In 2019, 32 years have passed since the Erasmus International Student Exchange Program began. It was founded in 1987 and is one of the most popular programs of the European Union in the field of education and studying. During the first year of the project, a total of 3244 students left from 11 countries: Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the UK. Conceived as a student exchange program in 1987, it has long grown into something more and enriched the lives of more than 9,000,000 participants. Each year, more than 300,000 students go to study for exchange in foreign universities under the auspices of Erasmus +.
Recent studies have shown that Erasmus + improves the quality of life and career prospects of students: the program stimulates innovation and social integration, helps students find out what they want to do after school. 80% of Erasmus + graduates are employed within three months after graduation, 72% believe that the experience gained during the international exchange helped them get their first job, almost half of the participants receive a job offer from the company where they studied.
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Duration and credit offset for Erasmus members
Erasmus supports the European Union student mobility agreements: it is an exchange program for students, faculty and higher education institutions, opening up opportunities for universities and students from 33 countries to communicate, learn new skills and broaden their horizons. Erasmus programs can last anywhere from three months to a year, education can be part of a degree course, or simply an opportunity to spend several months in another country. The experience of studying abroad will be a good addition to the resume, help to become more motivated, independent, improve language skills and gain additional work experience.
The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) allows you to credit any academic loans received abroad to the student’s individual curriculum.
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Which countries participate in the program
More than 30 European countries participate in Erasmus: Spain , Italy , Germany and France - the most popular destinations, promising - Slovenia, Norway, Croatia and Malta. Erasmus provides young people with the opportunity to work and study, time and resources to get to know another country and its culture. At the same time, this acquaintance will be more thorough and deeper than if the students came just to relax.
To choose a direction for exchange, find out with which European institutions your university has an exchange agreement. Information is available from Erasmus Coordinators at your university or college.
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Erasmus Membership Fee
The right to participate in Erasmus is granted to all students of European universities who have completed the first course. The main advantages of the program:
- Participants do not need to pay for education at a foreign university.
- Students have the opportunity to receive a grant for study or employment: its size depends on the chosen course, the minimum size is from 250 € / month.
- A one-time scholarship (about 400 €) for students choosing exchange studies in less popular countries.
- Full-year exchange students (24 weeks) do not pay tuition at a home university or college.
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How to apply for Erasmus?
Young people apply for Erasmus through their own educational institution. What should be done:
- Contact the coordinator of the Erasmus University or College - they allocate space for each subject area.
- Applications are usually filled online from October to February.
- The sending university contacts the host to formally arrange the exchange.
- The host university contacts the student and provides all the necessary information about the admission process.
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Erasmus + today
Earlier, Erasmus was focused only on student mobility, but Erasmus + provides opportunities for everyone - students, employees, interns, teachers, volunteers and many others. The geography of the program has also expanded - now people from all over the world can get access to the possibilities of exchange programs. Distinctive features of Erasmus +:
| Parameter | Indicator |
| Budget | 14.7 billion euros |
| Number of participants | 4 million people |
| Program Period | Until 2020 |
| Category of participants | Students, teachers, graduates, interns, volunteers |
Goals and objectives of Erasmus +
The program has opportunities for people of all ages, helps them to develop and share knowledge and experience in organizations of different countries. Erasmus + offers opportunities for a wide range of organizations, including universities , education and studying providers, think tanks, research organizations, and private enterprises.
The goal of Erasmus + is to contribute to the development, employment, social justice and European integration strategy. The program contributes to the sustainable development of higher education partners and the achievement of the goals of the EU Youth Strategy.
Erasmus + Tasks:
- Reducing unemployment, especially among young people
- Promoting Adult Labor Market Skills
- Support for innovation, collaboration and reform
- Reduction in the percentage of students graduating from school early
- Promoting cooperation with EU partner countries and student mobility.
The most attractive option for Erasmus students is the ability to travel as a great way to meet new people. According to the British Council, almost one in ten finds his life partner while participating in an exchange program.
