With the launch of a dedicated Interrail Global Pass tailored to Erasmus+ participants, Eurail and ESN cement their commitment to contributing to the shift to rail travel.
With 73% of Erasmus+ participants arriving at their Erasmus+ destination by plane (ESNsurvey XV Preliminary Report), the exclusive Pass is Eurail’s latest initiative aimed at offering a greener alternative to students and staff who are embarking on a unique opportunity to study or work abroad for a period of time. With this Pass, participants can reduce their carbon footprint while travelling to their host country by rail and discovering Europe’s highlights and hidden gems along the way.
The initiative follows the European Commission’s introduction of a Green Travel Support within the Erasmus+ Programme Guide for all students and staff – a contribution to the travel costs of participants travelling to and from their destination using sustainable modes of transport – and showcases the collective commitment of Eurail and the European railway community to encourage the adoption of rail within Erasmus+ participants.
As travelling by train is a green travel solution, participants can apply for Green Travel Support and offset the cost of the Pass, thus making the initiative greatly beneficial for cost-savvy participants.
Participants can use the Interrail Global Pass for Erasmus+ to reach their host country and university and return to their homes at the end of their programme. In addition, students and staff will have extra travel days to go one step further and explore Europe on the way to and from their programme destination. They may also choose to use their extra travel days to explore their host country or a neighbouring country during the programme.
“In collaboration with our European railway community, we are thrilled to do our part and encourage the transition to rail by providing a dedicated Interrail Pass to Erasmus+ participants. This initiative exemplifies our collective effort to work alongside institutions to foster more environmentally responsible travel behaviours”, said Carlo Boselli, CEO, Eurail B.V.
“To fulfil the ambitious objectives outlined in the European Green Deal and to guarantee that students receive the highest quality services during their travels abroad, we are enthusiastic to announce the Interrail Global Pass for Erasmus+. This pass has been meticulously crafted, taking into consideration the travel support provided by the Erasmus+ Programme, thereby empowering the Erasmus Generation to embark on journeys that are both environmentally conscious and financially feasible," stated Rita Dias, President of the Erasmus Student Network.
After consulting their home university, participants can purchase the Interrail Global Pass for Erasmus+ and choose between validities of 4 days in 6 months or 6 days in 6 months. These Passes are available in both youth and adult categories. Learn more about the Interrail Global Pass for Erasmus+ participants by visiting this page.
About Eurail B.V.
Eurail B.V. gives travellers from all over the world the opportunity to experience flexible, borderless train travel across Europe. With a Eurail or Interrail Pass (for non-European and European citizens, respectively), travellers of all ages can use an expansive network of train and ferry connections to travel in and between up to 33 countries. Eurail and Interrail Passes are available via the Eurail.com and Interrail.eu web shops, as well as via an extensive network of trusted distribution partners worldwide. Eurail B.V. is owned by over 35 railway and ferry companies in Europe.
About the Erasmus Student Network
ESN is the largest student network in Europe, with over 500 local branches spread across 45 countries and present in more than 1000 Higher Education Institutions. The organisation works to create a more mobile and flexible education environment by supporting and developing student exchange from different levels and providing an intercultural experience to those students who cannot access a period abroad ("internationalisation at home"). Thus, ESN involves around 15,000 volunteers offering its services to around 350,000 international students every year.
About Erasmus+
Erasmus+ is an EU project that supports education, training, youth and sport while advocating for social inclusions and a green and digital transition. With an Interrail Global Pass for Erasmus+, participants can experience these values firsthand from the moment they start their travel journeys.
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