Erasmus+ at Leiden University
Internationalisation is an important part of the mission and vision of Leiden University. The Erasmus+ programme, an initiative of the European Commission, makes a substantial contribution to this goal. Erasmus+ provides grants for educational projects with partners within and outside Europe, and facilitates international student and staff exchange.
Internationalisation contributes to a safe, healthy, sustainable, prosperous and just world and prepares students for our ever-globalising society. This is why Leiden University welcomes international researchers and students and promotes international exchange and cooperation.
Within the Erasmus+ programme there is a variety of actions. A distinction is made between projects that focus solely on individual mobilities (Key Action 1) and projects that aim to promote cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices (Key Action 2). Apart from these two programme strands, a separate action is formed by the Jean Monnet Actions that specifically promote European integration.
Key Action 1: Individual learning mobilities
Leiden University mainly participates in Key Action 1 projects. Mobilities within Europe can take place in the context of a bigger project, but can also be one-time activities that stand on their own. In contrast, mobilities outside Europe always have a broader context. These so-called International Credit Mobility (ICM) projects have a duration of three years and enable mobilities between Leiden University and partner institutions around the world.
Key Action 2: Cooperation among organisations and institutions
Projects within Key Action 2 do not solely focus on mobility, although mobilities can be part of these projects. Instead, Key Action 2 projects are larger scale cooperations that typically involve multiple organisations and institutions. They aim to have a long-lasting effect on the participating institutions, and are expected to result in the development, transfer and implementation of innovative practices at different levels, from local to European levels. Additionally, Key Action 2 projects contribute significantly to the priorities of the Erasmus+ programme.
Priorities of the Erasmus+ programme
The Erasmus+ programme guide formulates the general objective of the programme:
"To support, through lifelong learning, the educational, professional and personal development of people [...] in Europe and beyond, thereby contributing to sustainable growth, quality jobs and social cohesion, to driving innovation, and to strengthening European identity and active citizenship."
Erasmus+ Programme Guide, p. 6, GENERAL OBJECTIVE
This general objective has lead to the establishment of four main programme priorities that should be addressed in each project:
- Social inclusion and diversity
- Digital transformation
- Environment and climate action
- Promoting participation in democratic life
More information about these priorities can be found in the Erasmus+ programme guide:
> Priorities of the Erasmus+ programme
For general information about Erasmus+ and its different programme actions in higher education, take a look at the following websites:
Priorities at Leiden University
Please note: This part of the website is under construction.
