar tried to explain suffering - despite an omnipotent God - being down to 'bad luck.' The sermon was neither theologically nor personally satisfying (particularly as my Mother had been diagnosed with a rapid version of Motor Neurone Disease). This book dispelled that sermon, instead providing a simple, straight-forward way of understanding and coping with the less pleasant things life throws at us. Though classified in 'Christianity & Spirituality' by Amazon, I believe its intellectual basis and appeal is far wider than those fields.


The core narrative reminds me of an arguement made by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, in an interview with John Humphries, that suffering makes sense not in human time but in God's time. In other words, during tough times, God does not abandon his people and his wisdom WILL become clear, just maybe not when we would like it to. This book takes this argument and moves it on by providing ways of coping during suffering and, consequently, shows how God may be identified in the world around us. Taking themes such as nature, art and laughter, Hughes provides us with guidance which is not only biblically based but also draws on popular films and cultural references to explain how the suffering we see might make sense.

I met Trystan at a meeting of the Governing Body of the Church in Wales and his writing in this reflects his personality: good-humoured. easy-to-talk-to and down-to-earth. During a time when my family has been touched by an unrelenting and unkind disease, his book has personally shown me by its inception and through its advice, 'that God meets us in our afflications, bringing hope and meaning at the most unlikely times.'

(Also published on the Amazon website) 

Sunny Weather

On train to work with no coat in sunshine for first time this year. Worried that this guarantees rain. That said, if it continues, then I'll feel duty-bound to paint and deck the balcony between a concert on Saturday and seeing the live broadcasting of 'Broadcasting House' on Sunday. So less PhD done. But then I gave myself a heart attack when I saw how soon the tutorial and conference paper are due. Decisions, decisions. Sometimes, I wish this PhD was over and I could relax. 3 years. 'Only' 3 years.

Language Used

On train on way back from Bro's after celebrating our birthday. Just realised that I'm a tad behind on PhD work and not been as good as I should be on an hour's research each day. Just gone through one of my tutor's comments on my work. Interesting, a lot to do with informal language or impressions. It's that balance between accessibility and interesting but formal and accurate words. Tricky. Back to reading articles for my next submission to the tutors. Perhaps reading more good (and bad!) writing will help!

Simple Questions: Students' Interest in EU Policies

Coming out of Oxford Street Tube, it occurred to me that one of my tutors had questionned how aware EM SEN's students were of implementing collaboration and of the aims of the European Union.  Very, I said, as exemplified by students from the first cohort's visit to an international funding session in Brussels so that they could set up a partnership between Europe and their home countries.  Surprising, yes, but it does make me think I should question students and alumni about this.  Why and when did they become interested in collaboration (rather than simply "are they interested?") and how are they aware of the EU policies? 

The simple questions - always the ones which are missed! 

Labels

On way back from professorial lecture. It opened with the line 'I'm a feminist and a marxist.' Not only did it make me uncomfortable as a white, middle-class male but they also seemed a little dated as labels. That said, I couldn't as confidently label myself. And how would they feel if I said I was a male, conservative academic? It's not a popular stand in academia but it's the truth and I wonder if my work should reflect these labels?

L'Auberge Espagnole

Just watching L'Auberge Espagnole probably for at least the eighth time.  It's funny that even though I know the plot backwards, I get something new out of it.  This time it was about identity and reminded me how unsettling it was to study abroad and yet life changing.  The main character thinks he is mentally unwell when he cannot cope with the challenges of living in a different culture.  There are several discussions in the film on national identity and personal stereotypes.   

The film reminded me of so many memories and the impact on my life: from the first snow in Grenoble (top picture). 

Or the celebrations for my birthday with people who I've lost contact with but whom the emotional link remains (bottom picture). 




