Erasmus was the embodiment of the cosmopolitan intellectual, so this action is aptly named. It was the first major European programme in the area of higher education. Since it was launched in 1987 it has gone from strength to strength and more than 700,000 students have been able to take advantage of the mobility arrangements under Erasmus. Today, nearly all European universities are involved. What seems not to have been generally understood, however, is that the action is also intended for higher education institutions which are not universities, as well as for post-university education. Each university presents its full range of Erasmus activities in a contract (‘institutions contract') signed with the Commission. Two categories of people can benefit from Erasmus activities: students and teaching staff. 

Students

Erasmus gives students the opportunity to study for a period of 3-12 months at a university or higher education institution in another participating country. By way of principle, the time spent in the other country is fully recognised in the home institution thanks in particular to the ECTS system which facilitates academic recognition of periods of study in partner institution. This means that there must be prior agreement between the universities concerned before a person can benefit from the Erasmus scheme. 

Students can, for the purposes of this mobility, be eligible for a grant on top of their grants from the universities, regions or states concerned. This European grant is intended to help to cover the cost of travelling and the difference in cost of living. 

It should also be noted that the European Commission may fund part of students' language tuition prior to their departure to, or on the arrival at a foreign institution. 

Reports and surveys agree that a period of study in another country is very rewarding in personal, academic and social terms. Contact with another country enables the student to become more adaptable, provides inter-cultural communication skills, and knowledge of things European. It is also a considerable plus point on the employment market. 

Information on Erasmus grants is obtainable from the universities' international relations office. 

Teachers (several Erasmus strands concern university teachers directly)

Teacher exchanges. The European Commission provides support for teachers giving courses, generally short courses, as part of the official curriculum of a partner university in another European country. This type of experience has a positive impact on both teachers and students.

Joint preparation of courses. At least three institutions (from different countries) pool their resources to develop a programme of study, a module, a curriculum or a master's programme. This can be done in all academic subject areas, not only for ‘European' subjects.

Intensive programmes. Community funding may be allocated to universities organising intensive courses (e.g., as part of summer university programmes), provided they have a European dimension. These short programmes will provide an additional option for teachers and students, and offer them an opportunity to gain a European perspective.

Thematic networks. University departments or faculties, research centres or professional associations can form a European network around a subject area or a specific topic as a platform for analysis and discussion. The European Commission provides support for these thematic networks on condition that all the participating countries are represented.

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