Erasmus Days: Celebrating European Exchange and Cultural Diversity  

Erasmus Days is an international event that takes place mid-October. The event encourages Erasmus alumni, students, educators, and organizations to share their experiences and achievements related to the Erasmus+ program. From seminars to cultural exhibitions, every event reflects the program’s values of international cooperation, educational exchange, and cultural diversity.  

The Erasmus+ Program  

The Erasmus+ program, launched in 1987, is one of the EU’s flagship initiatives. Originally created to allow students to study abroad for a semester or year at a European university, it has since expanded to include vocational education, adult learning, and youth programs. It now serves over 10 million people, fostering exchange in education, training, youth, and sports.  

The program supports student mobility, enabling them to study, train, or work in another European country.  

Aim of ERASMUS+ 

The aim of Erasmus+ is not only academic but also cultural and social. It emphasizes the importance of intercultural understanding, language learning, and building a sense of European identity. By participating in these programs, individuals gain invaluable life skills, broaden their horizons, and often return home with a new perspective on the world.  

My Experience as an Erasmus+ Project Participant  

As a participant in the Erasmus+ project for more than six months now, I can say that this experience has been both interesting and full of events that make it exciting. As an European Solidarity Corp (ESC) volunteer, I am volunteering with the European Wilderness Society, based in Tamsweg, Austria, which means I am far from home.  

Having the opportunity to live and volunteer in another country is an amazing experience, allowing me to get to know another country and culture. Being part of an international team also helps me build closer connections with other countries. We share traditions, history, culture, and food, which makes volunteering more enjoyable.  

Additionally, I have a chance to learn more about various Erasmus+ projects run by my host organization, which gives me new experiences and insights into how projects are managed and organized.  

The European Wilderness Society is involved in several ERASMUS+ projects, such as ESC, Youth Green Conference III, SMARTOUR, and more. All of them are funded or co-funded by Erasmus+.  

Exploring Austria and podcast 

Besides volunteering for the European Wilderness Society, I spend my time in Austria exploring the country. I travel around Austria and develop my personal project, a podcast series with other volunteers. We share our experiences as volunteers. During this time, I have met many volunteers from different countries.  

So far, being an Erasmus+ volunteer has been an interesting and exciting experience. Every day, I learn something new, step out of my comfort zone, and gain new experiences. 

You can hear first podcast here. Also, learn more about European Wilderness Society’s ESC volunteers on the Wilderness Diary platform. 

Conclusion  

Erasmus Days is not just about celebrating the past achievements of the Erasmus+ program but also about looking toward the future. It provides a moment for everyone—students, educators, professionals, and citizens—to appreciate the importance of international cooperation, cultural diversity, and education. As Erasmus+ continues to expand, its role in fostering an open, inclusive, and interconnected Europe will also grow.