GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT SOCRATES ERASMUS PROGRAMME
ERASMUS is the higher education Action of SOCRATES
II programme. It seeks to
enhance the quality and reinforce the European dimension of higher education
by encouraging transnational cooperation between universities, boosting European
mobility and improving the transparency and full academic recognition of
studies and qualifications throughout the Union.
It is named after the philosopher, theologian and humanist Erasmus
of Rotterdam (1465-1536). An untiring adversary of dogmatic thought in all fields of human
endeavor, Erasmus lived and worked in several parts of Europe, in quest of
the knowledge, experience and insights which only such contacts with other
countries could bring. By leaving his fortune to the University of Basel, he
became a precursor of mobility grants.
Erasmus Programme gives students the opportunity to study for a period of 3-12
months at a university or higher education establishment in another participating
country. As a matter of principle, the time spent in the host country must
be fully recognized by the home institution. The European credit transfer system
(ECTS) is the major instrument to facilitate academic recognition of periods
of study in partner establishments. It should be clear that there must be prior
agreement between the universities concerned before a person can benefit from
the Erasmus scheme.
To support their mobility - a period of study in the host country - students
may be entitled to an Erasmus grant in addition to the grants
which they normally receive from other sources such as their region, state,
or university. This
European grant is intended to help to cover the cost of traveling and the difference
in cost of living.