Erasmus+ Student’s Motives from the Perspective of Self-Determination Theory: A Review of Literature
Numerous theories have explained students’ motives for participating in the Erasmus+ mobility program. Push-pull theory, consumer decision-making models, and rational choice theories are the most famous. Regardless of their merits, personal motives for Erasmus+ are ignored. Using the perspective of Self-determination theory, this literature review examines different articles and categorizes the main motives based on fundamental psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. It was found that personal growth, leisure, and travel desire were autonomous motives, language learning, adaptability and independence were under competence while meeting new people and European identity fell under relatedness. This review illuminates the significance of considering personal motives in Erasmus+ and it could serve as a basis for future research in improving and tailoring the program.