Erasmusohjelman

The Erasmus Programme, often referred to as Erasmusohjelma in Finnish, is a European Union funding programme for education, training, youth, and sport. It is named after the Dutch philosopher and theologian Desiderius Erasmus, who travelled extensively throughout Europe during the Renaissance. The programme aims to provide opportunities for students, trainees, teachers, and youth workers to study, work, volunteer, or gain experience abroad.

Participants in the Erasmus Programme can undertake a period of study at a partner university in another European country, complete an internship with a company or organization abroad, or engage in youth exchange projects. The programme covers a wide range of fields and disciplines. It is designed to foster intercultural understanding, enhance language skills, and improve employability.

The Erasmus Programme has been instrumental in promoting mobility and cooperation within the European higher education area and beyond. It provides financial support to help cover travel and living costs for participants. While initially focused on higher education students, the programme has expanded over the years to include vocational education and training, school education, adult learning, and youth activities. Its successor, the Erasmus+ programme, continues this legacy, integrating various EU programmes for education, training, youth, and sport under a single umbrella.