Molly Kehoe shares everything you need to know about the Erasmus exchange programme.
Are you itching to escape the dreary streets of Dublin and study abroad? Whether it’s sipping Sangria in Barcelona or sipping cappuccinos in Italy, Erasmus has got you covered. Erasmus has helped millions of students gain international experience, broaden their cultural horizons, and enhance their academic and professional development. Understanding how the programme works, along with its application timeline and requirements, is essential for any student considering studying abroad.
Erasmus typically allows exchanges from countries in Europe and associated nations such as Norway, Iceland, Turkey, and Serbia. Students can take part in two main types of Erasmus programs typically in their third year of university, by either interning or studying abroad. The most common being study abroad, where students study at a partner university for one semester or a full academic year. This immersion in another country helps students to enhance skills, improve language proficiency, and promote cross-cultural understanding.
One of the most appealing aspects of Erasmus is the financial support it provides. Although Erasmus grants do not cover all expenses, they help offset the cost of living, accommodation, and travel for students. The amount you receive varies depending on the destination country and the length of your study abroad program. For example, students going to countries with a higher cost of living, such as Sweden or Denmark, usually receive larger grants than those going to countries like Romania or Bulgaria.
The application process for Erasmus is structured and requires early preparation. In most universities, students need to apply at least six to nine months before the start of their exchange.
The first step is to attend information sessions or consult the Exchange Team at UCD to learn about available destinations and eligibility criteria. Most colleges have agreements with specific partner universities, so students can only apply to those listed in their faculty or department’s Erasmus program.
For example, I study English and Creative Writing and I studied at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, as it was one of the options listed under the “English, Drama and Film” section. They failed to include under that section however, that Canadian winters drop to roughly -40 degrees Celsius so sadly I did not escape the miserable weather during my study abroad.
After researching destinations and confirming eligibility, students are typically required to submit an application that includes several key documents, though these documents may vary from course to course. These usually consist of a completed application form, academic transcript, motivation letter, and a CV.
The motivation letter is extremely important, as it allows students to explain why they want to study abroad, how it fits into their academic goals, and what they hope to gain from the experience. Typically, students need a certain G.P.A to go on Erasmus (typically 3.3 gpa or more depending on the course) but the one thing that sets them aside from their peers is their motivation letter. The Writing Centre at UCD is a brilliant help to students to craft their motivation letter and improve it in order to give themselves the best chance at securing a place in their chosen university for Erasmus.
Most Erasmus applications are due between January and March for exchanges beginning in the following academic year. After the deadline, universities review applications and select students based on academic performance, motivation, and language skills. Successful applicants are then nominated to the host university, which may request additional documents before issuing a formal letter of acceptance.
Once accepted, students must complete a Learning Agreement in coordination with their academic advisor and Erasmus coordinator. This document outlines the courses they will take at the host university and ensures that the credits will be recognized by their home institution.
In the months leading up to departure, students need to organize practical matters such as accommodation, travel, insurance, and possibly visa applications (especially if they are non-EU citizens going to an EU country). Unfortunately, you will not get into Paris without a valid visa unlike Belly Conklin or Emily in Paris. Thankfully, most universities offer pre-departure orientation sessions to help students prepare for the academic and cultural differences they may encounter abroad.
Participating in Erasmus can be a transformative experience. Students not only gain academic knowledge but also develop personal skills such as independence, adaptability, and intercultural communication. Employers often value international experience, viewing it as a sign of initiative and global awareness. Many students also build lasting friendships and professional networks during their time abroad.
While the application process can be a little tedious and lengthy at times, the benefits of participating in the program far outweigh the effort involved. For students with a sense of adventure and a desire to grow both academically and personally, Erasmus is an opportunity not to be missed.