Exchange studies as actor-networks: Following Korean exchange students in Swedish higher education

Abstract

This article explores how Korean exchange students organized their studies during exchange programs in Swedish higher education. For most students, the programs became a disordered period in relation to their education. The value of exchange studies seems mainly to be extra-curricular. Drawing upon actor network theory, the article argues that the students’ way of organizing their studies is based not only on individual choice but also on relations to other actors in a network.