University launches 400 Erasmus placements

The University of Malta has just launched applications for 400 placements under the Erasmus programme.

Over the years, a considerable number of students have participated in the Erasmus programme. With an average rate of 120 students each year, totalling 800 since the programme was launched in Malta in 2000, this year marks the highest number of placements being offered.

Erasmus coordinator Annhelica Scerri said that a semester abroad provides the student with a wealth of knowledge and experience. "The programme also gives him/her new tools and proficiency that are certainly useful in today's highly competitive job market. Together with an enriched study experience, Erasmus also provides exposure to different cultures."

She explained that grants are awarded to the Erasmus students through financing received from the European Commission and are calculated per month according to the country of destination.

"The student retains his government maintenance grant during the period of study abroad. The grant does not cover all the expenses incurred. Therefore students should make sure that they have other forms of financing to cover their expenses."

She said that since the launch of Erasmus in 1987, more than a million students have been able to take advantage of mobility arrangements.

"All over Europe, the Erasmus label is regarded as a prestigious award signalling an individual's openness to cultural diversity and interest in developing a European dimension on a personal and an academic level. Over 1.5 million students have participated so far, with a goal of reaching three million by 2013."

During the launch last Tuesday, International and EU Office director Omar Grech, Maureen Cole, Rector's Delegate for International Students' Wellbeing, Erasmus coordinator Maria Vella, and Ms Scerri, explained how specific contracts are signed between universities enabling students to proceed on Erasmus placements.

"These contracts, the Erasmus Bilateral Agreements, specify the area of study, the number of students and the duration of the placement. Such Erasmus Bilateral Agreements bind the two universities involved in accepting students under Erasmus conditions (non-fee-paying, equal academic rights to local students, etc) and to cooperate within the Lifelong Learning Programme."

In a study on the impact of the Erasmus programme covering a seven-year period, the European Commission said Erasmus had given families an instrument that allows their children to open their horizons through a period abroad, and participation in the programme shortened the period during which the young graduate looked for a first job.

"More than 80 per cent of the students having benefited from an Erasmus study period abroad are the first in their family to have had the possibility to study abroad.

"Close to 90 per cent of students have reported as positive or very positive the results of their stay and study abroad under Erasmus," the Commission said.

"The students themselves achieved greater linguistic competences during their Erasmus experience, and the percentage of students being able to work in a second language increased compared to those who did not participate in the Erasmus mobility scheme.

"A large number of students declared that the period abroad allows them to start or improve their skills in a third or even a fourth foreign language."