Socrates Erasmus Programme
Socrates Erasmus Programme
The Erasmus Mundus programme is a co-operation and mobility programme in the field of higher education which promotes the European Union as a centre of excellence in learning around the world. It supports European top-quality Masters Courses and enhances the visibility and interest of European higher education in third countries. It also provides EU-funded scholarships for third country nationals participating in these Masters Courses, as well as scholarships for EU-nationals studying in third countries.
Erasmus 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, however this 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, which is called the Institutional Contract, signed with the Commission.
Two categories of people can benefit from Erasmus activities: students and the teaching staff.
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 institutions. This means that there must be prior agreement between the universities concerned before a person can benefit from the Erasmus scheme. Students can 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. The European Commission may fund part of students’ language tuition prior to their departure 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 and knowledgeable of European things. It is also a considerable plus point on the employment market.
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.
Ibba V.,Palla A.,Coniglione M.,Mucelli V.,Tolu E.,Sesuru C.,Chillotti M.
|
Home
Scrivi alla Redazione
Versione stampabile
Invia questo articolo