MEP Seán Kelly MEP is calling on the new Munster Technological University in Tralee and other third level institutions throughout the country to seize the opportunity posed by the UK’s departure from the Erasmus programme by increasing efforts to attract EU students here.
16,000 EU students participate in an Erasmus in the UK every year and now that the British are leaving the programme, Ireland’s third level institutions have an opportunity to capitalise.
“We are now the biggest English speaking Erasmus destination and we have top quality education to offer across all disciplines,” the Killarney based MEP said.
Mr Kelly’s comments come after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement that the UK chose to leave Erasmus despite his assertions in the House of Commons in January 2020 that there was no likelihood of this happening.
“About 8,000 EU students already come to Ireland every year through Erasmus. UCC and UL are popular choices and the Tralee campus of the Munster Technological University attracts students not only from the EU but also from over 140 countries worldwide,” the Ireland South MEP stated.
Erasmus was first established over 30 years ago to facilitate study exchanges for those in higher education and, since then, over none million people have participated with the scheme extended to include apprentices, teachers and youth workers.
“Erasmus is about much more than education in the traditional sense. It helps to broaden the perspectives of participants and boosts employability, especially for those considering a career abroad,” Mr Kelly said.
“It fosters international relationships and boosts cultural awareness among students,” he added.
The leader of Fine Gael in the EU Parliament said the higher education institutions themselves also benefit from an increase in reputation and international standing and lecturers he has spoken with have commented on a trend of Erasmus students later returning to complete post-graduate studies.
“Erasmus students also provide a boost to the local economy and to tourism. A Higher Education Authority study from 2016 shows that these students welcome an average of 4.3 visitors each to Ireland while undertaking their studies, usually family members who stay for a full week,” Seán Kelly stated.
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