Erasmus is part of the reason I ended up in International Education, working on Erasmus Mundus, and thus part of the reason for my PhD.  The fill emphasised to me that the important thing to do with my research is not to do with the gap between European policy and practice (as the title suggests) but actually the inexplicable, unidentifiable, individual changes that international study has.  I used to have the following on my wall - quoted from the film:

Je me suis retrouvé dans les rues de Paris où les Parisiens m’ont jamais

I found myself once again in the streets of Paris where the Parisians did not own me.
J’étais un étranger parmi les étrangers.
I was a foreigner amongst foreigners,
Pour quoi j’étais là je savais pas.
Why I was there I do not know.
J’en ai généralement su pourquoi j’étais là où j’étais. 
Normally I knew why I was where I was.
Je dois être typique . 
I have to be normal.
Erasmus?
Erasmus?
…
Je suis Français, Danois, Anglais …
I am French, Danish, British …
Je ne suis pas un, je suis plusieurs.
I am not one, I am many.
Je suis comme Europe.
I am like Europe.
Je suis un vrai bordel.
I am a right mess.
C’est une histoire de décollage.

It is a story of lift-off

[Cédric Klapisch 'L'Auberge Espagnole', Translation my own]

Perhaps I should remember this a little more often:  the drive to be part of - and inspire - something different, the desire to be European and still British, the urge to stop being the grown-up I don't feel I am and be the young person I could be.  Time for a décollage? 

P.S.

And for those who have not seen it - an advert for the film for those who have not seen it:

Repaying Student Loans

Are the Russel Group of Universities trying to preempt the Browne Review by suggesting students start repaying loans sooner and at a higher rate of interest? 

If they are, they regret their demands when they become fact.  Those from less-advantaged backgrounds may be put-off in applying thus altering these universties' widening participation numbers and for institutions like my own with a higher rate of social outreach they will fight to oppose this.  That said, one of the easy compromises to get rid of fees is to charge more for loans for living expenses.  This battle is set to continue. 

Tutorial 12/05/10

Had tutorial last night and meant to write about it before bed but was so shattered (and slightly intrigued by the Cameron/Clegg love-in) that it has waited until today. 

It was quite a good session and we talked our way through the interim report which I had written.  It was an amalgamation of all the essays I have written.  It seems that the main issue is a stylistic one with the use of terms not quite justified.  The problem is that we all use terms like internationalisation, Europe and so on without thinking and mainly influenced by what the media uses.  I am influenced by the media and politics (you just need to read this blog to tell that) but I do need to think how they are using the terms. 

I think was a bit argumentative through the meeting but I did not mean to be.  I just feel slightly defensive of my work but if I am really to succeed then I have to allow people to criticise and come back with a positive answer. 

Session useful and going forward need to work on the Lit Rev and using that to critically examine the policy documentation rather than relying on it. 

In other news, afterwards went to the second of the Researching Education Lectures.  Not hugely useful and as one colleague put it, more akin to a conversation you would have around the kitchen table than one for a lecture.  That said, had a really useful conversation about motivating oneself to do research.  Though the content of these sessions are not always helpful, the time spent with others facing the same problems is probably the best bit. 

The Man in Charge of Higher Education

Good to see that we now have a Department of Education back rather than some collection of letters which we don't quite understand.  That said, also interesting that Higher Education is to remain in Business (which could indicate a perception that it is an economic tool rather than an educational one) which poses a few questions.  Good news for HE, I suppose, is that it ultimately comes under a Lib Dem rather than a Tory which might look at it more kindly (though don't hold your breath in these 'hard times').  Not confirmed but it will probably be David Willettts will become Universities Minister carrying on his shadow role.  A thoughtful man but be interested to see what happens now he has to implement all that he talked about in opposition. 

In other post-election revelations, there has been some guidance on what policies to expect on tuition fees from the Con-Lib coalition after the Browne review: basically some sort of tuition fees but the coalition partners can go there own way in voting terms.  Also looking very likely that the Research Excellence Framework (assessing the quality of the UK's research) will be delayed by a year or two. 

Just the small question of those budget cuts now ...

Involvement in International Collaboration as a Reason for Studying

Just occurred to me in tutorial. In my pilot study students just starting masters course did not see international collaboration as one of their motivations for studying. Those questioned half way through did see collaboration as a motivating reason. That said they all saw inspiring collaboration as one of the EU's reasons for the programme. What changes? Or is the EU's plan of fostering relations working?

More on this (and the tutorial) to follow.

