What is Erasmus?
The ERASMUS programme is a European student exchange programme established in 1987 offering university students a possibility of studying or working abroad in another European country for a period of at least 3 months and maximum 12 months. The name of the project refers to Dutch Renaissance humanist and theologian Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam. He studied at diverse European universities and described the education as a chance for modern people.
Since 2007 the Erasmus project is a part of The Lifelong Learning Programme (other projects: Comenius, Grundtvig and Leonardo da Vinci), which is determined for the years 2007-2013.
Who can go on Erasmus?
Apart from the students, the mobility offered by the Erasmus programme is dedicated for professors and universities' staff as well.
The programme is open to 33 countries: Member States of the European Union, EU candidate countries and EFTA / EEA members.
Money? Courses? Languages?
Each student receives a grant which covers partly the costs of the stay abroad. Students going on exchange under the ERASMUS programme do not pay any university fees. All rights and obligations of exchange students are described in the Erasmus Student Charter.
One of the basic rights each exchange student has is the full recognition of courses passed successfully abroad by the home university. Before leaving the home university, the participating student signs the Learning Agreement – a document that describes the programme of studies followed in the host university. At the end of the stay the host university should prepare for the student a document called the Transcript of Records that confirms the completed studies' program and the results.
In addition, students can improve their language skills by participating in one of the Erasmus Intensive Language Courses offered at the host university.
Where to find more information?
More detailed information on the ERASMUS Programme is available at the European Commission's website. For information how to apply, deadlines, scholarships, and information on universities where you can do your excahnge, please contact the International Relations Office of your university – usually searching for Erasmus, Study Abroad, Study Exchanges on the website of your university should do the trick.
I want to do an Erasmus! What should I do?
If you are interested in participating in Erasmus, contact the international relations office of your home university and ask about possibilities to go study abroad through the ERASMUS Programme. ESN sections can also be a valuable source of information and advice concerning your study abroad period.
