WHAT IS ERASMUS +
Background
Erasmus+ KA171 (International Credit Mobility - ICM) is the European Union's program for education, training, youth, and sport, offering opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to study, train, and volunteer abroad. The European Union usually has a theme for every funding period. The 2021-2027 Erasmus+ program places a strong focus on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions, and promoting young people’s participation in democratic life. It supports a wide range of activities, including individual mobility for students and staff, cooperation projects between organizations, and policy reform support.
Erasmus+ projects strengthen our collaborations with European partners and further enhance the intercultural aspects of our teaching, research, and public engagement activities.
Key aspects of Erasmus+
- Mobility: Facilitates learning mobility for students, trainees, and staff to gain experience abroad, improve language skills, and build intercultural competencies.
- Duration: Mobility periods typically range from 5 days to 12 months depending on the specific Erasmus+ agreement signed with the EU partner.
- Cooperation: Supports cooperation between educational institutions, youth organizations, and other bodies to foster innovation and exchange good practices.
- Scope: While originally focused on higher education, it now encompasses various sectors and has expanded to include partner countries outside the EU, with almost 200 countries participating.
- Funding: Grants are provided to help with travel and living costs, with amounts depending on the destination country's cost of living. The program has a substantial budget, with an estimated €26.2 billion allocated for the 2021-2027 period.
- Eligibility: Eligibility to participate depends on the specific agreement signed between UAlbany and the European Union partner. In some cases, only student or only faculty and staff participation may be permitted. In some cases, only a few academic disciplines are eligible.
Selection Process
Faculty/Staff Projects are selected by the following committee members:
- Dr. Susanna Fessler, Interim Vice Provost and Dean for the Center for International Education and Global Strategy
- Dr. Youqin Huang, Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Success; Professor
- Ms. Rachel Moody, Director of International Academic Partnerships
and International Academic Advising
Faculty/Staff Projects are selected according to the following criteria:
- Applicant meets all of the requirements outlined in the current opportunity information sheet. Links to opportunities are below.
- Potential to expand research collaboration, student enrollment, experiential learning opportunities
- Potential impact on the internationalization of curricula at UAlbany
- Quality of the proposed mobility plan while abroad (e.g., trainings, job shadowing, lectures, seminars, workshops, etc.)
- Alignment to Erasmus+ goals
- Inclusion and diversity: Promote equal opportunities and access for all, particularly participants with disabilities, disadvantaged backgrounds, or economic and geographical barriers.
- Environment and the fight against climate change: Build knowledge and attitudes on climate action, support sustainable growth (including rural and agricultural development), and strive for carbon neutrality by encouraging eco-friendly behaviors and sustainable transport.
- Digital transformation: Support the uptake of digital tools and online learning methods, boost digital skills, and foster digital literacy across all educational and youth sectors.
- Participation in democratic life: Strengthen European values, encourage youth involvement in democratic processes, and foster active civic engagement.
- Partner Institutions' selection of the selection committees finalists
- FACULTY or STAFF: Both full-time, permanent (non-visiting) faculty and staff may apply with permission from their Departmental Chair or Director, and Dean.