What Is Erasmus+ All About?

We know there’s a lot of information about Erasmus+ and it can be overwhelming getting to grips with all of it. So we’ve created this blog for you, so you get a good overview of the Erasmus+ programme.

Let’s Start With a Very Important Question: What is Erasmus+? 

Erasmus+ is a project developed by the European Union to provide financial support for education, training, youth and sport in Europe. The Erasmus+ funding enables over 4 million Europeans to study, train or work abroad, in a member country of the European Union and additional programme countries of Erasmus+, to gain valuable international experience. Erasmus+ is all about broadening one’s horizons, learning foreign languages and getting to know a new culture, all of which give you a lifetime of brilliant experience.

Who Can Take Part in an Erasmus+ Experience? 

Students of vocational training and education (VET) institutions, apprentices and, if applicable, accompanying persons are eligible as interns abroad.

Who Can Apply for a Grant?

• VET institutions sending trainees to their partner organisations abroad.
• Mobility associations consisting of at least three VET organisations. All members of the association must be from the same programme country. A mobility association must designate a coordinator for applications and management.

The application for funding of vocational training internships has to be directed to the National Agency of the own country. Individuals cannot apply for funding for a traineeship abroad.

Which Destinations Are Included in The Erasmus+ Programme? 

Erasmus+ is funded by the European Union, so it’s no surprise that destinations are limited to the countries in the EU. That’s actually 27 incredible countries within the European Union, 4 countries included in the partnership as part of the European Economic Area – Lichtenstein, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and countries lining up for membership of the European Union – North Macedonia, Turkey and Serbia. The list of Erasmus countries to choose from is limited but there is definitely more than enough choice! If you’re not sure which city you’d like to apply for, why not check our blog The Safest Erasmus+ Destinations in Europe or our Top 10 Erasmus+ Destinations? If you are looking for something out-of-the-box, do read about The Most Exotic Erasmus+ Destinations.

How Does the Funding of an Erasmus+ Mobility Work? 

One of the benefits of the Erasmus+ programme is that your organisation can apply to receive a grant for your Erasmus+ project. You need to write an application and hand it in. If you are looking for assistance for writing your proposal, read our Guide for Erasmus+ Funding Applicants or our Handbook for Erasmus+ Project Management & Execution. After you have submitted your application, your National Agency will assess it you will receive points for certain criteria relating to your Erasmus+ proposal.

The granted fund is usually sufficient to cover basic travel expenses, accommodation and some activities. The funding depends on your home country, the Erasmus+ destination and the duration of your stay. For participants with special needs (people with disabilities) special grants are provided.

What Are the Benefits of an Erasmus+ Mobility?

As well as gaining professional experience working for a company abroad and developing the career of young students, the mobilities also expand the participant’s own horizon, which is a big advantage of Erasmus+.

Additionally, participants will benefit from an international network, that can be useful for any kind of project in the future or if they want to continue a career abroad. Of course, the improvement of language skills is invaluable.

Besides the benefits for participants, the institution sending students improves co-operation with the institution receiving the students, therefore strengthening partners. Often, there are new partners too and this makes for even better ties with institutions abroad. Students always manage to expand their network with every completed Erasmus+ mobility.

To gather a deeper insight into the benefits of an internship abroad read our blog The 7 Most Beneficial Things Gained Through Erasmus+ or Turing Programmes or Why Erasmus+ and Turing Programmes are so Important.

Are You Wondering If You Can Still Do an Internship Abroad as a British Citizen Even Though the UK Left the EU?

Yes, you can. There has been a new programme established by the UK, supporting UK students during their exchange experience, it is called the Turing Scheme. Find out more about the Turing programme on our blog Erasmus+ vs. Turing.

You have now learned about the basics of Erasmus+. How does that sound to you? Great, right? Why not contact us and we talk about your future Erasmus+ project. The whole Traveledventures team is absolutely convinced that everyone benefits from a stay abroad.

Feel free to read our guide for Erasmus+ funding applicants  and our Handbook for Erasmus+ Project Management & Execution. If you want to receive further information on this topic you are welcome to contact us.

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