And so to Work

On way to work again and the world's sunny. Discussions about the cabinet continue in Westminster but there's relief and a realisation that history is being witnessed.

But now my job calls; training session to lead on bidding at lunchtime.

Then a tutorial this evening, my first in several months so need to revise my thesis. Nervous that I'm heading the wrong way or not how my tutors want. The nervousness of the PhD student. A report to follow ...

History: Democracy in Action

On train back from choir practice waiting listening to announcement about new government. Nights like tonight are historic and, as in 1997, we will remember where we were that night.    

Brown acted with dignity as he has throughout the discussions, very much developing his role as statesman.

But after an expected Lib Dem surge, this sees them with the power if not the seats. But Cameron has also acted with leadership. His position will be difficult and we're not sure what the final cabinet will be.

Whatever, the markets will be happy and voters will have resolution. As I said on election night, polling days have start, middle and ends. This is now the end but really we're starting on a narrative our parents have not seen. The challenges of coalition and cuts face us. But perhaps the most important thing is - whether you like the result or not - this decision has happened peacefully and democracy has worked. For that you must be grateful. 

Europe 'Taking Over'

Been meaning to publish this for while: 

The European Institutions have been accused of 'taking over' various policies (I think this is an idea from a book edited  by Voldemar Tomusk but I need to check).  The example cited is Bologna - harmonisation of European degrees was taking place and the EU saw it useful policy to take over. 

I also think the same is true of cross-European Masters Degrees/Joint Degrees; these were already being developed (see Roehampton's collaborative Masters and Doctorate with Fontys as an example) but the EU saw them as a potential tool accross Europe and around the world and hence created Erasmus Mundus. 

I wonder if this can be taken one stage further; I have written about 'Soft Power' or 'Bottom-up Globalisation.'  Nothing new - global powers have always tried to win 'hearts and minds' to avoid physical battles (look at England in India, the Romans in England).   But are the EU taking over these 'bottom-up' methods to undertake traditional 'top-down' colonialism?

History

On train into work listening to 'Today' on the radio.

Yesterday was historic with the announcement of the intended resignation of Gordon Brown and the announcement by the Tories on electoral reform.  I walked back through the media village outside parliament last night and it was buzzing. I was sad not to be a journalist reporting on it.

There's a song I like called 'Historymaker' calling on each person to change the world around them. If yesterday was historic, I suspect today could be more so. Isn't politics amazing?

Where are you from?

At church we were asked by a visiting speaker whether we felt ourselves to be in Croydon (as in a distinct town/borough) or in London (of which Croydon is a part).  I feel myself to be part of London - as did two thirds of the congregation - for the simple fact that my work and social life are mostly centrally-focussed and Croydon is where I live and shop.  The remaining third found themselves to be in Croydon and these, mostly older people, probably see their lives as focussing on the town. 

This reminded me of a questionnaire I filled in about my perception of nationality and identity after my Erasmus year.  We were asked if we felt more or less British/European/Global Citizens at the start and end of our programme overseas.  In my case, I felt more European and still do.  In the same way, I am asking in my research how students' perceptions of their identity and nationality change.  There will be an increased sense of 'global citizen' I can tell you now. 

But should we be looking for a single answer?  Just because we are from one place (Britain) does not mean we can't have ties to another (Europe). Just because I see myself as being based in London doesn't mean I don't say home is in Croydon?  Identity - like so many things - isn't a clear black/white issue. 

Shirley Valentine Moment

Well, after seeing the play last week, I almost had my own Shirley Valentine moment. 

On the motorway heading north from Strasbourg, in the first sunshine in a week that had been exceptionally wet, I suddenly remembered why I loved France. 

Yes, it has its faults (bureaucracy, mixed record on investment in universities) and its 'more relaxed lifestyle' is over-hyped.  But the buildings on the edge of the motorway reminded me of where I was in Grenoble.  The sense of living in a world, a culture that is not quite your own.  I've done it, I've lived abroad so I know the reality is different.  At drinks the previous night, someone said I had enough French to work in France.  Possibly but it isn't accurate enough.  Whatever the practicalities, for that moment, I wanted to be there, to live there and not just for a holiday.  Time to start thinking about the next job move?

