Don’t feel like going back? Nothing could be more normal. You’re one of the many Europeans who have decided to extend their Erasmus Plus. On paper, it’s not possible to extend beyond 12 months per study cycle, but there are ways of staying in the country. Here’s how to extend your Erasmus Plus.
Tips for extending your Erasmus Plus: what you need to know
When a European mobility experience takes on the air of a life experience, it can be hard to see it coming to an end. Indeed, it’s not uncommon to find a different way of life in your host country. Just like different social codes and a working environment that suits you better. Whatever the country, the easiest way to avoid packing your bags is to hire someone. That’s because it takes all the financial worries out of the equation. What’s more, it makes administrative formalities much easier. Of course, it’s perfectly possible to move to a European country without first finding an employer. The public service has set up an online simulator for each category (student, jobseeker, pensioner, etc.), which can be consulted here.
Read more: they found a job with Mobi Trainee support
Points to bear in mind before extending your Erasmus Plus
If you decide to extend your Erasmus Plus, learning the local language is even more important. Contact your local town hall, host university or Erasmus Plus provider for advice and assistance.
- In the case of expatriation as a student, bear in mind that you’ll need to register as a local student, not a foreign one. This means you’ll have to deal with administrative formalities without the intermediary of an Erasmus Plus office.
- Bear in mind that you may also need to register on the list of French nationals living abroad if you want to be able to vote remotely, and be fiscally attached to the country.
Read more: Erasmus Plus for jobseekers
Existing European grants
If you’d like to extend your Erasmus plus and you’ve found an employer (or your internship company has offered you a position), you may be eligible for financial aid. This is a considerable advantage when you consider the current cost of living in Europe. EURES TMS (Targeted Mobility Scheme) is a scheme financed by the European Commission. Its partner, Pôle Emploi, enables you to apply for assistance ‘to help finance your move, language courses or facilitate your professional project’. Funding is as follows:
- ‘travel to the country concerned for an interview (cost from €110 to €385, depending on distance),
- recognition of your diplomas (lump sum of €440),
- relocation once an employment contract has been signed (amount from €770 to €1,540 depending on the destination country). The request must be made before you take up your new position. A supplement may be granted if a family member accompanies you,
- learning a new language in the destination country (up to a maximum of €2,200, depending on course costs);
- a living allowance for trainees and apprentices.’
Simply contact your Pôle Emploi advisor if you are registered, or register directly on the EURES TMS platform. We hope you find these tips for extending your Erasmus Plus useful. Have you decided to stay? We look forward to hearing from you on our social networks!
Read: A look back over five years: what Erasmus Plus has brought them professionally
