Erasmus+ is a European Union programme providing support to cooperation projects in the fields of Education and Training, Youth and Sport.
Erasmus+ or not Erasmus+? That is the question!
Besides the Erasmus+ programme for Higher Education students, there are plenty of mobility opportunities in Europe and beyond: volunteering, jobs, studies, traineeships, or just travelling for fun; just a short stay or a life-changing year, find out about many of the lesser known opportunities on our Mov’in Europe website!
What is Erasmus?
The Erasmus+ Programme is a European funding programme established in 1987 offering university students a possibility of studying or doing an internship abroad in another country for a period of at least 2 months and maximum 12 months per cycle of studies. Erasmus+ now offers the possibility to go way beyond the European borders as well.
Can you benefit?
Higher education students from after completing a 1st year of studies can benefit of the Erasmus+ studies and Erasmus+ placement programmes. There is no age limitation.
You can find the program here.
Money?
Each student receives a grant which covers partly the costs of the stay abroad. Grants differ from sending and host countries. Your university is required to make the amount of the grant publicly known to students, so you can just ask your International relation office. The grant can often be complemented by regional or national grants.
Students going on exchange under the ERASMUS+ programme pay the tuition fees at their home university.
You should be aware that in most cases, the Erasmus+ grant alone will not cover all your life expenses.
Courses?
One of the basic rights each exchange student has is the full recognition of courses passed successfully abroad by the home university. Before leaving the home university, the participating student signs the Learning Agreement - a document that describes the programme of studies followed in the host university. At the end of the stay the host university should prepare for the student a document called Transcript of Records which confirms the completed studies' programme and the results. These documents are legally binding for all parties involved (your home and host university). Should you face problems in recognition, you can seek the help of student organisations to make your courses validated.
Language?
Universities very often offer language course for international students. From 2015, all Erasmus+ students will be able to register on the Erasmus+ Online Linguistic Support website and to take online language courses.
Preparation?
You can seek tips and advices to your local ESN sections where our volunteers, former Erasmus+ students, will be happy to support you through the whole process. Also, students from Serbia can find useful tips in the Facebook group for former exchange students from Serbia.
In any case you should start planning your Erasmus+ stay at least 6 months in advance!
Where to find more information?
More detailed information on ERASMUS+ is available at the European Commission's website and in Student Guidebook written by Erasmus Student Network. For information how to apply, deadlines, etc, please contact the International Relations Office of your university.
You also can find more details and learn more about projects that you can benefit from your National Agency's website or National Office's website. National Agency is a body which manages Erasmus+ programme in Programme countries. If your country participates in the programme as a Partner country, the Erasmus+ is coordinated by National Offices.
At the moment, the Republic of Serbia is participating in the programme as a Partner country. In the meanwhile, our officials have started the preparatory measures for full participation in the Erasmus+ programme. Until that moment, promotion and implementation of Erasmus+ programme in Serbia is delegated to the Foundation Tempus. To learn more about Erasmus+ programme in Serbia, visit the official website www.erasmusplus.rs.
Finally, you can contact your local Erasmus Student Network section, most of our volunteers have experienced the Erasmus+ programme and will be able to guide you through its secrets.
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