Durham University has been involved in Erasmus+ and its predecessor programmes since its inception in 1987.
The activities offered through Erasmus+ are integral to its internationalisation strategies and enable it to provide a global student experience.
In the past three years alone Durham University has received around four million euro of Erasmus+ funding to support both staff and students on exchanges with other institutions in Europe, sending and receiving around 1,500 students to and from its European partner institutions. With over 170 partners across the European Union, staff and students have plenty of choice. Outgoing students typically study abroad at one these partner institutions, with a small number also pursuing work placements or undertaking dissertation research. Durham has also run vocational education and training, adult education and International Credit Mobility projects under Erasmus+ and its predecessor programmes, as well as a number of Jean Monnet activities.
We find that our students return to Durham University with renewed vigour and fresh perspectives which in turn benefits the whole institution. Our incoming Erasmus+ students provide colour, diversity and enrich our student body and local community both academically and socially.
- Inez Janna Summers, Exchanges and Study Abroad Manager, Durham University
Spreading the word
The university runs a very successful blogging platform, allowing students on Erasmus+ exchanges to talk about their challenges and achievements during the placement. These case studies enable the International Office to promote the programme and provide advice to new students. Their returning exchange students act as ambassadors at study abroad fairs; their last fair was attended by more than 600 students – a solid indication of the interest and need for exchange opportunities in Europe. Durham also has a very active Erasmus Student Society, which works closely with Durham County Council to promote international opportunities for young people in the local community via Erasmus+ Youth initiatives. Durham’s association with Erasmus+ therefore not only has impact within the university but also in the wider communities of the North East region.
A student perspective
Sarah, who has recently taken part in Erasmus+, studying at Salamanca University, agrees:
"I enjoyed every part of my Erasmus+ semester in Spain. I studied at Salamanca University, the third oldest university in the world and met people from all over the globe, not just Europe! I would really recommend Erasmus+, even to people who may not do a language as part of their degree. It was an unforgettable experience; I made some friends that I am planning to see again very soon, I got to travel around different parts of Spain and really immersed myself in the culture of Salamanca, a small city which felt like home very quickly. Definitely some of the best months of my life!"
The Erasmus+ circle of life
Inez, Durham University's Exchanges and Study Abroad Manager, took part in Erasmus herself, in the late nineties in France and says:
"I met friends during that year that I know I’ll be in touch with forever; I've been to their weddings and met their children! I remember my exchange year as one of the seminal times in my life where I discovered myself and realised my own potential. Durham University is extremely proud to continue in this European journey via Erasmus+”.
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