Questions & Answers about Erasmus

Can I participate in Erasmus programme if I’m not the citizen of EU?

Unfortunately you have to be the citizen of EU country or EEA area to take part of Erasmus programme and get the Erasmus grant. However, there are other exchange programs for students from US and Canada. For further information check the European Commision website about Erasmus.

To participate in the ERASMUS programme, you must fulfill the following conditions:

• You are a student and enrolled in a formal programme of study at higher education level leading to a degree or a diploma (including doctoral level) in one of the participating countries.
• You are a citizen of one the participating countries (or are recognised as having an official status of refugeee or statelesss person or permanent resident).
• You have completed at least the first year of your university studies. 

Does ESN International provide grants to support exchange students?

ESN International doesn’t provide any grants, but you probably get a grant from Erasmus, when your application is successful. This mobility grant is not meant to cover all the living costs, but the differences in costs of living abroad.

Does ESN International give information about accommodation?

ESN International is not responsible for finding you a place to sleep, but of course, is ready to help you whatever problems you may face in your new town.

Is ESN connected with European Commission and Erasmus programme?

ESN is an independent student network and is not connected to any political or educational institution nor programme. Although the name ‘Erasmus” is used, we are not part of Erasmus programme and welcome all international exchange students from Europe as well as other parts of the world to attend our events.

I’m interested in starting a new section. Where could I get help?

First of all, you should form a group from a few enthusiastic people who wish to work on the ESN idea. Try your friends or place an advertisement in the student or university newspaper.

Former exchange students are also likely to be interested and may have valuable experiences. Find out if there are any (student) organisations with the same aims as ESN, such as ELSA or AIESEC.

Another source of contacts is the administration at your institutions, the international office in particular. They know the names of the former exchange students and have a list of the visiting foreign students. Usually they are willing to send out your information to the international students, or even help you with money, office and a place to host your activities.

A good way to begin is with a weekly information meeting with the international students to discuss the things you wish to do.

I took some courses during my exchange and I have problems with the recognition of my credits in my home university. Can you help me with that?

You should negotiate with your home university in the case of problems with recognition of credits. Before going on exchange (with Erasmus program) you, your home university and host institution are expected to sign the Learning Agreement, which is an informal contract that indicates, which modules you are going to study.

The European Commission has introduced two projects, which are created for the students, who attend different universities during their studies:

•     ECTS (The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System)
•     Diploma Supplement

ECTS makes study programmes easy to read and compare for all students, local and foreign. ECTS facilitates mobility and academic recognition. ECTS helps universities to organise and revise their study programmes. ECTS can be used across a variety of programmes and modes of delivery. ECTS makes European higher education more attractive for students from other continents. (For further information check the website)

The Diploma Supplement is a document attached to a higher education diploma providing a standardised description of the nature, level, context, content and status of the studies that were pursued and successfully completed by the graduate. The Diploma Supplement provides transparency and facilitates academic and professional recognition of qualifications (diplomas, degrees, certificates). 

Some of the information adapted from the website of European Commission.