COMMUNICATION BARRIERS ENCOUNTERED BY ERASMUS STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ORADEA: CHALLENGES AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES
Amalia-Ana STURZA1, Simona-Veronica ABRUDAN CACIORA2, Liliana Doina MĂGDOIU2
1Department of Cadastre, Faculty of Construction, Cadastre and Architecture,
University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
2 Department of Control Systems Engineering and Management, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
asturza@uoradea.ro
lili34ana@yahoo.com
Abstract: This study explores the communication challenges faced by Erasmus students during their short-term learning experience at the University of Oradea in the 2023-2024 academic year. By examining the impact of language barriers on academic performance and social adaptation, the research highlights the difficulties encountered by 25 Erasmus students from diverse cultural backgrounds, including Turkey, Portugal, Spain, and France. Communication issues emerge as a critical factor influencing students’ ability to integrate both academically and socially. The paper provides an overview of the Erasmus Program, emphasizing its objectives and the opportunities it offers for academic and personal growth. It then explores specific challenges, including cultural differences, homesickness, variations in academic systems, healthcare access, transportation difficulties, financial constraints, bureaucratic hurdles, and dietary restrictions. Among these, language barriers stand out as a pervasive issue, affecting students’ interactions with faculty, colleagues, and the local community. The study further investigates the role of language proficiency in facilitating or hindering students’ academic success and overall well-being. Institutional support, such as language courses and integration programs, is discussed as a crucial element in mitigating communication difficulties. The methodology involves data collection through questionnaires and interviews, offering valuable insights into students’ experiences and perceptions. The findings indicate that communication barriers significantly impact Erasmus students’ academic engagement, social integration, and overall satisfaction with their study-abroad experience. The results emphasize the necessity for targeted interventions, such as enhanced language training and structured support mechanisms, to ensure a more inclusive and rewarding exchange experience. The study concludes with recommendations for improving language proficiency initiatives, fostering cross-cultural communication, and strengthening institutional support to enhance students’ overall Erasmus journey. Ultimately, while recognizing the Erasmus Program’s transformative potential in fostering international mobility and cultural exchange, the research underscores the need to address communication challenges effectively to maximize students’ academic success and personal growth.
Keywords: communication barriers, language proficiency, academic integration, Erasmus Program.
JEL Classification: Z13, Y8
