Erasmus+ is much more than a trip abroad. It is the largest educational project in the European Union, which has revolutionized the approach to learning. In 2024, nearly 1.5 million people benefited from the program, and its budget for 2021-2027 amounts to 26.2 billion euros. For Polish students, it represents an investment in academic development, an opportunity to acquire unique competencies, and a way to build an international network of contacts that can define your future career path.
The program is named after Erasmus of Rotterdam, symbolizing open-mindedness and faith in education as a tool for social change. The scale of the project is impressive – in its first year of operation (1987/88), only 3,244 students participated. Poland joined the initiative in 1998, four years before its accession to the EU. Since then, 266,000 Polish students have benefited from the exchange, and across Europe – by 2024 – over 16.7 million people have participated.
Who Can Participate?
The program is available to active students at participating institutions. Key requirements typically include:
- Student status (no suspension of student rights).
- Appropriate grade point average (many universities require a minimum of 3.5, though thresholds are set individually).
- Confirmed knowledge of a foreign language.
The recruitment procedure typically begins at the start of the calendar year (January-March). You must submit an application to your university’s program coordinator. Required documents usually include: a motivation letter (500-1,000 words), a grade transcript, and a language certificate. Recruitment results are typically announced after 2-3 months.
Financing – Concrete Numbers
Erasmus+ scholarship has an equalization character and depends on the cost of living in the destination country. Example monthly rates (may vary depending on the university’s agreement):
- Group I (countries with higher cost of living, e.g., Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden): approximately €670.
- Group II (countries with average cost of living, e.g., Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy): approximately €670.
- Group III (countries with lower cost of living, e.g., Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Turkey): approximately €600.
Additional support:
- Internships: Rates are typically about €150 higher (e.g., €820 in Group I/II).
- Inclusion: People with fewer opportunities (e.g., receiving social welfare scholarships) receive a monthly supplement of €250.
- Travel: The program covers travel costs through a flat rate (so-called Green Travel promotes environmentally friendly transportation options, offering higher rates).
- Tuition: Students are exempt from paying tuition fees at the host institution.
How the Program Works?
Erasmus+ covers key sectors: higher education, school education, vocational training, adult education, and sports. For students, the most popular forms of mobility include:
- Study exchanges (lasting 2 to 12 months).
- Professional internships.
- Blended intensive courses (short trips combined with remote learning).
Competency Development
International mobility is not only about language learning through natural immersion. It is primarily a school for soft skills, such as intercultural communication, working in international teams, adaptability, and creativity. Research shows that employees with Erasmus+ experience are hired more quickly and are more valued on the job market.
2028-2034 Perspectives
The European Union plans further dynamic development of the program. It is projected that the Erasmus+ budget will increase by 50%, exceeding 40 billion euros, which would allow an increase in participants by up to 40%.
New priorities include:
- ● Ecological transformation (promoting rail over flights).
- ● Digital transformation (emphasis on data analytics and programming).
- ● Strengthening democracy and European values.
- ● Even broader social inclusion of people with fewer opportunities.
Practical Action Plan
- Check deadlines: Familiarize yourself with the recruitment schedule at your university (typically in winter).
- Consult: Visit the Erasmus+ office or coordinator at your department.
- Motivate yourself: Write a sincere motivation letter – focus on specific academic and professional goals.
- Take care of your grades: Grade point average is an important qualification criterion.
- Be active: Involvement in academic clubs or volunteering is your additional advantage.
- Do research: Learn about the culture, cost of living, and logistics of your destination country.
- Build a network: Contact former scholarship holders (Facebook groups, LinkedIn) before your departure.
- Have the right attitude: Prepare yourself mentally – the trip is an adventure, but also a challenge.
Adaptive Challenges
It’s worth being realistic: the first month can be emotionally difficult. Homesickness or cultural shock are natural. Full adaptation to the new education system usually takes 4-6 weeks. The language barrier, though initially stressful, typically disappears after a few months. A challenge can also be foreign bureaucracy, but the support of the partner institution and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) community is invaluable in such moments.
The history of Erasmus+ proves the power of this initiative. Every participant becomes an ambassador of cooperation and intercultural understanding. It is an investment in yourself that pays dividends throughout your life. It’s worth changing your perspective. Your adventure awaits.