The future “is digital” as European Commission launches Erasmus+ App
Gerry O'Sullivan
Posted: 21 September, 2021
Over 4,000 universities are currently involved in the Erasmus Without Paper Network, which enables them to securely exchange data and more easily identify learning agreements. This digital cooperation allows the rollout and wide recognition of the European Student Card.
In line with the Digital Education Action Plan, the new Erasmus+ programme for the period 2021-2027 supports the development of digital skills and contributes to the digital transition of European education systems. With an increased budget of over €28 billion for the 7-year period, Erasmus+ will also support the resilience of education and training systems in the face of the pandemic.
Background
Since the beginning of the original Erasmus Programme in 1987, 10 million people have experienced an exchange abroad. The new Erasmus+ programme provides opportunities for study periods abroad, traineeships, apprenticeships, and staff exchanges in all fields of education, training, youth and sport, and at all ages.
The Erasmus+ Higher Education Impact Study, published in 2019, showed that the programme has positive effects on the professional, social, educational and personal development of the participants. Over 70% of the students have a better understanding of what they want to do in their future career when they come back from their mobility abroad, enabling them to re-orient their studies to match their career ambitions. More than 90% of Erasmus+ students also improve their ability to work and collaborate with people from different cultures and feel they have a European identity.
For the current academic year (2021-2022), 600,000 higher education students are expected to go abroad thanks to Erasmus+.
In her 2021 State of the Union’s address, President von der Leyen proposed to make 2022 the Year of the European Youth. Young people must be able to shape Europe’s future. Our Union needs a soul and a vision they can connect to.
