The Erasmus Program

Background of the ERASMUS-Program

Name of the program

Desiderius Erasmus, known as Erasmus of Rotterdam, was born in Rotterdam on 28 October 1466 or 1469 and died in Basel on 12 July 1536. He was one of the most important humanists of his time and a pioneering philologist, as well as a distinguished scholar and critic of the Church and culture. He was regarded as one of the leading intellectuals of his era, and even crowned heads considered it an honour to correspond with him.

“I would like to be a citizen of the world, at home everywhere and, more importantly, always on the move.”

- Erasmus of Rotterdam (quoted from Brockhaus Enzyklopädie, E. A. Brockhaus, Wiesbaden)

Objectives of the Programme

In light of developments in recent years, the vision of a united Europe has increasingly evolved into a tangible and relevant reality. Political and academic communities, as well as the wider public, have developed a growing awareness of a European perspective, as reflected in the Bologna Declaration signed by 29 European countries on 19 June 1999:

“The need to establish a more complete and far-reaching Europe, in particular building upon and strengthening its intellectual, cultural, social and scientific and technological dimensions.”

The Bologna Declaration can be regarded as a symbol and catalyst for higher education reforms aimed at establishing a European Higher Education Area. These reforms are associated with greater competitiveness, transparency and comparability within a common European education space.

 

History and goals of the program

In light of developments in recent years, the vision of a united Europe has increasingly evolved into a tangible and relevant reality. Political and academic communities, as well as the wider public, have developed a growing awareness of a European perspective, as reflected in the Bologna Declaration signed by 29 countries on 19 June 1999:

“The need to establish a more complete and far-reaching Europe, in particular building upon and strengthening its intellectual, cultural, social and scientific and technological dimensions.”

The Bologna Declaration can be regarded as a symbol and catalyst for higher education reforms aimed at establishing a European Higher Education Area. These reforms are associated with greater competitiveness, transparency and comparability, in line with the vision of a common European education market.

The specific objectives are:

  • The introduction of common and comparable degrees in order to promote qualifications relevant to the labour market and the international competitiveness of the European higher education system.
  • The introduction of a system based on undergraduate and graduate cycles, comparable to Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
  • The introduction of a credit transfer system, similar to ECTS, to support lifelong learning. Promoting student mobility by providing access to study programmes and related services, as well as supporting the mobility of academic staff through the recognition of periods spent abroad.
  • Promoting European cooperation in the development of comparable methods and criteria for quality assurance.
  • Strengthening the European dimension in higher education, for example through joint curricula, cooperation, mobility and integrated exchange programmes.

“Travel broadens the mind; it frees us from all the prejudices of our country, our faith, our family and our upbringing. It develops a tolerant and humane disposition and a cosmopolitan character. Those who have seen nothing beyond what surrounds them in the sphere in which they live easily regard everything as necessary and unique in the world simply because it is considered so in their homeland.”- Immanuel Kant

Benefits for Students:

  • Study periods abroad of up to one academic year are possible within the framework of cooperation agreements between Trier University and its international partner universities.
  • Trier University is responsible for selecting the participants.
  • No tuition fees are charged.
  • Academic achievements completed abroad are generally recognised and credited to the agreed extent. The ERASMUS Coordinator of Faculty IV is responsible for this process. To help cover the additional costs associated with studying abroad, students receive an ERASMUS grant.
  • The host university generally assists students in finding accommodation and provides social and academic support throughout their stay.