New phase of Socrates unveiled

Edith Cresson, European commissioner for education, this week unveiled a new phase of Socrates that includes extending the Erasmus student-exchange scheme. For 1998-99, 200,000 student exchanges have been approved, up from 80,000 last year. Taking part will be 1,600 universities in 24 countries, including some in Eastern Europe. In addition, 35,000 teacher exchanges have been approved.