ERASMUS programme facts for kids
The Erasmus Programme is a special project by the European Union. It helps students and university teachers from different countries to study or work in another country. This includes countries in the EU, plus Turkey, Norway, and Switzerland. The programme's full name is "European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students." It is also named after a famous thinker, Desiderius Erasmus, who believed in learning and sharing knowledge.
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What is the Erasmus Programme?
The Erasmus Programme is a way for young people to experience life in another country. It lets students study abroad for a few months or a full academic year. Teachers can also go to other universities to teach or train. This helps them learn new things and share their knowledge.
The main goal of Erasmus is to help people learn about different cultures. It also helps them improve their language skills. The programme encourages cooperation between universities across Europe. It makes it easier for students to move between countries.
Why was Erasmus created?
The Erasmus Programme started in 1987. Its main idea was to boost learning and understanding across Europe. Leaders wanted to create a sense of European identity. They believed that studying abroad would help young people grow. It would also help them appreciate different ways of life.
The programme was named after Desiderius Erasmus. He was a famous Dutch scholar who lived in the 1500s. Erasmus traveled a lot to study and teach in different countries. He believed in the importance of education and sharing ideas. The programme carries on his spirit of learning and travel.
Who can join Erasmus?
Most university students can apply for the Erasmus Programme. This includes students studying for a bachelor's, master's, or PhD degree. Vocational education and training students can also take part. Recent graduates can sometimes join too.
Teachers and university staff can also participate. They can teach at a partner university. Or they can attend training sessions in another country. This helps them develop new skills. It also helps them bring new ideas back to their own institutions.
What are the benefits of Erasmus?
Taking part in Erasmus offers many benefits. Students gain valuable academic experience. They learn new ways of thinking and studying. Living in a new country also helps them become more independent. They learn to solve problems on their own.
Many students improve their language skills greatly. They get to practice a new language every day. This can be very helpful for their future careers. The programme also helps students make friends from all over the world. This builds a strong international network.
For teachers and staff, Erasmus offers professional growth. They can learn new teaching methods. They can also share their expertise with others. This helps universities improve their quality of education. It also promotes international research projects.
How does Erasmus work?
Universities must have agreements with each other to send and receive students. Students apply through their home university. They choose a university in another participating country. The programme provides financial support to help with living costs.
This support is not meant to cover everything. It helps with travel, accommodation, and daily expenses. Students often need to contribute some of their own money. The amount of support can vary. It depends on the country they are going to.
The studies or training completed abroad are recognized by the home university. This means students do not lose time in their degree. The programme makes sure that the learning experience counts. It is a seamless way to study internationally.
Erasmus today
The Erasmus Programme has grown a lot since 1987. Millions of students and staff have taken part. It is now one of the most successful EU programmes. It has helped create a generation of internationally-minded young people.
The programme continues to evolve. It now includes more opportunities for internships. It also focuses on digital skills and green initiatives. Erasmus helps young people prepare for a globalized world. It encourages them to be active European citizens.
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