Erasmus+: what is Erasmus+?

Erasmus is a program that promotes international student mobility within the countries of the European Union and associated countries. It was named after the famous Dutch scholar and humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam. The program was launched in 1987 with the aim of supporting student exchange.

The “mother” of the Erasmus+ program (Mamma Erasmus) is considered to be an Italian professor, Sofia Corradi. She studied at Columbia University and received a scholarship. However, when she returned to her home university in Rome, they refused to recognize the exams she had passed in the United States. From that moment, Sofia Corradi decided to fight for the rights of students who study and intern at other universities.

The Erasmus+ program was officially approved in 1987. Its main goal is to allow students to go abroad for internships or studies for several months. During this period, they receive a scholarship that helps cover accommodation and other expenses. One of the conditions is that the subjects students study abroad must be similar to those they are studying at their home university.

Who benefits from Erasmus+?

The Erasmus+ program is aimed at students of higher education institutions who want to spend part of their studies or internships in another country. It includes students of all academic levels. The program also supports the mobility of teachers and other academic staff.

Students participating in Erasmus+ can study abroad for a certain period — several months, one semester, or a full academic year. The required language proficiency level is at least B2. This applies not only to English but also to any other foreign language. After successfully completing the program, students receive a certificate or diploma supplement confirming their participation in the international exchange.

Who can take part in Erasmus+?

Students from the following countries can participate in this program: Italy, Poland, Cyprus, Sweden, Slovenia, France, Slovakia, Latvia, Hungary, Romania, Austria, Malta, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Iceland, Finland, Bulgaria, Ireland, Luxembourg, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Greece, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Liechtenstein, Turkey, and Norway.

Pros of Erasmus+

1. Academic Development
   Opportunity to study unique subjects and disciplines not available at your home university and gain new knowledge in an international environment.

2. International Experience
   Meeting students from different countries helps to understand various cultures, traditions, and languages.

3. Increased Employability
   International experience and language skills make graduates more attractive to employers. During interviews, HR specialists usually prioritize professional skills and experience over personality fit alone.

4. Financial Support
   Erasmus+ provides scholarships and grants that reduce the financial burden. The scholarship can cover tuition, accommodation, and insurance. The amount depends on the country of the host university and is defined by each country individually.

Cons of Erasmus+

1. Competition
   The number of places in the program is limited, so competition among students can be quite high.

2. Adaptation
   Living in another country can be a challenge for some students, especially in terms of language and mentality.

3. Language Barrier
   Not all participants have sufficient proficiency in the language of the country where they plan to study or work, which can make adaptation more difficult.

Conclusion

Erasmus+ has become an important part of student education and fosters cooperation and development in higher education across Europe and beyond. For students who strive for self-development and discovering new horizons, Erasmus+ can become an unforgettable adventure that will stay with them for life.