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Article published In: Revista Española de Lingüística Aplicada/Spanish Journal of Applied Linguistics
Vol. 38:2 (2025) ► pp.569–599

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The effect of international study programmes and languages spoken on Spanish university students’ sense of Europeanness and place identity

ORCiD logo with link | University of Jaén
ORCiD logo with link | University Jaume I
Published online: 30 January 2025
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/resla.23015.men
Abstract
This study explores European identity formation by examining the role of international study programmes (ISPs) and plurilingualism among Spanish undergraduate and postgraduate students. Using a custom-built survey administered to 871 respondents, the research analyzes how ISPs and students’ language profiles influence their sense of Europeanness, attachment to Europe, and perception of the European Union (EU).
Findings show that students participating in or interested in ISPs have a more positive view of Europe and the EU, while non-mobile students tend to exhibit stronger local identities and view Europe more neutrally or negatively. Additionally, students with broader language repertoires are more likely to associate the EU with cultural diversity, while those primarily speaking Spanish often connect it to challenges like unemployment. Proficiency in multiple European languages emerges as a key factor in fostering a positive European orientation.
This study underscores the importance of ISPs and plurilingualism in shaping European identity with valuable insights for internationalization strategies in higher education.
Resumen
El efecto de los programas de estudio internacionales y los idiomas hablados en el sentimiento de identidad europea e identidad territorial de los estudiantes universitarios españoles
Este estudio analiza la formación de la identidad europea mediante el examen del papel de los programas de estudio internacionales (ISPs, por sus siglas en inglés) y el plurilingüismo entre estudiantes universitarios y de posgrado españoles. A partir de una encuesta diseñada específicamente para este propósito, administrada a 871 participantes, la investigación analiza cómo los ISPs y los perfiles lingüísticos de los estudiantes influyen en su sentido de europeidad, apego a Europa y percepción de la Unión Europea (UE).
Los resultados muestran que los estudiantes que participan o están interesados en los ISPs tienen una visión más positiva de Europa y de la UE, mientras que los estudiantes no móviles tienden a exhibir identidades más locales y a percibir Europa de manera más neutral o negativa. Además, los estudiantes con repertorios lingüísticos más amplios asocian con mayor frecuencia la UE con la diversidad cultural, mientras que aquellos que hablan principalmente español suelen relacionarla con desafíos como el desempleo. La competencia en múltiples lenguas europeas emerge como un factor clave para fomentar una orientación positiva hacia Europa.
Este estudio pone de relieve la importancia de los ISPs y el plurilingüismo en la configuración de la identidad europea, ofreciendo valiosas perspectivas para las estrategias de internacionalización en la educación superior.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Exploring the multifaceted aspects of European identity among Spanish young adults: the influences of international study programmes and the languages spoken on their place identity
    • 2.1A multidimensional comparative perspective on Spanish young adults’ (sub)national and supranational place identity
    • 2.2Geopolitical vis-a-vis non-geopolitical identities in self-concept
    • 2.3Young adults’ perceptions of Europeanness and the European Union
    • 2.4The impact of international study programmes on students’ Europeanness
    • 2.5Command of European languages and European identity
  • 3.A study on the intersection between international study programmes and languages spoken, and Spanish university students’ Europeanness and place identity
    • 3.1Aims and research questions
    • 3.2Participants
    • 3.3Instrument and data collection
    • 3.4Data analysis
    • 3.5Results
      • 3.5.1Participation in international study programmes
        • The European Union
        • Attachment to different tiers of geopolitical identity
        • Place identity vis-a-vis other dimensions of multiple identities
      • 3.5.2Number of languages spoken
        • The European Union
        • Attachment to different tiers of geopolitical identity
        • Place identity vis-a-vis other layers of multiple identities
  • 4.Discussion
  • 5.Conclusion
  • References
References (33)
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