Broaden your mind and your horizons with Erasmus+, which allows students from Ireland to undertake a study period or traineeship in Europe as part of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
It’s a chance to expand your geographical and intellectual horizons through study and work abroad.
It also offers you the chance to meet new people, experience new cultures, improve your language skills – and just have fun.
What’s more, Erasmus+ provides financial assistance to help towards the cost.
So how does it work?
Under the programme you have the option to study at a higher education institution in Europe for between two and 12 months, to undertake a traineeship at a host enterprise for two to 12 months, or to do both.
You will not only be exempt from paying tuition fees at the host institution but will also receive monthly financial support from the European Commission to help cover your expenses.
As a student you can take up this offer, what is referred to as an Erasmus+ mobility, any time from the end of your first year in university to one year after you graduate.
“Erasmus was set up in 1987 by the European Commission to link higher education institutions across Europe. Over time it expanded into other areas including schools, vocational, youth, and workplaces and became such a well-established brand that they called it Erasmus+,” explains Sheena Duffy, head of international programmes at the Higher Education Authority (HEA).
“Earlier this year, the Erasmus+ programme reached the milestone of more than 15 million participants in learning mobility opportunities. It’s a hugely successful programme.”
How is it supported?
Part of its success is down to affordability. “It’s probably much more affordable than people think. For a start, depending on where students choose to go, their accommodation and the cost of living is potentially cheaper than it is here,” says Duffy.
On top of that, Erasmus+ students can avail of a grant worth up to €385 a month to support living expenses as well as a contribution towards travel costs. Those who qualify for a SUSI grant may receive a €250 top up as well. “It’s all about trying to be as inclusive as possible,” she explains.
Students in need of financial supports for health or mental health purposes, such as to continue with counselling while overseas, can apply for additional funding.
This year, funding has been provided for more than 6,900 people from across Ireland to take up an Erasmus+ place, the vast majority of whom are students.
It is a dynamic programme that is refreshed and enhanced by the European Commission every seven years. The current programme has introduced a blended mobility option that may suit people for whom a shorter stay abroad suits best, perhaps for family care reasons, she points out.
Under this option you can choose to travel for a period of between five and 30 days and blend it with virtual programmes from your host institution overseas.
Upon completion, all Erasmus+ students receive full recognition of their study programme under the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Increasingly third level colleges are designing courses with Erasmus+ travel opportunities in mind, she says, to allow students undertake a study or work placement abroad within their course.
That’s because the benefits are so well understood. “As well as the language benefit, and gaining knowledge of the culture, those undertaking Erasmus+ come back different people, typically oozing with confidence,” says Duffy.
“It gives students an edge in terms of their personal development. So, if you are a student, look at the opportunities available to you to participate in Erasmus+ and know that there is funding available to assist you. You won’t regret it.”
First-hand experiences
Manan Midha was undertaking an MSc in international business when he got an email from UCD regarding an Erasmus+ opportunity in Toulouse. “I accepted that opportunity, worked with incredible professors, and got the experience to pitch my idea for a start-up. The real growth came in the in-between moments – the random conversations with students I never thought I’d meet, the late-night walks through a city that wasn’t mine, but, somehow, felt like it could be.”
How did he feel before setting off? “I had this knot in my stomach before leaving, the kind you can’t shake off. How would I fit in? But people were kind. Even though I stumbled through basic phrases and fumbled over simple words, they were patient, even warm. Small things, like paying for groceries or trying to read a menu, became little victories. I remember I was on a call with my mother, while ordering a coffee, and I said ‘un cappuccino, s’il vous plait’ and she was so proud and shocked.”
He encourages everyone to take the leap. “You won’t just find a new place – you’ll find a new version of yourself.”
Bláithín Breathnach, now communications manager at Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Ireland, undertook an Erasmus+ study abroad in Spain, as well as an Erasmus+ traineeship in Italy, as part of her undergraduate in global languages at University of Galway. “I shared a flat with locals, attended classes with Spanish students and took part in an entrepreneurship programme. Thanks to ESN Granada, I was able to make international friends, and we spent many evenings having tapas and tinto de verano, meeting for picnics overlooking the Alhambra, dancing salsa, going to Moorish tea shops (teterías) and planning our next big trip. We travelled all over Southern Spain together, and even hopped a ferry across to Morocco for an adventure.”
Bláithín describes her experience as “life changing, horizon-broadening and fun”, and offers advice to those looking forward to embarking on their own adventure. “Having fellow Irish friends is amazing and they can be a great source of support, but make sure to let others in too. Be open to new friends from all over the world and your experience will be all the richer for it.”
If you are a student at a higher education institution, you can apply for your Erasmus+ study or traineeship mobility (or a combined study and traineeship mobility) through the international office of your higher education institution. Find out more at eurireland.ie