Brussels wants one in four European students to study abroad

The European Union is set to increase its learning mobility target and now wants almost a quarter of students to study abroad.

The European Council, the voice of member governments, has adopted a series of recommendations put forward by the European Commission to promote the benefits of learning, studying or training abroad.

The new target will aim for at least 23 per cent of graduates in higher education to have a learning mobility experience at EU level by 2030.

This is up from a previous target of 20 per cent set in 2009, which some critics had been calling for to be scrapped or lowered, according to reports.

The Covid-19 pandemic contributed to an evolution of learning patterns over the past decade, boosting virtual and blended learning, according to the council.

Caroline Désir, minister of education for the French community of Belgium, said youth mobility has “long been at the heart” of the EU.

“Learning abroad can provide valuable skills and a stronger sense of the EU’s common values,” she added.

“[The] recommendation will help expand opportunities for everyone to take advantage of the immense benefits that come with learning, studying or training outside their country of birth.”

The council said studying abroad helps students develop personally, educationally and professionally, as well as tackling skills gaps within the green and digital transitions.

Participants will also build a “strong sense of citizenship and an understanding of common values across Europe and beyond”, it added.

According to a 2022 survey, only 15 per cent of Europeans aged between 15 and 30 had participated in studying, training or apprenticeships in another EU country.

Of those taking part in study abroad programmes by 2027, the council wants at least 20 per cent to come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

It also adopted a target stating that at least 12 per cent of learners in vocational education and training should benefit from learning mobility abroad.

To help member states achieve these goals, the council suggests strengthening language learning across all stages of education, raising awareness about learning mobility opportunities, and improving recognition of learning outcomes associated with studying abroad.

EU students who learn abroad through the Erasmus+ programme do not have to pay registration or tuition fees at their host university, receive a grant towards living and travel expenses, and can count their time studying as an integral part of their degree.

patrick.jack@timeshighereducation.com