“We appreciate that having a level of academic knowledge is an excellent thing to have. However, this alone is not enough as that is not what our business is based on. We’re looking for colleagues who can be innovative in difficult situations; who can work under pressure; can build relationships and who are not afraid to challenge and be challenged. Doing an Erasmus exchange is the perfect way to develop these skills and when you combine these with academic aptitude you can be a really strong contender for any position of employment you apply to.”

Michelle MacFadyen – KPMG

A degree is no longer a passport to a job. Employers want life skills such as communication, team working and problem-solving capabilities. Erasmus, the largest organised mobility program in the world, can help develop these skills. If you are working with young people going onto University or Further Education colleges, help them broaden their horizons by encouraging them to take part in Erasmus programme.

Who Can Take Part
Students who enroll at a Higher Education Institution in the UK and wish to study, do a work placement or be a language assistant for between three months and an academic year in an EU, EEA, or candidate country can participate in the Erasmus Programme. Students from all subject areas can participate, from art to zoology, biology to psychology. Erasmus is not just for language students and prior knowledge of the language, although recommended, is not always essential as many countries offer courses taught in English.

What Can they Do?
Students can do a study period or work placements and both count towards students' degrees. Erasmus is now also available to students enrolled in short term higher vocational education to do shorter work placements.

Why Take Part?
The skills Erasmus students develop from studying or working abroad make them better prepared for the working world. It’s something employers will appreciate.

How Can You Help?
Ensure that students who are choosing where to do their higher education are aware of the programme and its benefits and check that the college and the course they want to do allow them to take part in the Erasmus programme.

If you have a careers information day, you can request a visit from a former Erasmus student to bring the programme to life. Email us with your requirements and the date of your event, and we will endeavour to find a speaker.

Here is what a few of our former Erasmus students say:

"Shortly after returning home I realised just how much Erasmus increased my chances of finding a job. I applied for a year-long industrial placement with the fourth largest oil and gas operator in the world, Total, and I began a placement as a Buyer in the procurement department. I honestly believe that my study overseas differentiated me from the other applicants due to the wide range of subjects I was exposed to as well as my attempts to undertake a foreign language and the experience I gained whilst living away from home. I believe employers see bravery, enthusiasm and confidence in those who venture further from home."
Nicola Jamieson

"Working in France has also enhanced my CV and employability as a graduate. In hindsight, my Erasmus year really helped me to develop professionally and personally "
Amy Ashken

"Ultimately, Erasmus helped me win my PhD scholarship and land a job with Deloitte."
Elisa Chami-Castaldi

"Having successfully worked in another country, albeit for only a few months, I have gained some transferable skills, which I feel future employers will look upon positively. Being able to adapt to a new culture and healthcare system indicates that I am flexible and keen to experience new challenges."
Vicki McAllister

"My Erasmus experience has been the single most important educational experience of my life to date. It has inspired me to explore new avenues of business, culture and learning that I continue to explore on a daily basis. It was the driving force that enabled me to become self employed and the sole reason for my moving back to Poland after graduating."
Daniel Emmerson

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?'

Read more first hand accounts from former Erasmus students in our Case Study section and download our leaflets and posters from our Promotional materials page.