The opportunity to study abroad with the Erasmus programme

In the current tough economic climate, having an edge on other job candidates can make all the difference in getting that worthwhile job and starting on the career ladder. Having a period of overseas study shows you are adventurous, motivated and keen to improve yourself – all qualities that are attractive to a prospective employer. Participation in the Erasmus programme can help in in many ways:

Study Abroad with Erasmus

You will be studying your subjects from a different and new perspective that will give you many insights and a greater depth of understanding.

The challenge of adapting to a new environment will give you valuable life-skills that will help you control your future more successfully.

You will build a network of new friends that will bring many career and social opportunities your way.

How to plan your semester abroad

To take part in Erasmus your present institution and the one you want to study at must both have the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education, your present institution will have an International, or Study Abroad Office that will advise you and help you find a suitable overseas institution to study at.

The first step is to decide on your area of interest and how it fits into your present study programme. Whatever you study can count as credits towards your final qualification. You need to be already enrolled in a programme leading to a recognized degree at a bachelor, masters of doctorate level.

Now find a suitable place to go that will help you further that goal. As well as your International Office, talk to your professors, who may know of institutions that have a reputation for work in the area you are interested in.

The Erasmus grant is based on several criteria, chiefly the time you are going to be abroad and the country you are going to study in:

If you are going for one semester then the maximum funding is 4 months. If you are going for two semesters then the funding will be for 8 months.

The basic Erasmus grant will cover all fees and additional grants may be available for living and transportation costs as well.

Arranging to study abroad with Erasmus

There are some simple practical arrangements and documents you need to prepare. You must meet the application deadlines for the semesters you want to study in. The application form contains several important parts:

Your motivational letter is very important. You should include both practical reasons, like counting towards your degree and personal ones like self-improvement and being a better global citizen.

You will need to obtain an official transcript of your school records to include with your application.

You will be asked about your competency in the language of the country you are going to. You need to know your position on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which may mean taking a test. Don’t worry if you don’t know the language well or even at all. Erasmus includes free intensive language training both at home and at the overseas institute.

You will receive a letter of acceptance once your grant is approved. A Learning Agreement binding both sides will be prepared and signed by you and the institutions. Find more information about the requirements to join the Erasmus Programme here