Students take part in the Erasmus Programme for many different reasons; for some it is a required part of their degree, for others it is an ideal opportunity to live in another city in Europe for a few exciting months. We have put together some of the main reasons that employers and students tell us are the key benefits of taking part. You can download this in our info sheet, "Why Take part in Erasmus"

Top 10 Reasons to Take part

• Stand out in the job market – a great addition to your CV
• Return more motivated, independent and confident
• Get a grant and receive tuition fee support
• It counts towards your degree –it’s not a gap year
• Learn a range of life-skills not taught in the lecture theatre
• Access a wider range of subject areas than in the UK
• Improve your language skills
• Gain an international network of friends and meet your lifelong partner!
• Discover a different culture, gain an international perspective and travel
• It’s really good fun!

Hear what former Erasmus students and staff have to say about the programme and their experiences by watching some of their  short films.

Stand out in the job market

Erasmus students achieve better degrees and earn higher salaries according to the report produced by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE): "Attainment in higher education of Erasmus and placement students".

Employers Value Cultural Skills

A new piece of research by the British Council, Ipsos and management consultants Booz Allen Hamilton shows that not only do employers around the world value the ability to work with people from other cultures as highly as they value formal qualifications - but they also say a lack of these skills in the workforce can open them up to serious risks including losing clients. Read the full report

The Council for Industry and Higher Education (CIHE) released a report: Global Graduates into Global Leaders which urges graduates seeking work to develop ‘global employability skills’ to help them succeed in an increasingly competitive international marketplace. Multinational employers are looking for graduates who can bring something ‘over and above’ core graduate skills. Read the full report here

Also see the EU's report on what employer's want in graduates, on our news page

Good Fun

Not only will you acquire a broader range of skills to offer a future employer, but you’ll have fun doing it. Erasmus students say it is the best part of their time at university, after all nearly one in ten find their life partner while doing their Erasmus programme! For ideas of the festivals that go on in Europe take a look at our Fun things to do page

"Living in a different country has given me the opportunity to face new challenges, make new friends, and learn a new language. I feel from these experiences that I have grown as a person with more confidence, maturity and gained new skills." - Catherine Ward

Where are they now?

Robert Gordon University tracked down a group of their former Erasmus students to find out how their Erasmus experiences have helped them since leaving university. Read their stories in the university's brochure 'Where Are They Now?'

ThirdYearAbroad carried out a survey of almost 600 students whose short case studies illustrate the academic, cultural, intercultural, linguistic, personal and professional benefits of spending part of their degree abroad

Read more in our Case Studies to get an idea of what other Erasmus students experienced.

Language Skills

There is considerable current interest in the employability of graduates with language skills. Executive recruiters see competence in at least one other language in addition to English as critical for business success in Europe, Asia and Latin America. Staff who can speak more than one language will have significant competitive advantage. Students with language skills are seen by businesses as being more flexible and adaptable, more likely to appreciate the need for intercultural communication skills and more able to build relationships with counterparts or clients in other countries.

The CBI’s ‘Education and skills survey 2010’ revealed that staff who can communicate at least conversationally in another language – particularly where this is coupled with an understanding of overseas business culture – can be a great asset to employers. Read the full report here.

Erasmus and Comenius - Your Passport to Success

Erasmus and Comenius - Your Passport to Success from judethomas on Vimeo.