General Election - The Story So Far.

It’s just after 5am in the morning in the UK (6am where I am in France) and the family abandoned me about 90 minutes ago to keep watching the results as they come in. Elections are exciting and, as one journalist once said, they are good news events as they have a start, middle and end. And yet tonight’s does not seem to be an end but rather a continuation, a story extending way beyond tonight. In 2005 we were rapidly approaching a result at this hour and this time we are nowhere near. There seems to be a lack of celebration over the democracy taking place – and certainly no victory dances from any of the parties.


In my previous post I made a variety of predictions – how are they doing now?

1. Constituencies in which the family voted: Croydon North is still to declare, Clwyd South swung by 6% to Conservatives but still safe Labour and Bury St Eds swung to Lib Dems by 2.8% but firmly Conservative. The Lib Dems have had a very bad night and are no further ahead. Labour has had a bad night but perhaps not as bad as they might have expected. And the Tory’s momentum did not move them forward them fast enough.

2. Turn out is up and about 65-70% so nearly 1997 levels so a tight election obviously pulled out the voters even if the TV debates may not have thrown things (as seen by the Lib Dem results).

3. Minorities have not done well – Wyre Forest now Tory, Plaid lost a seat, SNP did not gain but it is looking likely that the Greens have got Brighton Pavillion. Interesting story in Northern Ireland with Peter Robinson losing his seat but still being first minister in the Northern Ireland Assembly. He says he still has a mandate but it’s not clear he does.

4. The percentage of the vote is yet to be clear but it looks like Conservatives take some 37%, Labour 27%, Lib Dems 23% and others 13%. Not very significant and though the proportion of seats in the final House of Commons will not reflect this, it is not quite as important had the Lib Dems beat Labour into third.

5. The results. A Conservative Administration looks likely, probably with a minority government and not the small win I predicted. A Lib Lab pact will not hold sufficient seats to win and a Con Lib link unlikely.  But it's not in the bag that the Tories will get over 300 yet - and they will definitely not get over 325. 

One of the major stories I did not predict was that some people would not be able vote and problems with the voting system. This will rumble on along with the discussions over voting reform and electoral form will feature in the next few years. 

So what next? Results will continue dribbling in over the coming hours but by tomorrow afternoon I think there will be a collection of trips to Buckingham Palace but the answers are yet to be clear.

UPDATE AT 0552
Well, three interesting stories within moments of eachother. 
Croydon North had a fractional swing to Labour of 0.3% with an increase in their majority.  Interesting how some trends are bucked. 
The Greens have gained Brighton Pavillion which is a new party in the Commons and another complication in predicting coalitions. 
And the BBC have a prediction of Conservative 306 seats, Labour 262 seats, Lib Dems 55 seats and Others 27 seats.  So there is now the room for a Lib Lab Coalition would command 317 seats so a minority government but the Tories must be worried.  Keep watching.  The trading continues. 

General Election - What I'm Looking Out For.

After much fear, we now have internet access here in France.  Not the most logical way as a 20m cable is needed to link next door's garage, through our window and into my computer (see pictures left).  But it does mean that I will be blessed with David Dimbleby's and the BBC's company here in France tonight, for which I am very grateful to the owners for pleasing this political/news geek.  So what am I looking for:

1. The consituencies the family have voted in: Croydon North (me), Clwyd South (Parents) and Bury St Edmunds (Bro).  The first two are safe Labour and the last safe Conservative but these will be indicative of a wider vote even if they do not change hands.  Has Labour lost ground?  Have the Tories strengthened?  Have the Lib Dems had any sort of break through? 

2. The Turn Out:  Will the debates and the chance of a close election have raised the turn out from 61% in 2005 to even 71.4% in 1997 or higher?  My guess - up a few per cent but those who were interested in the debate were not necessarily new voters but old geeks like me.  And what about the impact of postal voting.  It increased the turnout in 2005 - will 20% still use Royal Mail and not the Polling Station? 

3. The Popular Vote: For once this is going to be more closely examined than ever before.  Partiularly if the Lib Dems come second in the popular vote will this provide momentum for a proportional system? 

