Did you know Erasmus started with only 3,200 students or that 54 percent of former Erasmus students met their long-term partners while studying abroad? In fact, there are now over one million “Erasmus babies” around Europe and the world. Keep reading to discover these Erasmus fun facts and more about one of the most popular programmes in education and training.
Erasmus in numbers
Erasmus began in 1987 with 3,244 students travelling abroad to study. Since then, over 16 million participants have benefited from the programme, with more than 1 million participants joining Erasmus+ every year for the last three years.
In its first year, Erasmus facilitated university exchanges between 11 countries: Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, France, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Today, participants, including students, trainees, and education professionals can travel to more than 30 countries in Europe and beyond.
The meaning behind the name
The name “Erasmus” comes from Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam. However, Erasmus is also an acronym for European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students, making it a fitting title for a programme centered on academic exchange.
Ok but, who was Erasmus of Rotterdam?
Erasmus was a Renaissance philosopher, theologian and humanist who traveled extensively to teach and study all around Europe at a time when it took people about a day to cover a distance of 20 kilometres.
Erasmus of Rotterdam believed in the pursuit of knowledge without borders. He famously stated, “Quaevis terra patria” meaning “Any land is a homeland.” His travels took him to France, Britain, Italy, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland, embodying the spirit of mobility that the Erasmus+ programme promotes today.
Beyond borders and boundaries with Erasmus Mundus
Non-EU citizens can also benefit from Erasmus+. While students from North Macedonia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Turkey, and the UK participate as Erasmus+ programme countries, individuals from other non-EU countries can access opportunities through Erasmus Mundus, which supports international study programs.
Giani has gone on Erasmus 3 times
Did you know you can go on Erasmus more than once? Participants can study or do a traineeship abroad for up to 12 months per study cycle (Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate), or they can split those 12 months into two or three shorter stays, just like Giani, who’s been to Coimbra, Prague and Ioannina. What’s more, you can join an Erasmus Internship even if you have graduated recently.
Erasmus Love Stories & the “Erasmus Babies”
Erasmus+ is not just about studying abroad, it’s also about creating lifelong relationships. According to a study on the impact of the Erasmus programme, 54% of former Erasmus students found love while abroad. In fact, over one million “Erasmus babies” have been born over the past 38 years!
But the Erasmus fun facts don’t stop there, among Erasmus+ graduates in a relationship, 33% have a partner of a different nationality, compared to only 13% of those who stay home during their studies.
Ready for Your Erasmus Experience?
If you have your heart set on studying abroad and maybe even meeting the love of your life, Erasmus+ is the opportunity of a lifetime!
Before you go on your adventure, make sure you are all set for a worry-free trip. OnCampus Abroad travel insurance offers comprehensive coverage so you can focus on making unforgettable memories.
