Erasmus is a student exchange program of the European Union, established in 1987. This program allows students within Europe to study, train, and gain work experience at universities and organizations in other countries. Erasmus is one of the largest international opportunities available to students, with over 3 million members since its beginnings. It’s a great opportunity to gain knowledge, skills, and experience in a foreign culture and environment.

The program offers a wide range of educational opportunities that students can take advantage of, such as short-term study abroad programs, academic exchanges, language courses, student exchange programs, internship placements, and more. Most educational opportunities are open to all academic levels, although some are geared more towards graduate and doctoral programs. With so many options available, it’s possible for almost any student to find a program that suits their needs and interests.

Erasmus programs usually last from one semester to a full academic year. Students who participate in Erasmus typically receive financial aid and stipends to help offset the cost of their study abroad experience. Additionally, Erasmus programs often provide students with extended access to cultural and recreational activities, as well as social and professional networking events.

Erasmus is an advantageous program for students interested in expanding their knowledge and skills, developing their language skills, and forging lifelong friendships. This program provides students with a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate European cultures while also giving them the opportunity to gain invaluable experience through new academic and professional opportunities.

Erasmus+

Erasmus+ is an initiative of the European Union that aims to support educational, training, youth, and sports activities and promote the mobility of individuals. It is an updated version of the long-standing Erasmus program, which stands for European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students.

Compared to the original Erasmus program, Erasmus + offers more flexibility and extends eligibility to non-university, educational, and youth organizations. For example, the Erasmus + program now includes credits for educational exchanges, volunteer opportunities, and sports activities in addition to traditional student exchanges.

In addition, Erasmus+ also offers opportunities for international joint degree programs, apprenticeships, and work-based placements. To be eligible for these activities, students must meet certain criteria, such as pre-defined academic standards, language proficiency, and cultural understanding.

Erasmus+ also offers better funding opportunities, allowing students to receive support for travel, food, and accommodation costs associated with their mobility activities. The program also helps programs create more outreach activities, such as student conferences, study trips, and student fairs.

Overall, Erasmus+ offers far more opportunities than the original Erasmus program, making it easier for students, educators, and organizations to become more involved and benefit from international mobility opportunities. By providing more options and boosting mobility, Erasmus+ can help foster greater cultural exchange across the European Union and beyond.

Eligibility requirements

Non-European students who wish to take part in the Erasmus+ program must meet a variety of requirements. To be considered for Erasmus+, an applicant must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a citizen of a country that is eligible for Erasmus+ or have a permit to stay in a country that is eligible.

2. Must hold a valid passport from their native country.

3. Must be accepted as a student at a higher education institution in their home country or have graduated from one within the last 12 months.

4. Must have achieved satisfactory results in their studies.

5. Must have sufficient language ability in the required language or the language of the host country.

6. Must have a high degree of motivation for the exchange period and be able to actively participate in the activities.

7. Must be at least 18 years old.

8. Must be eligible to apply for a student visa if necessary.

Also, the host institution must accept the non-European student and provide a valid recognition of the credits they may gain while they are on their Erasmus+ exchange.

Finally, non-European Erasmus+ students must pay tuition and fees at their home institution and may be required to submit additional documents in order to prove their eligibility. Additional requirements may vary depending on the specific program.