4 people pose in front of the sea holding a t shirt reading

Erasmus+ programme 1987-2017


Maura O'Shea

Maura O'Shea

Posted: 5 May, 2017

30 years of Study, Work and Travel for over half a million Europeans travelling to and from Ireland thanks to the Erasmus+ programme.

Since 1987, over 60,000 higher education students and staff from Ireland have travelled for periods of study and/or work in 32 other European countries under the EU’s Erasmus Programme.  In addition, the programme has seen more than 100,000 other Europeans come to this country on similar exchanges generating in the process an additional 500,000 visits from family and friends to Ireland in that period. As the programme celebrates its 30thAnniversary, the Erasmus+ National Agency at the Higher Education Authority plans to raise the total outward bound number of students and staff for the Erasmus+ period 2014-2020 to 25,000 mobilities.

 

Launching the display of Erasmus 30th Anniversary commemorative banners around the capital, Lord Mayor of Dublin Brendan Carr stated that “the Erasmus+ programme is hugely important for students, building as it does vital skills that are extremely important for regional and national economies. We also know that each Erasmus+ student coming to Ireland attracts about four other visitors from family and friends, resulting in the arrival of 25,000 extra visitors to the country each year”.

Mr Gerry O’Sullivan, Head of International Education at the Higher Education Authority, added that “the Erasmus+ programme now has a presence on all continents and offers a powerful EU statement that through collaboration Europe can greatly enhance the educational journey of students”.

In 1987, the then European Commissioner, Mr Peter Sutherland, launched the programme. Thirty years later, it has undergone a massive evolution. Erasmus +, as it is now known, provides funding for learning exchanges across all educational sectors and across all continents.

In addition to facilitating the mobility of people, a significant portion of annual funding is devoted to projects which are designed to develop best practices in other areas of higher education.

For further information please see:

Web: www.eurireland.ie
Twitter: @ErasmusIreland
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Erasmus-Ireland-252444908178539/

More: Erasmus+, European Commissioner, EU’s Erasmus Programme, Lord Mayor of Dublin Brendan Carr, Mr Peter Sutherland

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