What is Erasmus? A posh eraser? An excuse to party in a foreign country? Nope, Erasmus stands for European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students. It’s a Higher Education exchange programme for students, teachers and institutions, run in the UK by the British Council. Basically, it’s a chance for universities and students across 33 countries to mingle, learn new skills and expand their horizons.
Over two million students have done Erasmus since it first started in 1987. That’s a lot of mingling. Of course it isn’t all about socialising; Erasmus gives students the chance to study, do a work placement or work as a language assistant in another European country during their time at university. You don’t have to be a language student to get involved either; as long as your university or college offers Erasmus for your subject, you can do it.