Study abroad with Erasmus
From MyErasmusWiki
From 1987/88 to 2003/2004, more than 1 million university students had spent an Erasmus period abroad and 2 199 universities (or other Higher Education institutions) are presently participating in the programme.
[edit] The Fun Fact about Erasmus
- E R A S M U S is an acronym for European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students.
- It is named after the philosopher, theologian and humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam (1465-1536). An untiring adversary of dogmatic thought in all fields of human endeavour, Erasmus lived and worked in several parts of Europe, in quest of the knowledge, experience and insights which only such contacts with other countries could bring. By leaving his fortune to the University of Basel, he became a precursor of mobility grants.
[edit] What is the goal of this programme?
The purpose of Erasmus is to improve the quality of higher education and strengthen its European dimension. It does this by encouraging transnational cooperation between universities, fostering the European mobility of students and teachers, and contributing to improved transparency and academic recognition of qualifications and studies throughout the European Union.
[edit] Which countries are participating to this programme?
- The 27 Member States of the European Union
- The 3 European Economic Area countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway)
- The candidate country (Turkey)
[edit] How is it working?
ERASMUS is open:
- to all types of higher education institutions (the term "universities" is generally used)
- in all academic disciplines and all levels of higher education study up to and including the doctorate
- to those emerging from the 31 countries participating in SOCRATES, as well as to students emerging from any other country, who are officially recognised by a Member State as refugees, stateless persons or permanent residents.
Higher education institutions have to apply for the Erasmus University Charter to the European Commission, thus the institutions are given the right to participate in activities supported by the Erasmus programme
[edit] What is the Erasmus Charter?
The Erasmus Charter highlights some distinguishing features of Erasmus mobility: free tuition and full recognition of studies abroad. Other points are: usage of ECTS or comparable system, linguistic preparation, provision of information, integration of incoming students, assistance in looking for accommodation and many others. These rights of each and every Erasmus student going abroad are distinguishing traits of the Erasmus Programme
[edit] Which activities are included in the Erasmus programme?
- Mobility of individuals which may include:
- Mobility of students for the purposes of studying or training in Member States in higher education institutions, as well as placements in enterprises, training centres, research centres or other organisations (‘Erasmus Students’)
- Mobility of teaching staff in higher education institutions in order to teach or receive training in a partner institution abroad
- Mobility of other staff in higher education institutions and staff of enterprises for purposes of training or teaching
- Erasmus intensive programmes organised on a multilateral basis
- Multilateral projects focusing inter alia on innovation, experimentation and the exchange of good practice in the areas mentioned in the specific and operational objectives
- Networks run by consortia of higher education institutions and representing a discipline or a cross-disciplinary field (‘Erasmus Thematic Networks’) which aim to develop new learning concepts and competencies. Such networks may also include representatives from other public bodies of from enterprises or associations
- Other initiatives aimed at promoting the objectives of the Erasmus Programme (‘Accompanying Measures’)
[edit] Juridical aspects concerning the studies abroad
[edit] Equal treatment
In practical terms, equal treatment means that the host establishment must accept you on the same conditions as nationals. For example, you cannot be required to pay higher course fees on the grounds of being a non-national. Similarly, if nationals of the host country where you wish to study are paid a grant to cover course fees (which can be very high in certain countries), you should be entitled to receive one too.
The equal treatment you are entitled to covers the payment of course fees, but the principle does not apply to support or maintenance grants intended to help students pay their daily living expenses.
Of course, Member States may also provide grants or other forms of assistance to foreign students on their own initiative. You may also continue to benefit from some scholarships or financial support from your country of origin when you are studying in another country. The national authorities in your country of origin take this decision, however, and you should contact them for any information in this regard.
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