As we live in the digital era, the Erasmus + program is also making its steps towards digitalization. The key element of this process is a new Erasmus + app, launched on Thursday, 28th of January 2021 via an online event. The event was launched and moderated by Tajana Mohnacki – Vice President of Erasmus Student Network. The participants were welcomed by the European Commission represented by Themis Christophidou – Director-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Mariya Gabriel – Culture and European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth. Thanks to Kaspars Ābelnīca – Web project administrator – Erasmus Student Network, who presented the app and all its features!
“The new Erasmus+ app is one of the key deliverables of the European Student Card Initiative and will make a significant contribution to achieving the vision of realising the European Education Area by 2025“. – European University Foundation
Despite the fact that the current situation is not exactly a celebration of student mobility, the Erasmus + program is still committed to it and its ability to deliver skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and self-confidence to take the charge and be proactive. This app, created in cooperation with European University Foundation, Erasmus Student Network, and ELTE University, was not made just to simply follow the flow of digitalization, but mostly to support student mobility and to increase the Erasmus + program make the registration process simpler, and the experience more inclusive.
So, what exactly Erasmus + app offers you? As Web project administrator at Erasmus Student Network Kaspars Ābelnīca presented, it is a digital one-stop-shop, that answers many questions not only students themselves, but also higher education institutions might have. In many ways, this app is your first digital friend during your Erasmus + adventure! It guides you every step of the way- whether it is finding your host institution, signing learning agreements, finding events around you, or discounts to find an apartment! It is also designed to reduce any confusion or anxiety you, as a participant, might have by providing up to date information and also by enabling universities to keep in touch with students by sending them notifications and reminders when needed.
To make your preparations and overall experience during the Erasmus + program go as smoothly as possible, one of the many features of this app is a checklist. The checklist is processed for each phase of student mobility and each phase contains individual steps that you must go through to avoid unnecessary surprises.
The second biggest feature is the feed. On this feed, simply by scrolling by the timeline, you will be able to see all information to support you during the experience like tips, stories, and events during your stay. You can see this also in a map view- the same content but in a geographic setting! And if you find on your feed something you might want to come back to later, you can give it like. All your liked items will be displayed in the shortlist and it will also let you know, what is currently popular among the rest of the users.
After your mobility experience is over, with this app you can share your story. By doing so, you will help other mobile students, give them support, strengthen the Erasmus + community and leave your mark on the future of the Erasmus + program.
In the future, Erasmus + app aims to become multilingual, to bring more universities and student organizations on board, and also to include the application, selection, and nomination process for Erasmus + mobility directly in the app!
If you want to check all the features and be up to date with every news, you can support this app by downloading it to your device via Apple Store or Google Play.
