The Growth and Development of Erasmus+
When I originally heard about Erasmus+, I imagined students traveling between European towns, immersed in various cultures, and perhaps even learning a language or two. But as I went deeper into its history, I learned there's a lot more to this program than just enjoyable semesters abroad. The Erasmus+ initiative tells the narrative of how Europe joined together to transform education for millions of people. Let's take a quick look at its evolution.
BLOG & NEWS
10/18/20242 min read
The Early Days
It all began in 1987, with the establishment of the initial Erasmus program. Named after the Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus, it began with a few thousand students sharing ideas between universities. The premise was simple but powerful, providing opportunities for students to study abroad, allowing them to obtain new perspectives and promote a sense of European solidarity. At the time, only 11 countries were involved, but it was evident that this program had huge potential.
Expanding Horizons: Enter Erasmus+.
Fast forward to 2014, when the Erasmus program underwent a significant reconstruction, becoming Erasmus+. This was more than simply a renaming it was a fundamental rethink of what Erasmus could accomplish. Erasmus+ merged seven existing programs (such as Youth in Action and Leonardo da Vinci) into a single mega-program including education, training, youth, and sports (European Commission - Erasmus+ Milestones). The name change indicated that Erasmus+ was no longer simply for university students, but for anybody eager to learn and grow from overseas experiences.
The milestones and Changes
Erasmus+ has reached several significant milestones throughout the years. In 2007, the program moved outside Europe's borders, enabling collaboration with countries all around the world. This was crucial because it cleared the way for increasingly diverse cultural contacts. Then, in 2021, the European Union injected €26.2 billion into Erasmus+ for the period 2021-2027, more than doubling its previous budget. The program also becomes more accessible, emphasizing opportunities for those with little means or disabilities (European Youth Portal - Erasmus+). This made Erasmus+ not just bigger but better, with an emphasis on equity and accessibility.
Impact in Education and Beyond
So what is the big deal? Why is Erasmus+ important? For starters, it has enabled millions of students and professionals to learn skills that they would not have had otherwise. It's not just about academic knowledge, Erasmus+ participants frequently report improved language abilities, increased cultural awareness, and a broader worldview. Employers value this because it increases candidates' adaptability and ability to work in international teams (European Commission, Erasmus+ Impact).
But the impact extends considerably further. Erasmus+ has helped to build Europe's identity. When students from many countries get together, they form bonds that cross borders. These experiences promote a sense of belonging to a wider European society, which is rather powerful in a world that is frequently divided (Erasmus+ Project Results).
Looking Ahead
As someone who is only beginning to explore what Erasmus+ has to offer, I'm thrilled about where it's going. With an ever-increasing budget and a renewed emphasis on diversity, the program is poised to benefit even more people. It's no longer just a study abroad program, it's a vehicle for creating a more connected, educated, and compassionate society.
In some ways, Erasmus+ is a time capsule reflecting Europe's dedication to education and togetherness, continuously developing to suit the demands of the next generation. And who knows. Maybe one day, I'll be one of those kids who travel between cities.
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