Thousands of British students are set to benefit from the return of the Erasmus student exchange programme, which had been halted following Brexit. An agreement to rejoin this significant initiative is expected to be announced on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. Reports indicate that British students will be allowed to participate in Erasmus activities from January 2027, enabling them to study, train, or gain work experience across Europe.
The announcement has sparked excitement among many young people. Students and recent graduates expressed their joy in conversations with various media outlets, although they also lamented the missed opportunities during their own academic journeys. Joe Cogan, a political science student who spent two semesters studying in Germany post-Brexit, reflected on how his experience abroad transformed him. “Had I not spent the previous two years working every hour I wasn’t in uni, there was no way I could have afforded it,” he shared. Cogan emphasized that the return of Erasmus would enable future students to focus on their experiences rather than financial concerns.
After the UK’s exit from the European Union, the government introduced the Turing scheme as a replacement for Erasmus funding. However, an analysis from 2024 revealed that nearly 80% of universities faced challenges with the application process. Current Erasmus participant Will Milne, studying in Paris, noted that he did not receive any Turing funding for his year abroad. While he is managing financially, Milne expressed concerns that without adequate funding, many disadvantaged students could be excluded from such opportunities.
“It’s a relief that future generations of Brits will now get easier access to the continent,” Milne stated. He described his time in Paris as “the best time of my entire life,” highlighting the importance of cultural exchange among students across Europe.
The anticipated return to Erasmus is bittersweet for those whose educational plans were impacted by the UK’s exclusion. Recent graduate James Bamford from Durham University expressed regret for not being able to study abroad. “I would have loved to do a year abroad with my French A-Level skills and my History degree,” he said, noting that visa requirements and costs made such plans unfeasible. Bamford welcomed the news, stating it would provide students with more opportunities for exploration and a more rounded education.
Erasmus also plays a crucial role in facilitating staff exchanges, institutional partnerships, and projects aimed at innovation and cultural exchange across Europe. The recent agreement to rejoin the programme emerged from discussions between Nick Thomas-Symonds, the UK’s EU relations minister, and Maroš Šefčovič, his EU counterpart, in Brussels last week.
Political figures have weighed in on the significance of this development. Keir Starmer, leader of the UK Labour Party, stated that the UK must work to “get closer” to the EU. Conversely, former communications director for Boris Johnson, Guto Harri, criticized the decision as a “desperate attempt” to reconcile with the EU. He voiced concerns about prioritizing opportunities for UK students in non-European regions as well.
Before the announcement, arch-Brexiteer John Redwood cautioned against the government’s focus on funding Erasmus, arguing that it diverts attention from pressing domestic issues faced by young people in the UK, such as employment and housing.
In contrast, Brendan Donnelley, former Conservative Member of the European Parliament and leader of the Rejoin EU party, praised the decision to rejoin Erasmus. He asserted that opting out of the programme had detrimental effects on important academic relationships. “If you think that studying foreign cultures enriches British lives, then this is something to welcome,” he added, emphasizing the symbolic importance of the return.
The Chief Executive of the National Youth Agency, Leigh Middleton, noted that leaving Erasmus had restricted access to vital opportunities, especially for vulnerable and disadvantaged young people. “This decision to rejoin is significant,” she stated, advocating for equal access to transformative experiences for all young people, whether through education or international collaborations.
The return to Erasmus marks a pivotal moment for students in the UK, promising renewed opportunities for cultural exchange and personal growth. As the agreement unfolds, many are hopeful that future generations will benefit from the experiences that had previously been curtailed.
