Tag: ERASMUS +

British Council set to become national agency for Erasmus+ in Scotland

The Department for Education has announced that the British Council is set to take on the role of the National Agency for Erasmus+.

In December the UK and EU arrived at a political agreement that the UK would join the Erasmus+ scheme in 2027. That agreement has now been legally formalised under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

Claire de Braekeleer, Director, British Council Scotland, said: “Erasmus+ offers a major funding boost to support Scotland’s place at the heart of cross-European cooperation on youth and learning opportunities. 

“As the National Agency for Erasmus+, we will work closely with the Department for Education, the Scottish Government and the European Commission to make the most of the opportunities of the programme for Scotland.

“Erasmus+ has a proven track record in changing lives, opening up learning experiences, providing insight into cultures, and nurturing global citizenship.

“We know from stakeholders across higher education, schools, technical and vocational education and training, and sport how valuable the programme will be in Scotland. It offers enormous benefit to people from a wide range of backgrounds, helping to build skills, confidence, an international outlook and lifelong connections to European peers.”

The British Council has a longstanding commitment to supporting international exchange. It was a lead partner in the Erasmus+ UK National Agency from 2014–20, where Erasmus+ made a significant contribution to the UK’s cultural relations activities.

During that period, the programme enabled over 37,635 young people, students and staff from Scotland to study, train or volunteer overseas, including 10,831 in higher education, 8,285 in schools, 8,865 in vocational education and training, and 3,867 in youth programmes. Scottish organisations also led 503 Erasmus+ projects.

In total, Erasmus+ funding in Scotland amounted to approximately €142 million, supporting higher education (€84.51 million), vocational education and training (€29.79 million), schools (€13.82 million), adult education (€8.54 million) and youth (€5.17 million).

Scottish organisations and institutions can find out more and register for updates on Erasmus+ opportunities at www.britishcouncil.org/erasmusplus

ERASMUS +: How can Scotland rejoin the largest education programme in the world?

Erasmus-Plus webinar: 4pm, Monday 8th February

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The UK Government has withdrawn from a proven scheme that has involved over 10m young people – students, apprentices and more – in exchanges across Europe in favour of an untested one-way scheme. But the Scottish and Welsh Governments are talking to Brussels about rejoining Erasmus.

How good are the prospects? Join us at 4:00 pm on Monday 8 February when we will examine why Erasmus-Plus has been such a success, why the mooted replacement Turing scheme is no alternative and how Scottish and Welsh young people should continue to enjoy the huge opportunities the EU scheme offers.

Chaired by Mark Lazarowicz, Chair of the European Movement in Scotland, we draw on the expertise of three/four authorities, including the founding spirit behind Erasmus, to explore the challenges and options ahead.

From Glasgow, Prof Anton Muscatelli, principal of Glasgow University and senior advisor to the Scottish Government, will give us his in-depth knowledge of an extensive range of economic and European issues. The university has been Britain’s biggest HE participant in the scheme.

From Cardiff, Hywel Ceri Jones, former European Commission director for education, who led the design and implementation of Erasmus and became director general for employment, social policy and industrial relations, will give a Welsh and European perspective.

From Glasgow, Rachel Sandison, vice principal, external relations, Glasgow University, will offer insights into we can best negotiate Scotland’s and Wales’s re-entry to the scheme.

From Glasgow Mary Senior is Scotland’s official of the Universities and Colleges Union since 2009 and has been STUC (Scottish Trades Union Congress ) President since November 2020. Originally from the West Midlands, Mary has two decades of working within the trade union movement in Scotland.

This event is organised in association with the Young European Movement. 

At the end of the webinar, the President, Julius Lajtha, will speak about their campaign on Erasmus.

Register for free tickets

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