English-speaking countries are among the favorite destinations for Erasmus students, but could the recent news in the United Kingdom jeopardize the project of students who were planning to study abroad?
In this second article dealing with this news, we give you a quick overview of the consequences of Brexit on the European mobility of Erasmus students.
The Erasmus programme in the UK
Every year, thousands of French students go to study in a member state of the European Union and experience the cultural diversity of the country. Indeed, student mobility is a real academic and professional opportunity that allows them to develop new skills.
But the geopolitical situation of a country can have consequences on exchange programs and the Erasmus Plus project was not spared.
For several months, the United Kingdom has been experiencing a serious political crisis that will lead to the country leaving the European Union. Brexit is currently set for the 31rst of October 2019 and Erasmus students are worried about it.
There are several concerns: will the Erasmus exchange be possible? Will tuition fees increase? Will students in the UK be able to get their ECTS?
What will change because of Brexit?
French students can rest assured. Even in the event of Brexit, the Erasmus Plus program will continue to exist and will be able to support students during their stay in the UK.
The UK must reach an agreement with the EU
The Erasmus Plus program enables exchanges with non-EU countries so there is no need to worry. The UK has a very dense university network and will continue with its many partnerships.
However, if the UK does not reach an agreement with the EU, the consequences could be more damaging and the Erasmus Plus program would be put into question.
French authorities have already provided as much information as possible on the subject with a very detailed Q&A panel. We invite you to consult the page on the official government website official government website.
What about the student visa?
If the UK succeeds in getting a deal to leave the EU, the student visa process will not change and students will follow the usual procedure.
If not, the UK government will certainly have to change some parameters and tighten up the issuing of a student visa for an Erasmus stay. It will still be possible to study at an English university or to do an internship, but the conditions will be different.
Will ETCS credits still be valid?
The other major concern of students concerns the ECTS credits that allow them to validate their academic year and obtain their degree.
This aspect seems more reassuring because, with or without the agreement, the UK university system will remain unchanged and French students will still be able to obtain their ECTS credits.
