A guide to Erasmus+ Programme + Erasmus accommodation (application, popular student cities and neighborhoods, and more)

Erasmus+ is a highly successful program of the European Union that has been contributing to cultural exchange and global peace since 1987. Whether you're enrolling at a university or working in a Higher Education Institution, you have the opportunity to participate in Erasmus+ activities.

This guide aims to provide answers to commonly asked questions about the Erasmus+ Programme and Erasmus accommodation for students.

Why is it called Erasmus?

The program is named after the Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam. Additionally, Erasmus stands for the European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students.

What is the "plus" in Erasmus+?

The "plus" signifies the expansion of the program's focus. While the original Erasmus Programme (2009-2013) concentrated on student and staff mobility between universities, the Erasmus+ Programme (2014-2020) included opportunities for vocational students, apprentices, teachers, youth workers, and volunteers.

The program is still running, and the 2021-2027 version places a strong focus on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions, and promoting young people’s participation in democratic life.

How does Erasmus+ work?

Erasmus+ is the EU's program supporting education, training, youth, and sport in Europe. Managed by the European Commission and various agencies, it involves National Agencies in Program countries and National Offices in some Partner countries.

Objectives and features

The program is aimed at supporting sustainable development in Partner countries, enhancing the European dimension in sport, promoting European values, and fostering multilingualism. Other features include skills and qualification recognition, open access to project outputs, and promoting equity and inclusion.

Key actions and projects

Erasmus+ implements three key actions:

Additionally, it supports initiatives such as Jean Monnet Activities and the European Week of Sport.

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Applying for Erasmus+

Eligibility criteria

Participation in the Erasmus+ Programme is not exclusive to students from the European Union. Both individuals and organizations can engage in the program, although most individuals need to apply through participating organizations.

Eligibility is contingent on the country of residence, divided into two categories: Programme countries and Partner countries.

While Programme countries have access to all Erasmus+ actions, Partner countries are limited to specific actions and are subject to certain conditions.

The list of eligible countries can be checked here to determine eligibility for participation.

How to apply

To apply, contact the International or Erasmus+ Office of your Higher Education Institution. After selection, you'll sign a Grant Agreement with your sending institution and a Learning Agreement with both sending and receiving institutions.

Number of participants

From its inception in 1987, Erasmus+ has grown to become one of the most popular EU programs. Over 9 million participants have benefited, and each year, more than 300,000 students study or train under Erasmus+.

Online Language Support

Erasmus+ provides Online Language Support (OLS) for participants in long-term mobility activities, offering language assessment and optional online language courses.

Benefits of Erasmus+

Importance of the program

Erasmus+ is crucial for personal and academic growth. It enables a unique international experience, facilitating intercultural contacts, language learning, and personal development.

Since its inception, the program has equipped participants with skills essential for the modern labor market.

Employability

Erasmus+ enhances students' quality of life and career prospects. Studies show that 80% of Erasmus+ graduates are employed within three months of graduation, and 72% credit their Erasmus+ experience for landing their first job.

Multiple participations

Participants can engage in Erasmus+ multiple times, with opportunities for study periods or traineeships during each study cycle:

Specific Erasmus+ activities

Youth Exchanges

Youth Exchanges bring young people from different countries together for short-term shared projects (5-21 days), encouraging collaboration and cultural understanding.

#DiscoverEU

#DiscoverEU provides travel passes to explore European cultural diversity with a focus on connections and freedom of movement for eligible 18-year-olds.

European Solidarity Corps

Related to Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps supports volunteering and work projects benefiting communities across Europe for participants aged 18-30.

Role of Erasmus Student Network (ESN)

ESN, the largest student association in Europe, plays a vital role in supporting international students. With over 15,000 volunteers, ESN facilitates academic, social, and practical integration, creating a more mobile and flexible education environment.

For more detailed information, visit the Erasmus+ website.

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Erasmus housing

An Erasmus experience is an exciting chapter in a student's life, promising cultural immersion, academic growth, and lasting memories. One pivotal aspect of this adventure is securing suitable accommodation.

In the following sections you will find some information about Erasmus student accommodation that will give potential participants an insight.

Importance of choosing the right accommodation

The significance of selecting appropriate housing cannot be overstated. It directly impacts your overall experience, academic performance, and well-being during your Erasmus program.

Whether you choose university-managed accommodation, private apartments for rent or a shared room, it's important that you have the right information to ensure a pleasant and enriching stay.

Flatio for students

Before we talk more about student housing, we’d like to share with you why Flatio is a great choice for students.

The main reason is that it is generally not easy to find accommodation for less than a year at a reasonable price. But Flatio allows students with study periods of several months to book flexible stays, on a short, medium, or long-term basis.

Here are some of the highlights of Flatio’s features and services:

Read more about Flatio’s unique features and services on our website. Now let’s discuss Erasmus student accommodation in detail.

Types of Erasmus student housing

Erasmus university accommodation

University-managed accommodation is a viable option in terms of convenience and proximity to academic institutions. While advantages of Erasmus university student housing include institutional support and potential cost savings, drawbacks may involve limited availability and less independence compared to private housing.

Erasmus rooms

Opting for shared rooms provides a unique social experience, promoting camaraderie among housemates. Pros encompass shared expenses and a built-in social circle.

However, considerations such as differing lifestyles and potential conflicts over shared spaces may be challenges.

Erasmus apartments and houses

For those desiring greater independence, apartments and houses present a compelling choice. Renting a private apartment allows for more autonomy and personalized living arrangements.

Yet, potential downsides involve higher costs and potential isolation from fellow Erasmus participants.

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