Exchange program in Europehas long ceased to be something distant and unusual. Nowadays, the student exchange system is popular in many countries, including Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and even in Belarus, where several universities cooperate under this program. But truly close collaboration with partner universities from other countries is provided by the Czech Republic. Exchange studies here are not for only the top achievers or the most active students. It is a widespread practice, in which almost any university student can participate.
In this article, we will discuss: what isErasmus student exchange, who can participate in it, what is needed for this, and how this program will affect your career.
What is Erasmus+
Erasmus+— is an exchange program that allows you to study or do an internship in another country. Thanks to it, a student can go to a foreign university for several months while continuing their studies at their own university.
The idea of creating Erasmus+ was promoted by the Italian educator and politician Sofia Corradi. During her studies, she encountered a problem:universities of Europeand other countries did not recognize each other's subjects and diplomas. Thanks to her initiative, the program was officially launched in 1987 to develop international cooperation. Over time, Erasmus became one of the largest educational programs in Europe. It is financed by the European Union through the EU budget for education and international cooperation.
The name itself is associated with the name of Erasmus of Rotterdam — a philosopher of the Renaissance era. He traveled across Europe, taught at various universities, and became a symbol of international education.
InErasmus+ in the Czech RepublicUniversity students who have partnership agreements with universities in other countries can participate. At the same time, the program includes both students who are citizens of the Czech Republic and students from other countries who are studying at Czech universities. Almost any student who is studying at a participating university can take part inErasmus+.
What possibilities does it giveErasmus+ program
Thanks to the Erasmus+ program, a lot of advantages open up for students who plan to take advantage of itstudies in the EU:
- Studying abroad.You will be able to study not only in the Czech Republic, but also in partner countries — for example, in Germany, France, or Italy. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the culture and customs of other countries, as well as to learn a lot of new things for yourself.
- Internships.In addition to studying, students can take advantage of the program to complete internships. This will help gain practical experience, improve professional skills, and increase their chances in future employment.
- Knowledge.Training and internships in different countries will help you get acquainted with various approaches to learning and work, develop independence, and also improve your foreign language skills.
- International contacts.Studying outside of one country opens up a wide range of acquaintances. Communicating with people and future colleagues from different countries provides an opportunity to exchange experiences in the future and receive good recommendations that will positively affect job search.
Who can participate in Erasmus+
The following categories of students from Czech universities can participate in the Erasmus+ program:
- Undergraduate students. After the second year (in some universities, 1 year is enough), students can participate in the exchange program. This is done so that participants already have basic training in their specialty and a sufficient level of knowledge for studying at a foreign university.
- Master's students. The period of a master's program is considered one of the best for participating in Erasmus+, as the student is on the threshold of graduating from university. Thanks to such a trip, you can decide on the country where you would like to start your career, as well as deepen your knowledge and gain valuable experience for a successful thesis defense.
- Postgraduate Students. There is also an exchange program for postgraduate students. Thanks to it, you will be able to conduct research at foreign universities, work with foreign academic supervisors, participate in international projects and conferences, and also expand your professional and scientific contacts.
Requirements for participants.In order to participate in the Erasmus+ exchange program, it is necessary to meet the following criteria:
- to study at a university that has signed an agreement with the Erasmus+ program;
- to be a student of a specific university for at least two years;
- to have a fairly high academic performance (usually a level starting from an average grade is required, it is important not to have any outstanding credits);
- knowledge of English or the language of the country you are going to for exchange is at least B2 level, although sometimes B1 is allowed (language proficiency is confirmed by IELTS or TOEFL or a certificate from the university;
- Additional student achievements may be taken into account: participation in projects, research activities, involvement in student life, volunteering, and so on.
How the exchange program works
- Erasmus+ studies usually last 1–2 semesters, meaning that a student temporarily goes to study at a university in another country but remains a student of their home university. During this time, they receive knowledge from the partner university.
- After completing the exchange, the student returns to their university and provides the grades received during the study in another country. The university is obliged to recognize these courses and count them as part of the curriculum so that the student does not lose a semester and can continue their studies.
- Credit for courses works through the ECTS system: before the trip, the student and the university sign a learning agreement, which specifies in advance which courses he will study abroad.
Erasmus+ in the Czech Republic
All public universities in the Czech Republic participate in the Erasmus+ program. The difference lies in specific nuances and requirements for students who want to take part in the exchange program. In some places, you need to have excellent academic performance, high grades, and show activity in social or university life. At other universities, it is enough to have slightly above average grades, no academic debts, and be considered a responsible student.
For example, one of the most active universities in terms of experience exchange is Charles University. It is the largest university in the Czech Republic, with more than 50,000 students. It is not surprising that about 1,300 university students go abroad for study every year.
Among the universities actively participating in Erasmus+ are also the Masaryk University, Czech Technical University in Prague, Brno University of Technology, and Palacký University in Olomouc. These universities have a large number of partnership agreements with European universities and annually send students abroad for study and internships.
Also, small state universities, for example, the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice or the Technical University in Liberec, cooperate in this program through a system of bilateral agreements and regularly send students on exchange.
In the Czech Republic, there are also educational institutions that do not participate in the Erasmus+ program. These are small private institutions with a limited number of students and fewer international opportunities.
How to apply for Erasmus+
If you are a student of a Czech university, have good academic performance, and are proficient in English or the language of other European countries, you can confidently apply to participate in the Erasmus+ program. For this, you need to:
- Contact the university. Usually, matters of international partnership are handled by specific staff members or the university's international office. Reach out to them, attend a consultation, and fill out the necessary applications to participate in the program.
