In 1987, the European Union introduced the Erasmus program. It was designed to offer an exchange between European students by providing financial support, so that anyone could benefit from the program. Today, numerous students make use of this program to broaden their horizons. The program comprises of all members of the European Union as well as North Macedonia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Turkey and Serbia.
Due to the Brexit of the UK, the Turing Scheme has been developed in order to provide UK citizens or from the respective British Overseas Territory, entitled to apply for a grant, the chance for an international experience. The aim is align with Erasmus+, namely the development of professional skills that are aligned with their current education and thereafter boost their future employability. Applicants receive a grant for working or studying in any country in the world. For UK students, the Turing Scheme delivers an equal program with the same opportunities. For further information about the Turing Scheme read our blog BREXIT – What’s New for You? The Turing Scheme.
We all know that the cost of living in Europe can vary, and that difference might influence your decision when choosing where to go for your Erasmus+ or Turing internship. If you’re looking for somewhere that sells one kilo of potatoes for 53 Cents, a single ticket for the subway for 45 Cents, a ticket for the cinema for € 3,80, a room in a shared flat for 3 people for € 188 a month, inclusive Wi-Fi – you might want to know where you can go!
Istanbul and Macedonia
If the cost of living was the number one factor in embarking on an Erasmus+ or Turing program, most students would choose to do their Erasmus+ or Turing internship in Istanbul. It’s definitely cheaper there! Another place where the costs are lower is the capital of North Macedonia, Skopje. Over 60,000 young students currently study in the city, which is also part of the Erasmus+ and Turing program. Another inexpensive Erasmus+ or Turing destination in terms of low costs of living is Bulgaria.
Greece and Romania
So, what about going to the south like Greece or further north to Romania? These are also countries that are less expensive and easily fundable, and you should take them into account when deciding on which destination you want for your Erasmus+ or Turing internship.
Northern Europe
In the northern parts of Europe, the costs of living are rather high, this is because of higher taxes on certain things, such as including alcohol. Staying in a hotel or having dinner at a restaurant is more expensive in the North. These countries include Denmark, where the costs of living are 38.7% above the average! Ireland is another more expensive destination at living costs 24.6% above the average.
London
While London is always amongst the most popular Erasmus+ destinations, you should consider the extremely high cost of living, which are roughly estimated to be around € 1,000 per month (without the tuition fee).
We recommend doing your research before deciding on your destination and considering what you are willing to pay for your fixed expenses per month. However, you shouldn’t worry too much about the costs during your Erasmus+ or Turing mobility, even if you have a strict budget because (and here comes the very good news) you’ll get an Erasmus+ or Turing grant, as long as you are from a country within the European Union (valid for the Erasmus+ grant) or from the UK (for the Turing grant). The Erasmus+ or Turing grant covers mobility costs (meaning accommodation, placement fee, travel costs and organisation). All of these are funded by your Erasmus+ or Turing money. The amount of funding depends on the Erasmus+ or Turing destination, because, as an example, you’ll require more money in Sweden than in Slovenia. To help, Erasmus+ divides the countries into 3 different groups for high, medium and low living costs. The final decision on the granting of your fund lays with the national agency in your country. The agency also proofs your application. If you want to find out more on funding Erasmus+ projects, read our blog: How an Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme Stay is Funded?
To sum up, in the South and East of Europe you get more for your money compared to the countries in Northern and Western Europe. With the Erasmus+ or Turing grant you receive for your Erasmus+ or Turing mobility, every student has the privilege to participate in an Erasmus+ or Turing project.
If you want to delve deeper in the organisation of your Erasmus+ project read our Guide for Erasmus+ Funding Applicants or Handbook for Erasmus+ Project Management & Execution.
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