People to People – Exchange and Encounter for the Future of Europe

How Erasmus+ strengthens intercultural skills, European values and professional viability

Editorial

07.07.2025

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Reading time: 4 min.

Text: Dr. Melanie Förster

Erasmus+ is one of the Europe's most successful initiatives. Since its introduction in 1987, the EU’s largest mobility and education programme has enabled approximately 17 million people across Europe to gain international experience. During this time, over one million students and university staff from Germany have participated in exchanges abroad, with approximately 70,000 members of German higher education institutions currently receiving Erasmus+ support each year. Mobility, the technical term for international exchange, constitutes the core element of the Erasmus+ programme and is complemented by a wide range of initiatives designed to enhance the quality and impact of mobility activities. These include cooperation projects as well as the European University Alliances.

In 2024, the EU Member States agreed to boost mobility across Europe in all areas of education. In this context, the Council Recommendation “Europe on the Move” sets the objective that by 2030 at least 23 per cent of all university graduates had gained study-related experience abroad. This objective is in line with the European Commission’s flagship initiative, the "Union of Skills". This strategy aims to equip young Europeans, through education, with the personal, professional and civic competencies required to navigate a rapidly changing society and to uphold democratic values. Mobility periods abroad under the Erasmus+ programme are crucial to achieving this goal, given the programme’s extensive reach across Europe.

Many opportunities, one goal: developing skills and abilities

This year, the National Agency for Erasmus+ Higher Education Cooperation is prioritising Erasmus+ student and university staff mobility, with the aim of highlighting the wide range of opportunities and formats available. Erasmus+ addresses a variety of target groups - including students, academic staff and university personnel. It supports mobility at all stages of higher education, from bachelor’s and master’s programmes to doctoral studies. Participants may even take part in multiple, consecutive mobility periods. Beyond the traditional semester abroad, Erasmus+ also promotes shorter study and training opportunities, such as summer schools and staff weeks. Some of these formats include a digital component and are offered, for example, through so-called "Blended Intensive Programmes". Additionally, Erasmus+ offers funding for internships lasting between two and twelve months, provided they are completed in public or private organisations in one of the 33 participating programme countries.

If you want to truly immerse yourself in a country’s culture and everyday life, and you already have a general idea of your professional goals, you should definitely consider an internship abroad.

Anne, student at the University of Würzburg, completed an Erasmus+ internship at the German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.

Erasmus+ also defines clear thematic priorities. In the current programme generation, socio-politically important issues such as inclusion, digitalisation, democratic participation and sustainability have been embedded as cross-cutting priorities in the design of its funding schemes. In this way, Erasmus+ exerts a lasting impact on society that extends far beyond the higher education institutions.

Many countries, one goal: promoting international exchange

Erasmus+ is fully implemented in 33 programme countries. As well as the EU Member States, these include Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Turkey. Furthermore, numerous programme strands are open to so-called partner countries, with the aim of fostering exchange and academic cooperation with countries outside the European Union. This international dimension extends to almost every region of the world, with a particular focus on the Western Balkans, Ukraine and sub-Saharan Africa. From 2027 onwards, Switzerland and the United Kingdom are very likely to also rejoin the programme, and it is expected that further countries will follow in 2028. The continued expansion of Erasmus+ sends a strong signal of the European Union’s global appeal.

The most popular host countries are long-standing favourites such as Spain and France. At the same time, a number of lesser-known destinations can be found in Eastern Europe and the Balkan countries.

Ljubljana? I had never heard of this city before I went there on an Erasmus+ placement. In fact, I had to google it to find out where this small capital city was located. My time in Ljubljana was a valuable addition to my studies and I would highly recommend an Erasmus+ placement to anyone looking to broaden their horizons, experience other cultures, and enjoy student life in another European country.

Emily, student at the Technical University of Dortmund, chose to spend an Erasmus+ exchange in Slovenia.

Many experiences, one benefit: strengthening Europe

Studies conducted by the NA DAAD compellingly demonstrate the personal and professional benefits that time spent abroad offers young people. Erasmus+ promotes skills such as intercultural competence, foreign language proficiency, independence and creative thinking. Students who study abroad become more flexible and resilient, learning to navigate new environments shaped by different languages and cultures. Beyond these individual gains, Erasmus+ also fosters the development of qualities that are essential for a democratic, economically robust and politically resilient Europe. This requires young people with an international education and a strong sense of togetherness. In this way, Erasmus+ goes beyond individual mobility to act as a driving force for a “Europe of skills” capable of meeting the challenges of an increasingly uncertain world.

The most defining experiences for me were meeting so many helpful people who assisted me despite my language difficulties. I learned that you can grow through challenges and that you can succeed even when the hurdles are high.

Jorina studied social work and, as a first-generation academic, decided to take part in an Erasmus+ exchange programme in Barcelona.

Erasmus+ continues to play a central role in the internationalisation of higher education institutions and in strengthening their global profile. Building on this foundation, the programme is continuously being developed further. Erasmus+ is therefore expected to receive a substantial increase in funding for the upcoming 2028–2034 programme generation, which is currently under negotiation. However, in light of the programme’s ambitious objectives, the budgets proposed so far fall significantly short of the programme’s ambitious additional objectives. In a joint statement, the European University Association (EUA), together with leading European higher education associations and student organisationsrecently highlighted this gap, calling for a total budget of at least €60 billion for Erasmus+ by 2034. Of this amount, at least €20 billion would be required for the higher education sector alone. Only with such funding levels can the strengthening of mobility, international higher education cooperation projects and European education objectives continue while maintaining high-quality standards.

Regardless of political decisions, stays abroad through the Erasmus+ programme will remain one of the cornerstones of the European idea. This year’s DAADeuroletter explores this concept in all its facets.

internationalization strategy digitalisation Mobility of Individuals (KA 131) cooperations among higher education institutions European Higher Education Area (EHEA)