The University of Sheffield's Frequently Asked Questions database
Question:
What is 'Erasmus'?
Answer:
Erasmus ("European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students") is the European Commission's educational programme for Higher Education students, teachers and institutions. It was introduced in 1987 with the aim of increasing student mobility within the European Union, subsequently the European Economic Area countries and the Candidate Country of Turkey.
In 2007 Erasmus became part of the new Lifelong Learning Programme, incorporating study placements, work placements and language teaching assistantships.