Evaluation of the Processes of EU Education Projects in Private Schools and Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to assess the procedures of EU education projects implemented in private schools, as well as the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic on these processes, based on the perspectives of private school personnel. When the literature is examined, although there are a few studies on the contribution of EU education projects to private schools, there is no study that examines the entire project process from a holistic perspective.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: The phenomenology method, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. The working group consists of 12 private school administrators and teachers having participated in the EU education projects.
 Findings: It is concluded that private schools have significant problems with both internal and external factors in every aspect of the projects. However, private schools also produce some practical solutions for these problems. In addition, participation in EU education projects has the potential to make significant contributions to both individuals and institutions. Furthermore, with the effect of the COVID-19 epidemic, online and hybrid models are projected to be employed more frequently, and participants believe that online initiatives cannot achieve the same aims as projects with direct participation.
 Highlights: The content of the programs should be revised with alternative online or hybrid models, especially "international mobility", an important part of EU education projects, which is prevented because of Covid-19.