ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This thesis is a final assignment within the European Masters of Lifelong Learning: Policy and Management, a joint program between the University of Deusto, Bilbao the Danish School of Education, Aarhus University and the Institute of Education, London. It is written within the Faculty of Philosophy and Education Science at the University of Deusto.

Writing this MA thesis has been a challenging and a rewarding journey. My advisor, Professor Concepcion Maiztegui Oñate has provided me with constructive, helpful and caring guidance throughout the whole process which I am very grateful for. I’m also much obliged to Professor Sigrún Aðalbjarnardóttir for her unfailing support and encouragement in my search for academic experience and development. I would like to thank my friends and colleagues for their sound advice and unselfish support. Eyrún María Rúnarsdóttir, Bjarney Sif Ægisdóttir, Sunna Dís Másdóttir, Sveinn Aðalsteinsson and Margrét Aðalheiður Markúsdóttir all gave generously of their time to this project. Appreciation is extended to my class-mates and colleagues within the MA program. The intercultural, dynamic and democratic discussions we have shared during the last two years have undoubtedly influenced and broadened my horizon.

I am very grateful to my parents, Valdís Steingrímsdóttir and Hafsteinn Bjarnason, which seem to have endless amount of unconditional love and support to give. They are undoubtedly my ‘number one fans’ and without their support this MA degree would not have been finalized. My two older sisters have also inspired me to follow my dreams and work hard. Finally, I could not have taken this journey and developed both academically and personally if it was not for my best friend and partner, Lárus Jónsson, who makes me feel whole.