Erasmus internships as a rule of thumb has a duration time of 3 months to 1 year. So who is eligible for Erasmus internships and where can I start? Kindly contact your Careers Advisors at university as they will able to confirm what amount of time is required for your internship abroad to be validated. An Internship Learning Agreement is compulsory as it serves as a contract between the host organisation (where you will be completing the internship), yourself (the student as an intern) and the university at which you are currently enrolled. It is a three-party agreement.
Erasmus Internships abroad require applying for work experience in a foreign country, being accepted on the internship by a company recruiting interns, having your internship offer approved by your university, formalising the internship with a learning agreement issued by your university, and finally dealing with any visa applications, insurances, accommodation abroad and travel arrangements.
To be eligible for Erasmus + funding, you must meet the following criteria:
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Nationality: You must be a citizen of a participating country in the Erasmus+ programme.
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Age: There is no age limit for participation in the Erasmus+ programme.
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Level of study: You must be enrolled in a higher education institution and have completed at least one year of study to be eligible for Erasmus + funding.
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Type of mobility: You must participate in a mobility activity (studies, traineeships or teaching assignments) that is in line with your study or professional development.
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Duration: The minimum duration of mobility is two months, and the maximum is 12 months for studies and traineeships, and two years for teaching assignments.
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Language requirements: You must have a sufficient level of the language in which you will participate in the mobility activity.
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Sending and host institution: Your sending and host institutions must be affiliated with the Erasmus+ programme in order for you to be eligible for Erasmus.
Note: The exact eligibility criteria may vary depending on the type of mobility, the country you are from, and the country you are going to. It is advisable to consult the Erasmus+ national agency or the European Commission’s website for more information. More on How to Apply for Erasmus+ here.
What are the participating countries?
Don’t forget that in order to be eligible for Erasmus funding you must be a citizen of a participating country in the Erasmus+ programme. The countries participating in the Erasmus+ programme include:
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European Union (EU) member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
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European Economic Area (EEA) countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
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Partner countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, and Kosovo.
Note: The list of participating countries may change over time. It is advisable to consult the Erasmus+ national agency or the European Commission’s website for the latest information.
If you have any doubts about being eligible for Erasmus don’t forget that the first and most important place to start by enquiring is at your University!
You can complete the Erasmus+ programme in any of the countries that are participating in the programme. This includes:
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European Union (EU) member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
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European Economic Area (EEA) countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
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Partner countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, and Kosovo.
Note: The list of participating countries may change over time. It is advisable to consult the Erasmus+ national agency or the European Commission’s website for the latest information.
Erasmus internships, an important decision
Part of the decisions you will have to make when selecting an Erasmus internship opportunity, will be choosing the right location, the right industry, the right company as well as the right role for you. This will mean looking into the core values of the company and understanding the role offered throughout the Erasmus internship period. Practical work experience is fundamental and many companies are now used to hosting interns all year round.
More points to consider if you are eligible for Erasmus:
Financial budgeting when living abroad during your Erasmus Internship is also a considerable aspect you will have to consider. Erasmus Internships come with funding. You will need to apply through your university, have your internship approved, and respect certain requirements and deadlines in order to be eligible for mobility grants and or any financial support such as the one provided by the Erasmus+ mobility grant.
There is also the Turing Program available for UK students on an exchange or mobility program whether as a student abroad seeking to study or gain work experience. Don’t forget that there are 2 types of year abroad formats, which can be combined in one same year abroad: Study abroad and Work abroad. They both require a learning agreement and come with a mobility grant.