A new chapter in the history of Erasmus+
This is a new Erasmus+ program set to launch in early 2021 and run for the next six years. Responsible, open, and ambitious: these are the three key words of the upcoming roadmap. As an added bonus, the program received the “Good Practices” label from the European Commission last October, recognizing the quality of the work carried out by UM teams during the 2014–2020 period.
This small plaque honors the outstanding work of the international relations teams at UM, both at the central office and within the various departments. This recognition was awarded following an audit conducted by the National Erasmus Agency, which “thus validates the quality of the implementation of the Erasmus+ program during the 2014–2020 period and its compliance with the charter signed by Philippe Augé, the president of UM,” explains Nadia Lagarde, deputy director of the Office of International Relations (DRI).
“Tracking outgoing and incoming mobility, providing language support, and ensuring recognition of our programs in partner countries— this is one way of validating our best practices,” adds Nadia Lagarde, especially since students aren’t the only beneficiaries; the European program is also open to our university’s staff (faculty and administrative personnel).
Exchange to grow stronger
This news comes at just the right time, as the internal information and promotional campaign for the new Erasmus+ program—covering the 2021–2027 period—is set to begin in the coming weeks. And according to Camylle Pernelle, department head, “the Erasmus+ program remains largely unknown outside of its mobility component. “There are numerous opportunities for cooperation, with a strong focus on the exchange of best practices, innovation, and capacity building for higher education institutions.”
Internationalization of doctoral studies in collaboration with South African universities; sharing expertise on the green transition and sustainable development with our European partners as part of the UNI-ECO project; work on developing a system for the recognition of prior learning with Algerian universities; creation of a master’s program in water management in West Africa… These are just a few examples that demonstrate the diversity and openness of the initiatives carried out under the Erasmus+ program.
Responsibility, openness, and ambition
The DRI plans to expand these initiatives through this new program, which is centered on three pillars: responsibility, openness, and ambition. “We’ll demonstrate responsibility by paying even closer attention to issues of ecological transition—for example, by giving greater priority to sustainable modes of transportation,” explains Camylle Pernelle. “We also aim to be more open through more inclusive measures,” adds Frédéric Achard, head of the mobility department. “We want to expand our mobility services to include people with disabilities and better address the needs of socially disadvantaged groups.” To achieve this, hybrid mobility solutions and greater digitalization will be offered.
“It’s ambitious, after all, because ‘with this new program, Europe is promising a tripling of budgets and an expansion of mobility opportunities,’ adds Frédéric Achard. ‘That means even more scholarships and mobility opportunities for students, who should know that we’re here to help them pursue their international mobility with as much support as possible by leveraging Erasmus+ grants, AMI grants , and regional grants.’”
“You have an idea; we’ll turn it into a project”
But this information campaign is not intended solely for students planning to study abroad.
Erasmus+ is also aimed at Professors would like to develop projects within the framework of the program, as Camylle Pernelle points out: “ If you have an idea, we’ll turn it into a project—that’s the message we want to convey to them.” ” Another goal of the new program is to involve local authorities—regions, departments, metropolitan areas—more closely. At the national level, the UM ranked once again this year among the top three most dynamic universities in implementing its Erasmus+ program. A position it is unlikely to relinquish anytime soon.
Student Mobility at UM: By the Numbers
Each year, on average, 550 students participate in international exchange programs as part of their studies, with approximately 350 of them going to Europe. As for internships abroad, an average of 930 students take advantage of this opportunity, with 450 of them going to Europe. The most popular destinations are Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, Ireland, and Germany. Finally, approximately 420 international exchange students are welcomed to UM each year. Students from Germany, Belgium, Spain, and Italy make up the largest groups.