Erasmus+
Erasmus+ is the EU programme for education, training, youth and sport. Its life budget of €14.7 billion provides opportunities to study, train, and gain experience, and volunteer abroad. Of this, almost 1 billion euro is allocated to the UK, which will enable around 250,000 people to benefit from European and international experience
The UK National Agency responsible for distribution of the Erasmus+ programme is a partnership between the British Council who are responsible for schools and higher education and Ecorys UK who look after adult education and vocational education and training. Both manage different aspects of youth funding and Youth Mobility Key Action 1.
The aim of Erasmus+ is to contribute to the Europe 2020 strategy for growth, jobs, social equity and inclusion, as well as the aims of ET2020, the EU's strategic framework for education and training. Erasmus+ also aims to promote the sustainable development of its partners in the field of higher education, and contribute to achieving the objectives of the EU Youth Strategy.
Specific issues tackled by the programme include: Reducing unemployment, especially among young people Promoting adult learning, especially for new skills and skills required by the labour market Encouraging young people to take part in European democracy as well as Supporting innovation, cooperation and reform, reducing early school leaving and promoting cooperation and mobility with the EU's partner countries
