Lifelong Learning Programme: Erasmus
Background to the Programme
ERASMUS is part of Europe's Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP). The main objectives of the LLP are to promote lifelong learning, to encourage access to education for everybody, to help people acquire recognized qualifications and skills, and to create a European Higher Education Area. The LLP consists of action programmes for all levels of education - from nursery school to adult learning.
ERASMUS is the higher education action of the Lifelong Learning Programme. ERASMUS contains a wide range of measures designed to support the European activities of higher education institutions and to promote the mobility and exchange of their teaching staff and students.
2,199 higher education institutions in 31 countries currently participate in ERASMUS. Since its establishment in 1987, over 2 million students have benefited from an ERASMUS study period abroad. The EU Commission aims to send 3 million participants on ERASMUS by 2012.
DIT has been an active participant in the Erasmus programme since its inception. This programme allows DIT students to study or work for between 3 and 12 months in another EU state (or in Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway or Turkey).
Students opting for a study visit spend a semester or full academic year at a partner institution in the EU. The time spent in the host institution is fully recognized by DIT through the use of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). DIT currently has over 150 partner institutions in 23 countries, including traditionally well-known countries such as France and Germany, and also newer EU member-states such as the Czech Republic, Hungary and Latvia. During the 2009/2010 academic year, over 190 DIT students spent at least one semester studying at one of our partner institutions.
Students whose programmes of study include a work placement may have the opportunity to complete their placement in another EU state. DIT works closely with industry partners throughout Europe who offer excellent work placement opportunities to students from a variety of disciplines. In 2009/2010, over 60 DIT students spent between 3 and 6 months working in industry abroad.
Students participating in the Erasmus programme not only gain invaluable academic and/or work experience, but also have the opportunity to experience life in another country, develop language and intercultural skills, travel and broaden their horizons.
The DIT International Student Office is responsible for co-ordinating the Erasmus programme. Further details are available in the menu to the left hand side of this page or by emailing erasmus@dit.ie
>> Further information is available on European Commission website
>> HEA website EURireland