- Selection. Your applications will be reviewed by a special committee. Your grades, language proficiency, motivation, and activity in learning are also taken into account. If everything is suitable, you will be notified of the positive decision.
- Documents. To participate in the Erasmus+ program, the following documents are usually required: application for participation; learning agreement; transcript of records; motivation letter; resume; certificate confirming knowledge of a foreign language; copy of passport.
- Deadlines. You usually need to submit documents to participate in Erasmus+ several months before the start of studies or an internship. The exact deadlines depend on the specific university and theirinternational exchange programs.
Requirements for participants
The following requirements are imposed on students who have applied to participate in the Erasmus+ program:
- Academic performance.Usually not below the average level. The specific threshold depends on the university and faculty.
- Knowledge of the language.English or the language of the country you plan to visit is usually not below level B2. In some cases, level B1 is allowed.
- Motivational letter.Absolutely. It is important for the committee to understand your motivation, the purpose of your participation, and why you want to go on the exchange.
- Recommendations.These are letters from teachers or mentors. They evaluate your abilities, activity, and personal qualities. They help the committee understand how suitable the student is for participating in the exchange.
Funding and grants
Erasmus+ Programpartially covers students' expenses for tuition and accommodation during the exchange. The amountgrant for studentsdepends on the country, university, duration, and type of program (study or internship).
| Study grant in Europe | How does this work for students | Approximate amounts |
|---|---|---|
| Studying at the host university | - | Training is free |
| Monthly Erasmus+ scholarship | Paid by the university before/during the exchange | Usually 540 € per month depending on the destination country |
| Additional payment to low-income students | You can get additional support | Usually +200–250 € per month |
| Travel grant | Partially covers flight/train | From €28 to €1735 depending on the distance |
| Erasmus+ internship | The grant is higher for traineeship | Usually around €600+ per month |
| Increased scholarship for expensive countries | For Germany, France, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, and others, payments are higher | About €660 per month |
Pros and cons of Erasmus+
Student exchange programIt has its pros and cons. Let's analyze them in more detail.
Pros:
- International experience.During an exchange program, a student gains experience of living and studying in another country, as well as gets acquainted with a new education system.
- New acquaintances.Erasmus+ allows you to meet students from all over the world, make new friends, and gain useful international contacts.
- Language practice.Constant communication and learning in a foreign language help to overcome the language barrier faster and improve language proficiency.
- Impressions of a new country.The program provides an opportunity to get acquainted with the culture, traditions, and way of life of another country.
- Partial coverage of expenses.Erasmus+ provides financial support that helps cover part of the expenses.
Cons:
- Competition.As a rule, there are usually many people who want to try themselves in the international program, and the number of spots is limited. In order to pass the selection, sometimes it is necessary to raise your average grade or additionally participate in several events.
- Adaptation.A new country, a new university, new neighbors, classmates, and daily life — you need to get used to all of this. Sometimes by the time you have already started to feel at home, it's already time to return home.
- Expenses.It is important to understand that Erasmus+ does not cover all expenses. The program provides financial support, not a 'completely free life' in another country. Therefore, you will have to rely on your own savings.
How to increase the chances of participation
To increase your chances of participating instudent exchange, it is enough to follow a few recommendations.
- Good academic performance.Pull yourselves together and pay more attention to your studies. There is a certain academic threshold for participating in the program, and it needs to be met.
- Language.Spend more time studying the language — English or the language of the country you want to go to on an exchange. It is really important. You will thank yourself if the language you have learned is at a high level.
- Activity.Universities in the Czech Republic constantly hold various events: concerts, scientific projects, conferences, and volunteer programs. Choose what best fits your schedule, character, and lifestyle.
- Motivational letter.This is an important element of selection. Think about why you want to participate in Erasmus+ and why it is important specifically for you. Sometimes candid and honest letters, well-written and thoughtfully composed, help to pass the selection process even more than a high grade point average.
Why Erasmus+ is a plus for your career
Erasmus+ is not just about the emotions from a new country. Participation in this program can significantly impact your future career.
- Experience abroadStudying or interning abroad shows an employer that you can adapt to new conditions and are not afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
- CV. Participation in an international program makes your resume stronger and sets you apart from other candidates.
- International companies. Many international companies have a positive attitude towards candidates with experience studying or working abroad.
Help and consultations
Studying in the Czech Republic on a budget, international internships, and the opportunity to get a high-paying job anywhere in the world — all of this is possible with MedStudy. We help applicants from many post-Soviet countries on the path to successful admission to the Czech Republic.
Preparation for entrance exams, learning the Czech language at a level sufficient for admission and study, assistance with collecting and processing documents, meeting deadlines, and handling organizational issues — all of this is included in student support from MedStudy.
Contact MedStudy for a consultation, and we will help you choose a university, prepare for admission, and make your path to obtainingEuropean educationsignificantly simpler.
FAQ
- How to get into Erasmus+?Students of universities that cooperate with Erasmus+ can participate in the program. Usually, to participate, it is necessary to have good academic performance, know a foreign language, and meet the requirements of their university.
- Which universities in the Czech Republic participate in the Erasmus+ program? All public universities in the Czech Republic participate in the Erasmus+ program. Among them are Charles University, Czech Technical University, Prague University of Economics, Masaryk University, and many others. Exceptions are small private universities that do not participate in the exchange program or have a limited number of partner universities.
- What should I do if I cannot get into the Erasmus+ program? You should not be upset. You can improve your GPA, increase your language proficiency, or participate in university events. After that, you can try to apply again.
- What is it forErasmus+ programErasmus+ helps students gain international experience, improve their knowledge of foreign languages, get acquainted with a new culture, and make their resume more attractive to employers.
