Positive impact of exchange programmes for students and staff undisputed

Nine in ten graduated university students believe that knowledge and experience acquired in their Erasmus+ exchange programmes are useful in their current work. This is among key findings in a new study on the impact of Erasmsus+ on the university community. The findings thus support earlier studies showing the positive impact of Erasmus+ in students' lives and work. The findings furthermore show that Erasmus+ boosts innovation and equal opportunities within the university community.

The number of students at the University of Iceland who have opted to do Erasmus+ traineeships abroad has multiplied, whereas the number of exchange students remains stable. The study shows 40% who did an Erasmus+ traineeship abroad were hired or offered a job position by their host company.

The study is based on feedback from nearly 77,000 students, both current and former, as well as staff, both with and without experience of Erasmus+. On the one hand the study explores the results of Erasmus+ student and staff exchange, and on other the impact of Erasmus+ cooperative projects in higher education on local communities, within countries, and for the whole of Europe.  The full reports can be accessed on the EU's website, but the main conclusions are the following: 

Erasmus+ student and staff exchange
•    Over 70% of Erasmus+ students discover what they want to do in life while abroad.
•    Nine in ten Erasmus+ graduates report gains in adaptability, ability to collaborate with people from different cultures, communication skills, and problem-solving skills. 
•    Nine in ten Erasmus+ graduates report that they use their acquired skills and experiences in their current work.
•    40% who did an Erasmus+ traineeship abroad were hired or offered a job position by their host company.
•    43% of academic staff who went to teach or train abroad with Erasmus+ adopted new ways of teaching.
•    More than 80% of academics report that Erasmus+ has led to improvements in curriculum development and teaching methods in their faculty.

Erasmus+ cooperation projects
•    Over 85% of Erasmus+ cooperation boost digitalisation and projects led to wider integration of information and communication technologies.
•    More than 80% of universities stated they are better prepared for digital transformation, for addressing labour market needs, and delivering increasingly innovative, interdisciplinary and inclusive teaching and learning.
•    Three in five projects are considered to have contributed to enhancing social inclusion and non-discrimination in higher education, with 56% of participating organisations stating that these Strategic Partnerships reinforce democratic values and the civic role of universities in their countries.