Get to Know the New Erasmus +

The Erasmus + program has enabled many European students to study in foreign countries. The new version focuses on very important aspects.

Reviewed and approved by the child educator Pedro González Núñez.

Written by Pedro González Núñez

Last update: 27 December, 2022

As every year, a new Erasmus + program arrives for the period 2021-2027. Of course, this time around, it’s presented with a series of interesting aspects that make it especially attractive to young people.

The new program that’s just started is mainly focused on inclusion, sustainability, and digitization. This arises from some youth initiatives. So, let’s see what this is about.

What new features are incorporated into the Erasmus + 2021 program?

With a budget that doubles that of the 2014-2020 period, the new Erasmus + program has been endowed with 26.2 billion euros. In turn, these are added to another 2,200 million from other instruments of the European Union, such as the Neighborhood, Development and Cooperation Instrument.

It seems that with this substantial growth, Europe is betting on the continuous learning of young people, the union of peoples, and a greater knowledge of the “old continent”.

This program that involves 33 countries is becoming increasingly accessible to all. In addition, it offers international activities while promoting sports training and transversal and transnational education.

At the moment, the first annual work program has more than 2.8 billion euros to start with and hopes to be at the forefront in European universities.

The keys to the program

The keys to the new Erasmus + program are based on four fundamental principles: Inclusivity, digitization, ecology, and youth proper.

1. Inclusivity

The first principle that marks this campaign of the Erasmus + program is that of inclusivity. That is, to provide more opportunities to those who have more difficulties.

To achieve this, it works with various companies and agents on a small and large scale. And to enhance this issue, international cooperation has also been increased.

In this way, today, third countries come into play that provide essential aid in various sectors, ranging from sports education to vocational training.

2. Digitization

The pandemic has caused many changes in this regard, but on the basis of a society that was already highly focused on the virtual world.

In recent months, there has been a huge growth in online training, a fact that, from this program, we want to promote even more.

The European Commission has decided to bet clearly on the digital modernization of education systems. With this objective, various platforms are launched to ensure a substantial improvement in a short time:

• eTwinning
• School Education Gateway
• EPALE
• Youthpass
• European Youth Portal

All these strategies promote the implementation of educational digitization. In addition, an intensive combination of physical mobility with teamwork and online work is also intended. These changes will facilitate the creation of a European student card.

3. Ecology

Another one of the strengths of the new program is that it’s committed to protecting the environment through the creation of sustainable transport networks.

The European Union has shown greater sensitivity to the climate crisis and has signed the European Green Deal. This document promotes policies on the use of sustainable resources, both for transport and for other issues, in order to raise awareness and mitigate the effects of this global problem.

If we have learned anything from the pandemic, it’s that we need to develop a more environmentally friendly society.

4. Youth

The final priority, but no less important, is that of the youth. Thanks to the integration of the DiscoverEU program, the European Union facilitates the participation of young people in a more democratic way than in the previous Erasmus +.

The objective is to promote the independence of the youth so that they can travel by train between countries and discover the old continent in their own way. This will allow them to open their minds to different cultures.

The strength of the program is in the union

All kinds of initiatives designed to encourage participation will be supported by the new program, as its main objective is to enhance knowledge and awareness of fundamental rights and European values.

You already know the new Erasmus +. Now it’s in your hands, whether you’re a young person, a mother, or a  father, to make the most of this mind-opening and goal-expanding opportunity to travel.