The Erasmus Program has reached 3 million students and the number of students choosing work experience instead of study under the EU’s Erasmus programme has increased by 18%. There are 33 countries which have participated in the scheme. The average monthly Erasmus grant, designed to cover part of the additional costs of living abroad and travel, was €252 and the number of participants will be expected to reach 4 million in 2020.
Background information
ERASMUS enables students in higher education to spend between 3 months and a year in another European country. Students can study abroad, do an internship abroad and learn a language. The most popular places for Erasmus students are France, Germany and Spain. Many studies show that a period spent abroad not only enriches students’ lives in the academic and professional fields, but can also improve language skills, intercultural skills, independent skills and self-awareness. The might also increase their chances of being employed.
On the other hand, Erasmus is considered as an economic burden for the European Union during the economic crisis from the European Union. Also, the impact on students is being doubted. Many students didn’t learn a foreign language when they participate in their Erasmus Program. To many students, the real benefit of Erasmus would be the friendship that they have built up during their Erasmus exchange program.
References:
Articles
EUobserver “Erasmus programme reaches 3 millionth students”
Europe and me “Erasmus for none?”
EU Press Release / official page
Press release “Number of Erasmus students tops 3 million”
European commission “The ERASMUS Programme – studying in Europe and more”