"During the Austrian Presidency we have been able to increase the EU budget for education by 800 million euros", Education Minister Elisabeth Gehrer declared today, Friday. The lifelong learning programme thus has resources totalling 6.97 billion euros for the period 2007 to 2013. "As a result, by 2012, at least 3 million students with an Erasmus grant will have obtained experience abroad and by 2013, 80 000 young people yearly will have done training under the Leonardo scheme.
Other important decisions for the future of Europe have also been taken over the last few months according to Gehrer. She described the fact that the countries of the Western Balkans would be able to take part in the EU mobility programmes from 2007, without already being members of the Union, as a "resounding success of the Austrian Presidency". She also commented that Erasmus, Leonardo and other programmes are an example of how close the European Union can be to its citizens. "When I talk to young people, I can feel their great enthusiasm, for a period abroad can open up new perspectives and possibilities. For this reason Austria has also increased its national support from the academic year 2006/07 by up to 17 %", she added.
Agreement was also reached in Brussels on Friday on an EU mobility guide. The new "quality charter" adopted by the Council will in future considerably simplify preparation, the sojourn abroad and the crediting of the school, study and training periods. "This decision serves to promote young people in Europe and make the tried and tested periods of study and practical training abroad even more attractive", Gehrer concluded.
10-point programme of the new EU guide to greater mobility
Prior to departure abroad:
1. Information about programmes
2. Learning programme drawn up by the student should set goals
3. These goals should focus on personal abilities
4. Specific preparation before departure (language, administrative, legal and cultural aspects)
5. Identification of language knowledge and courses on offer in the home country and language support in the host country
In the host country:
6. Practical support (insurance, social insurance, accommodation)
7. Mentoring in the host country
On return:
8. Facilitation of course credits
9. Advice on best use of the skills and competences acquired
10. Sending and host organisation work together to achieve these nine points
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