Welcome to our latest update for International Officers! We’re excited to share recent highlights, important deadlines, and new opportunities in the Erasmus+ Programme.

Higher Options

We had a fantastic time at the Irish Times Higher Options fair in the RDS, connecting with thousands of young people exploring their higher education pathways. It was great to meet so many enthusiastic students and staff, and to share the opportunities that Erasmus+ has to offer.

Highlights: 

• Our Erasmus+ socks were a massive hit!

Emma D’Arcy and Erin Grealis from ESN modelling our Erasmus+ socks

 

 

 

• The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science, Patrick O’Donovan, visited our HEA stand to show his support for Erasmus+.

Andrew Horgan, Vera Hughes and Prateeti Chakravarty from the HEA, and Beraca Antonio from ESN, with Minister O’Donovan

ECHE Working Group

The first meeting of the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) Working Group took place on 2 October at the HEA, with representatives from three higher education institutions and ESN in attendance.  

The main focus was on advancing Inclusion and Diversity, a horizontal priority for Erasmus+. We look forward to continuing these discussions and sharing outcomes with the broader community.

Celebrating #ErasmusDays

On 16 October, we marked the 8th edition of #ErasmusDays with the “Pitch My Erasmus!” Competition, at Europe House in Dublin. The event, hosted by the French Embassy, Campus France Ireland, the HEA, and Léargas, celebrated the life-changing opportunities Erasmus+ offers, with students presenting on their experiences across France. 

Dana Halliday and Dr Mark Empey from the HEA alongside Emma Grainger and Deirdre Finlay from Léargas

 

 

Congratulations to first–prize winner Tami Adeleke (TCD), and runners-up Kate Regan (University of Galway), Henry Huston (TU Dublin), and Álanna Hammel (TCD)! We can’t wait to hear more incredible Erasmus+ experiences next year.

Some of the students who undertook an Erasmus+ mobility in France celebrate their adventures

IO Meeting at DCU

On 6 November, we met with International Officers to discuss updates on Erasmus+ and international programmes. Key discussion points included: 

• Erasmus Student Network updates 

• KA131 mobility data analysis (2021-2022) 

• BioBeo Blended Intensive Programme insights from Maynooth University 

• KA171 budget management and documentation  

• KA220 2024 allocation updates 

• Key dates and documentation reminders 

We’re grateful for your engagement and look forward to further productive sessions.

NA Comms Meeting

Dana Halliday and Aoife Cooney represented the HEA at the National Agencies’ Communication Network Meeting hosted by the European Commission in Brussels. This two-day event focused on strategic communication in Erasmus+, covering campaigns, community building, digital innovation and European Commission priorities.

Representing Ireland: Terri Cole and Emma Grainger (Léargas); Aoife Cooney and Dana Halliday (HEA)

FICAHT Competition

Opportunity Alert: Calling All Culinary Students!

The 10th edition of the prestigious FICAHT International Cooking and Service Competition will be held in March 2025 at Lycée Savary-Ferry High School, Arras, Hauts de France. 

• Applications Close: 16 December 2024 

• Learn More and Apply: FICAHT Competition Information 

This event celebrates Franco-Irish collaboration and culinary excellence – be sure to share this with your culinary students!

Deadlines

Important Reminders

KA131 Interim Report Deadline: 

• Due date: 28 November 2024 
• Questions? Email us at erasmus@hea.ie

 

European Student Card Initiative Survey 2024: 

• Deadline: 29 November 2024 

• Link: Complete the Survey
  It will take less than 10 minutes to complete and your feedback is essential for shaping the future of this initiative
  A summary report will be available in early 2025 

• Questions? Contact esc.support@nttdata.com

 

HEA European Student Card Survey: 

• We’re also running our own survey on ESC implementation 

• Deadline: 29 November 2024 

• Link: Take Our Survey 

2025 Call

The 2025 Erasmus+ call for proposals is now open. Higher education institutions can apply for KA131, KA171, and KA220 – find more information here.

New Team Members

We’re delighted to welcome Dr Mark Empey and Dana Halliday to the International Programmes team. Mark is Erasmus+ Programmes Manager overseeing KA220 projects, and Dana is the Communications Officer.

Share Your Erasmus+ News

Got stories or achievements to share about Erasmus+ in higher education? Tag us on social media, and let’s spread the word about the incredible opportunities Erasmus+ offers. Find us on Instagram, Facebook and X.

Stay tuned for our next update, and feel free to reach out with any questions or contributions!