4. The Margins:  Will Barking go BNP, Brighton go Green and Wire Forest remain 'Save Kiddeminster Hospital'.  What about the nationalist parties who could be powerful? 

5. The Result:  My guess would be a stronger Tory vote than expected (possibly with a small majority with support from others they had the momentum), a good showing for the Lib Dems (best numbers ever though not as strong as after the first debate) and disaster for Labour.  But who am I to know? 

Above all, I predict some blurred eyes and some indecisive results!  Happy Election Night! 

Docu Analysis: The Flaws of Content Analysis

The problem with content analysis when looking at documents is that often misses out an overall ‘feel’ for a document. Though a word can be used so many times or have a certain meaning through a document, the wider ‘feeling’ of a document is not always illustrated by numbers. I wonder if there is a further way I can analyse these documents in terms of the various sub-texts rather than simply the words themselves in textual analysis.

Docu Analysis: Erasmus Mundus as Foreign Policy?

Just found that an interesting quotation that seems to justify one of the real reasons behind Erasmus Mundus as I see it; the Erasmus World document (ref. 1128) refers to Europe needing “future decision-makers in third countries having a better understanding of, and closer ties with, Europe” for its lasting political and economic success. I have always said that until the Lisbon, Europe could not have a foreign policy but Erasmus Mundus allowed global influence; this seems to prove that this quotation at least formed part of the sub-agendas behind the programme.

Docu Analysis: One HE System?

The document on Erasmus World (ref 1128) talks about their being a lack of a ‘European Offer’ in Higher Education. Reminds me of a report by the Academic Cooperation Association which said that people identified with individual countries and not the EU. Would both this lack and this identification be because the EU was more of a group of states than a union when this was written 10 years ago?

Docu Analysis: United States of Europe?

Just starting on my documentary analysis and started with the first proposal by the European Commission for Erasmus Mundus (then called Erasmus World) dating back to 2001. They spend 10 lines explaining why the programme needs to be like Fulbright. Is that because it is the leading scholarship product in the market or is it because they want to be a ‘United States of Europe’ and thus emulating that United States on the other side of the Atlantic is one way of doing that?

The Book from the PhD?

If I were to write a book on the basis of my PhD what would it be about? Would it be a practical guide into setting up and managing a scholarship programme? (Probably not as that market has been filled). Or would it be something more academic and fundamental questioning the nature of international collaboration in universities and the contexts for understanding them? (In which case for whom would this be written and at what level? Is there not already enough theorising about higher education?).

Where Research Should Take Place?

I am sitting trying to write a conference paper at the kitchen table in the gite we are staying in. Mother is at the other end writing ‘Thank You’ letters for birthday presents whilst Bro and Daddy are playing ten-pin bowling in the Wii. Not exactly what the academic elite have in mind when they envisage people doing research.
And yet it is quite a pleasant way to work; research isn’t something to be done in ivory towers but it is practical, normal and daily. It should not be separated from everyday life or be only accessible to a limited number of readers. Its outputs should be in a language which is universally readable. Unlike an academic paper I sat through at last year’s Sociology of Education Conference which I thought was about the fact that Higher Education Research was inaccessible due to the language it uses. I was then told – without an ounce of irony – that I had misunderstood the paper. Sadly, I didn’t understand the paper’s actual meaning. Case in point?
So I think sitting in the lounge with my family around me is precisely the place research SHOULD be taking place.

Ensuring Documentary Access

In the middle of Colmar and Bro is sending some files to work but had them in ‘Docx’ format which he could not open in the internet Café. Made me think that I need to make sure that the questionnaires I am sending out are going to be used by people with a lot older versions of Microsoft Word then they are using in France so I had better make sure that the questionnaires are in the simples ‘Doc’ format possible or I am artificially limiting my sample. Such are the issues of access that could adversely affect my survey.

European Travel

Sitting on dock at Dover waiting to board ferry. Reminds me of pictures of Erasmus Mundus SEN students traveling to the Netherlands in the videos in my last post. Would such international programmes be thought of - let alone possible - without easier border restrictions?