Erasmus+ is an educational programme within the European Union that has played a key role in students' lives for years. For many of them, it is a unique opportunity to develop educationally, culturally, and personally. But what exactly does it involve, and what are the requirements for taking part? Here is everything you need to know about the Erasmus+ student exchange programme.
What is the Erasmus+ programme?
The Erasmus+ programme is an EU initiative to support education, training, youth and sport in participating countries. It is one of the European Union's most essential and valued initiatives, enabling students, teachers, academics and young people to participate in various international projects and exchanges.
The Erasmus+ programme offers students the opportunity to study abroad and academics the opportunity to conduct research and give lectures in other participating countries. The main aim is to increase the quality and competitiveness of European educational institutions.
The programme also supports vocational training and internships, allowing young people to gain practical skills and experience in an international business environment.
Benefits of being part of Erasmus+
The Erasmus+ programme is an investment in the future that supports the participants' personal and professional development and contributes to building a stronger, more integrated and more knowledgeable Europe. Key benefits include:
- Development of soft skills - the programme encourages the cultivation of interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity and the ability to work in international teams.
- Building knowledge and experience - studying or placements abroad allow students to broaden their academic horizons and gain new perspectives.
- Cultural integration - the Erasmus+ programme provides opportunities to learn about different cultures, languages and traditions, supporting integration and understanding diversity.
- Networking - for students, participating in the programme can mean making valuable professional contacts to help with future careers.
- Financial support - the Erasmus+ programme offers financial support through scholarships and grants, allowing participants to cover at least part of the costs associated with going abroad.
How does an Erasmus+ student exchange work?
An Erasmus+ student exchange involves several key stages. These are individual to the partner universities and may vary between them. Nevertheless, below are some general assumptions.
Application and selection process
- Getting in touch with your own university - the first step for the student is to contact the university that is an Erasmus+ participant. Students should contact the international exchange office at their university to find out what programmes and courses of study are available under Erasmus+.
- Application - Once students have decided to participate in the programme, they must submit an Erasmus+ exchange application. Documents such as a letter of application, CV, grades, or proof of foreign language skills may be required as part of the application. The university determines the specific requirements and is individual to them.
- Selection - once an application has been submitted, universities select students to be shortlisted for the programme. Selection criteria may include academic performance, motivation, foreign language proficiency and availability of places at the respective partner university.
Choosing a partner university
- Consultation with advisors - after qualifying for the Erasmus+ programme, students can consult with the international exchange advisors at their university to select a suitable partner university. The choice of university depends on the student's preferences and the range of programmes and courses available.
- Approval of choice - once the choice of partner university has been made, students must obtain approval from their home university and the partner university. Ensuring all formalities are in place before departure is a good idea.
Preparing for the departure
- Documentation and paperwork - Students must remember to bring all the necessary documents such as ID, passport, visas (if required), health insurance, and other paperwork necessary for the target country.
- Language skills - if needed for the programme, students are also expected to make sure they know the foreign language they will speak during the exchange. This may mean attending language courses or self-study.
- Accommodation - students must also arrange for accommodation on-site. The partner universities often help with all the formalities or even offer specially prepared accommodation for programme participants.
- Planning the finances - it can be quite a challenge to manage the finances, as there is the aspect of exchanging currency and handling different money on a daily basis. This may involve opening a currency account, as scholarships are usually paid in euros. To avoid additional costs, it is worth ordering a multi-currency card from Conotoxia, which allows foreign payments in more than 160 currencies and offers up to 20 free currency accounts. Scholarships from universities and other payments can be transferred to them. Students can save a lot this way thanks to attractive exchange rates and no hidden fees.
- University support - universities usually provide support in organising the trip, such as information sessions, meetings with former Erasmus+ participants and contacts with partners abroad.
Multi-currency card for payments worldwide
Who can partake in a student exchange?
Erasmus+ is mainly associated with student exchanges. However, other people, such as academics, can also be eligible for the programme.
- Bachelor's, engineering and master's students - Erasmus+ is available to students studying for Bachelor's, engineering and master's degrees at partner universities. This includes active students (and therefore no dean's leave).
- Academics - the Erasmus+ programme also offers the opportunity for academics to participate, and they may conduct research, give lectures, or provide consultancy at partner universities.
- Administrative staff - part of the programme is aimed at university administrative staff who can participate in training and exchanges to improve their professional skills.
- Students from vocational schools - the programme can also be used by students from vocational schools who want to do an internship abroad. However, the formalities involved differ from the process associated with a standard student exchange.
How long does an Erasmus+ student exchange last?
The so-called exit capital determines the length of an Erasmus+ exchange trip abroad. Each participant is given 12 months to use within one study cycle.
This means that they can, for example, spend 9 months during their Bachelor's studies studying at a foreign university and the remaining 3 months participating in an internship.
Nothing also stands in the way of a student only going away for three months each summer holiday for an internship. Individual universities may impose their own conditions and restrictions, which must be observed.
It is worth remembering that the 12-month capital applies to one study cycle. A person who has participated in the programme as part of their Bachelor's degree can re-apply for a Master's degree to receive another 12 months.
Where can you go on Erasmus+?
Erasmus+ offers the possibility to go to all 27 Member States of the European Union as well as the following countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and North Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey.
However, the availability of these opportunities depends on the participating university. Therefore, it is advisable to check with the Student Affairs Office.
Erasmus funding - how much money can you get?
One of the Erasmus+ programme's undoubted benefits is the funding you can receive from the university that sends you abroad. The exact terms of the financing are determined by the university, based on, among other things, the funds currently available to the National Agency. You can find out the applicable funding rates from your university's foreign exchange office.
The rates are usually divided into three categories, depending on the country where the exchange is taking place. Students going to countries with the highest cost of living will receive the most. The lowest amount is given to those studying in a country with a lower cost of living. The scholarship is usually paid in two or three instalments. In the case of a three-month placement or one-semester trip, the participant receives about 80% of the funds at once. The remaining amount is paid to them once they have returned home and completed all the formalities.
The grant is usually paid in three instalments for a full-year study trip. The participant will receive approximately 40% of the total amount before the first semester, a further 40% before the second semester, and the remainder on return to the country and after the formalities have been completed.