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Erasmus + : More Than Just a Student Exchange Program
Have you ever heard of Erasmus + ? Maybe you associate it with students studying abroad, but it’s actually a much broader initiative with a fascinating history and a far-reaching impact across Europe and beyond. It’s more than just a program; it’s a movement that has been shaping education, training, youth, and sport for over three decades.
A Journey Through Time: From Erasmus to Erasmus+
The story begins in 1987 with the “Erasmus” program, which focused on promoting cooperation between universities in Europe. It aimed to create an organized system for students to study in different countries, and the name “Erasmus” was chosen to honor Erasmus of Rotterdam, a scholar who traveled across Europe to teach and study during the Renaissance period. It also cleverly served as an acronym: European Community Action Scheme for Mobility of University Students.
Over time, this initial program evolved into something much bigger, becoming “Erasmus+”, an umbrella framework combining various EU schemes for transnational cooperation and mobility in education, training, youth, and sport. It’s not just about higher education anymore; it now supports a wide range of activities and sectors. The “+” sign is meant to emphasize that the program supports more sectors than just higher education.
A Program with Wide Reach
Since its start, over 15 million people have participated in Erasmus+, showcasing the program’s popularity and the opportunities it provides for staff, students, young people, and learners of all ages. The program has a budget of €26.2 billion for the 2021-2027 period, which is nearly double the funding compared to the previous period.
Erasmus+ operates through different “Key Actions”:
- Key Action 1: Learning mobility of individuals
- Key Action 2: Cooperation among organizations and institutions
- Key Action 3: Support to policy development and cooperation
It also includes “Jean Monnet” actions, which support teaching, learning, and research on European integration matters.
What Does Erasmus+ Support?
The program supports opportunities in:
- Higher education
- Vocational education and training
- School education (including early childhood education and care)
- Adult education
- Youth
- Sport
Erasmus+ also supports several key initiatives and priorities, including:
- The green transition
- The digital transformation
- Social inclusion and diversity
- Participation in democratic life, common values and civic engagement
- The European Education Area, Digital Education Action Plan and the European Skills Agenda
- The European Pillar of Social Rights
- The EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027
- The development of the European dimension in sport
A Milestone: 35 Years of Impact
In 2022, Erasmus+ celebrated its 35th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its journey. To commemorate this, a special coin was released, adding to the over 142 billion euro coins already circulating in the euro area. The program has truly become a European institution.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Call for Proposals
The 2025 call for proposals is now open, with a budget of nearly €5 billion to support mobility and cooperation opportunities. Organizations can apply for funding under the program’s key actions and Jean Monnet Actions. This demonstrates the ongoing commitment to supporting education, training, and youth development.
More Than Just a Program
Erasmus+ is more than just a funding mechanism; it’s a catalyst for change, promoting inclusion, advancing the European Degree initiative, and fostering collaboration in Europe and beyond. It aims to equip generations of Europeans with the skills, knowledge, and experience to tackle societal challenges. It’s a program that has touched the lives of millions and continues to shape the future of education and youth development in Europe.
Want to learn more or get involved?
You can find detailed instructions and deadlines in the Programme Guide. Application forms are available for organizations, and you can access calls for proposals on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. There are also resources with advice for organizations on how to apply.
Erasmus+ is not just a program; it’s a movement that’s shaping a better future for Europe and beyond.