European Universities welcome the Erasmus+ initiative

Staff at the International Offices at both The English University of Surrey and The German University of Bonn are convinced that student mobility is  important for the future cooperation between the membership countries of The European Union. When it comes to challenges facing the attempt to increase student mobility the offices mentions structural problems as finance and credit transfer.


Both Universities mentions the intercultural learning experience and the students great deal of self development as some of the most pronounced benefits for student mobility and for the Erasmus program.
Annette Kratz from the University of Surrey in England says: "The main benefits of student mobility are the fundamental changes that a person goes through when they have to choose to work or study in another country. It takes them outside their comfort zone."

Besides the personal development both Universities point out that an increase in student mobility can also increase the students feeling of being an European citizen. That is also an important goal for raising student mobility within the continent.
Andraes Archut from The International Office at The University of Bonn explain why student mobility in Europe is important:"The program gives intercultural learning and acedemic benefits, and it contributes to establishing a "European Identity" among young people, which especially is important in the current European crisis."


About challanges around the Erasmus+ program and increasing student mobility in Europe, the two offices point out multiple examples. Anette Kratz mentions communicating the benefits to the students, to get problems about credit transfer worked out so that the study period is not extended, financial problems and language barriers. Andreas Archut mentions  integration of students into international programmes as well as overcoming language and structural barriers.