What is Erasmus?

Erasmus is the European Commission's exchange programme that enables students registered at a university in the following countries to study, work or teach for part of their degree in another of those countries.

• EU member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom.
• EFTA-EEA countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway.
• Candidate countries: Turkey, Croatia.

It aims to increase European awareness amongst university students by encouraging them to experience work or study in another European Union member state, or member states of the European Economic Area.

Erasmus grants are provided only for formally organised study or work placements involving specific universities or organisations with which Queen's has an agreement.

Students wishing to undertake a work or language assistant placement as an integral part of their degree programme may be able to receive funding under Erasmus.  An Erasmus work placement can have a duration of between 2 and 12 months.  The placement will need to be approved by your School, and an agreement made between you, Queen's University and your employer. Increasing number of Erasmus students throughout Europe are taking advantage of this opportunity as it provides such a good preparation for future employment. Sometimes employers will give you a basic income which can be added to your Erasmus grant. As with academic study, the work placement should be recognised by Queen's as part of your degree programme. Please contact the Placement Co-ordinator in your School for further details.  Follow this link to download the British Council's Student Guide to Erasmus Work Placements.

Why join the Erasmus programme?

Erasmus is a great opportunity to spend time in another European country and have it count towards your degree.  You can make new friends while experiencing another culture and new ways of looking at your subject.

The personal benefits should be obvious: the broadening and deepening of understanding which should come from immersion in a different culture; new friendships; the increased self-reliance and self-assurance which come from trying something new; and the benefits of learning another language.

Erasmus students may also find benefits for their specific degree course, for example, a fresh range of specialisms in the host university: a new angle on the subject; and different methods of teaching, learning and assessment.

An Erasmus placement should also enhance a student’s employment prospects. Employers put a high value on initiative, self-reliance, and maturity of outlook. They are also keenly aware of the need for staff who can work confidently and efficiently in an international context. Participation in the scheme should also improve the likelihood of obtaining a job elsewhere in Europe in an increasingly international labour market.