Erasmus FAQ
March 1st, 2007 by outsourcing
What is Erasmus?
Erasmus is the higher education section of the Socrates programme, the European Community action programme in the field of education.
It was created in 1987 to enhance the quality of higher education in Europe by encouraging cooperation between universities of different countries, boosting European mobility and improving the transparency and full academic recognition of studies and qualifications throughout the Union.
In more specific terms, Erasmus aims at promoting language learning and encouraging mobility and innovation.
What does Erasmus do?
The most well-known activity of the Erasmus is off course the students exchange programme. But Erasmus also consists of other different activities such as teacher exchanges, joint development of study programmes (Curriculum Development), international intensive programmes, thematic networks between departments and faculties across Europe, language courses (EILC) and the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
In which countries is Erasmus active?
Erasmus exchange and cooperation is possible in 31 countries: all 27 member states of the European Union, the three countries of the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and Turkey.
How long does an Erasmus student exchange programme normally lasts?
The student exchange programme offers the possibility of studying abroad for a period of between 3 and 12 months. Normally, students spend either the first or the second semester, or a whole year abroad. Academic calendars, however, can vary in the different countries.
How about the funding?
You may receive a study grant. The awarded amount, however, varies significantly from country to country. In any case, don’t expect a full scholarship, Erasmus only offers a contribution towards covering the difference in living expenses abroad. This contribution might be combined with other funds provided by the member state, by the university, or by other public or private bodies.
In any case, you won’t have to pay university fees (for tuition, registration, examinations, access to laboratory and library facilities etc.). Only little costs such as insurance, student unions, copying expenses … can be asked of you if the local students have to pay for them too.
The application procedure for an Erasmus grant varies from country to country. For more information you can contact the international relations office at your university.
Will my studies abroad be recognised by my university?
Yes, your studies abroad will receive full recognition from your home university. However this can only be assured if you comply with the requirements of the Learning Agreement.
What is a Learning Agreement?
The Learning Agreement is a very important part of your Erasmus exchange. It describes the programme of studies which you will follow at the host university. It also sets out the confirmation of academic achievement protocol. The Learning Agreement must be agreed on by your home university, your host university and yourself. Also changes have to agreed on by all parties.
What is an EILC?
When doing an Erasmus exchange, you can improve your language skills by participating in one of the Erasmus Intensive Language Courses or EILCs. Those courses are offered at host universities.
More information about language schools:
Abroad Languages
Language Courses Abroad
Quality Language Schools
ESL (English As A Second Language)
What are the conditions for participating in the Eramus student exchange programme?
- You have to be a student enrolled in a formal programme of study at higher education level leading to a degree or a diploma (including doctoral level) in one of the participating countries.
- You have to be a citizen of one the participating countries. If not, you have to be recognised as having an official status of refugee or stateless person or permanent resident.
- You have completed at least the first year of your university studies.
How do I participate in Erasmus?
To participate in the Erasmus student exchange programme, you should contact the International Relations Office of your home university. Normally, universities will also organize information days in which they give you all the information you need.
What are the advantages of Erasmus on the labour market?
According to recent studies, your prospects of employment increase somewhat if you spend time abroad. In particular long-period (6 to 12 months) Erasmus students benefit from this. An exchange experience is especially taken into account when the work tasks are linked to the use of the international competences; for example language, professional knowledge of the host country, first hand knowledge of the host culture and society, etc
