In 2017, we celebrate the 30 years of what is, without a doubt, the most successful European Union initiative: the Erasmus exchange programme.
Concomitant with the 60th Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, founding stone of the Union, this one year long campaign will celebrate diversity, tolerance, citizenship, democracy, all the values the Union is built on; and education, key instrument in bringing Europeans together.
The Erasmus programme was officially adopted in 1987. In its first year, it allowed 3 244 students to travel abroad. Between 1987 and 2017, it has given 9 million people the chance to study, train, volunteer or gain professional experience in another country.
Grounded on the fundamental principle of the freedom of movement of EU citizens, the programme has shown great added-value to youth employability, not only thanks to the language skills it allows to develop, but also due to a certain approach to life, fed by curiosity, intercultural understanding, entrepreneurship and problem-solving.
Indeed, 92% employers are looking for transversal skills; 64% state that graduates with an international background thus soon acquire greater professional responsibility. The programme also contributes to greater social cohesion, reaching out to people from all backgrounds and supporting those with lesser means, bringing all together in a shared experience. Erasmus also contributes to modernising education and training thanks to the exchange of practices between teachers, encouraged by multi-disciplinarity and cross-sectoral cooperation.
Events will take place throughout the year, with a topic in focus each month. These will include conferences, forums, dialogues, celebrations, debates, and exhibitions.
To stay tuned on all that will be happening, subscribe to the Erasmus+ 30th Anniversary Newsletter and follow events near you!
