Picking up another language, getting to know another culture, fending for yourself in unfamiliar surroundings: travelling is of course an enriching experience for anyone who embarks on this path. Erasmus + offers young people this opportunity to study in the heart of Europe: Wallonia!
"Erasmus +" is the new European programme set up to boost the skills and employability of young people. It is aimed at young people aged 13 to 30, whether in education or not, teachers, trainees, volunteers, as well as youth or sport workers.
33 partner countries and 28 Member States can send their students to Wallonia
The Erasmus + programme was launched in 2014 and will end in 2020. By then it will have offered more than 4 million Europeans an opportunity to study, train, gain work experience or volunteer (including in a sports-related field) abroad. "Abroad" means the 33 partner countries: the 28 Member States of the European Union plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Turkey and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Some activities are also possible with other countries.
Wallonia is a popular destination for international students
In Wallonia, in addition to an excellent healthcare system, international students benefit from an efficient public transport network, a vibrant cultural life as well as easy access to various sporting activities. Alongside the academic buildings, the campuses of higher education institutions abound with recreational, cultural, sport and catering facilities. Throughout the year, the events organised by student associations reflect the dynamism and intensity of student life.
Erasmus +, or how to learn new skills
"A stay abroad makes it possible to acquire skills that are useful for your personal and professional development: self-confidence, resourcefulness, flexibility, learning another language, etc. Employers are the first to tell us: on a CV, such skills can really make a difference.”
The European Commission has understood the importance of these projects for young people, since Erasmus + has been allocated a budget of 14.7 billion euros, an increase of 40%.
Studyinbelgium: the international student welcome programme from Wallonia-Brussels Campus
Through its Studyinbelgium programme, Wallonia-Brussels Campus coordinates Erasmus + in Wallonia-Brussels, thus offering young people from the 33 partner countries the opportunity to experience Wallonia’s high-quality educational offering. With Erasmus + the broad spectrum available to young people opens up practical opportunities, in line with their profile and motivations.
More info? Wallonia-Brussels Campus
This article was first published in the Revue W + B 125, to which you can subscribe for free.