Ms Marlene Forsyth European Development Manager The Robert Gordon University Guidance Teachers Conference 07 May 2008

Lifelong Learning Programme The Lisbon Strategy, March 2000 –The Union must become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world Re-Launch in 2005 –EU to become an advanced knowledge society with sustainable development, more and better jobs and greater social cohesion.

Lifelong Learning Programme The general objective of the Integrated Programme in the field of lifelong learning is to contribute to the development of the Community as an advanced knowledge society. In particular, it aims to foster interchange, cooperation and mobility between education and training systems within the Community so that they become a world quality reference.

LLP Structure Comenius School education Erasmus Higher education & advanced training Leonardo da Vinci Vocational education and training Grundtvig Adult education Transversal Programme 4 key activities – Policy Cooperation; Languages; ICT; Dissemination and exploitation of results (valorisation) Jean Monnet Programme 3 key activities – Jean Monnet Action,; European Institutions; European associations

List of Participant Countries The programme is open to the participation of: the 27 Member States (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom) Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Turkey; From Western Balkan countries and the Swiss Confederation.

Erasmus – Specific Objectives Support the realisation of a European Higher Education Area Reinforce the contribution of higher education and advance vocational education to the process of innovation 40% of LLP budget

Erasmus Student Study Periods Study periods of 3 to 12 months Maximum of 24 Erasmus mobility months over 3 cycles, i.e. undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral Bilateral Agreement

Erasmus Student Work Placements Work placements of 3 to 12 months Included in the maximum 24 Erasmus mobility months Host organisations can include –Enterprises –Training Centres –Research Centres –Other Organisations –European institutions or organisations managing European Community programmes are NOT eligible as host institutions

EUC and The British Council Universities apply for an Erasmus University Charter (EUC) in order to participate British Council manages UK ERASMUS Programme

RGUs current position Mission Statement To inspire and enable the transformation of individuals, economies and societies. Our Vision To be internationally recognised for excellence in professional education and applied research. The University is developing an Internationalisation Strategy.

RGU RGU has 18 years experience of ERASMUS Schools identify suitable partners Quality checks are undertaken by academics – e.g to check language facilities, academic recognition etc. If appropriate, Bilateral Agreements are signed

RGU RGU has links in 18 different countries 63 Partner HEIs eanoffice/page.cfm?pge=1929

RGU Opportunities are promoted to students: at early stage in their degree programme, as well as at Open Days, and on the UCAS website, prior to making their choices All are currently optional

RGU All students get academic recognition for study awarded through the ECTS credit system In RGU, 2 SCOTCAT Credits = 1 ECTS credit

RGU Students apply to RGU Suitable partners identified Study programme agreed Arrangements made for acceptance of student

RGU European Office: Issues study contract ECTS Learning Agreement Grant for student Provides information leaflet – office/page.cfm?pge=1569#2318

RGU Study Periods In 2007/08, a grant of 315 per month was awarded to students going to Bulgaria and Romania, while 440 per month was awarded to students going to all other countries Work Placements In 2007/08, a grant of 390 per month was awarded to students going to Bulgaria and Romania, while 490 per month was awarded to students going to all other countries Note: Amounts awarded will vary from year to year

RGU Erasmus Intensive Language Courses (EILCs) are specialised courses in the less widely used and less taught European Union languages and the languages of other countries participating in Erasmus. They are specifically for ERASMUS students to study the language of the host country, for up to 6 weeks, before starting their ERASMUS study period.

RGU Questions? Ms Marlene Forsyth European Development Manager Tel: (01224)