Notwithstanding the restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Erasmus mobility opportunities will continue as participating institutions go on receiving from and sending students to other universities. In the 2021-2022 academic year, as many as 250-300 students enrolled at the University of Debrecen can benefit from the support provided by the Erasmus + program.
“As a consequence of the coronavirus crisis, the majority of the participating partner institutions have switched to hybrid or blended instruction forms, in which physical mobility is combined with virtual learning activities. In these institutions, the new forms of education comprise online instruction complemented with small-group practices that require face-to-face contact. Nevertheless, the mobility program provides support for students studying abroad even in cases when the entire format of teaching and learning in the given institution has been switched to fully online or distance mode. The students in such cases would need to submit proof of the fact that they indeed stayed in the receiving country during the time period covered by the support,” said Orsolya Jánosy to hirek.unideb.hu.
According to the head of the International Office, she and her coworkers are prepared to find that, as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions, certain mobility projects may either entirely fail to materialize or be modified and/or shortened.
“We have handled a number of force majeure (vis-maior) cases during the course of the past year or so. Students are not supposed to be subject to any adverse financial effect, and the program shall make sure that the extra costs incurred be duly refunded in the framework of vis-maior procedures,” said Péter Gara.
Mr. Gara, who is the Erasmus coordinator of our university, emphasized the following points: As the UK is no longer a member state, following Brexit, it will not be taking part in the new Erasmus + program cycle between 2021 and 2027. However, as it is still present in the current advertisement, it will continue to receive Erasmus students until the closing of the projects, the date for which is May 30, 2022.
In the upcoming cycle, the program will be adjusted to the changed conditions and, in addition to the customary mobility projects available so far, a range of new support forms will be offered. This will make it possible for even more students to acquire professional or academic experience abroad.
“With the help of the so-called “blended” mobility opportunities, students will be able to participate in an intensive course at the universities abroad for a few weeks, and then complete the mobility at home afterwards by taking an online program. Doctoral candidates will also be able to receive support in the form of grants for implementing short study trips that facilitate the completion of their research projects. Online programs and virtual mobility opportunities will be expanded. Through these forms of support, even those can benefit from Erasmus mobility possibilities who otherwise cannot afford to stay abroad for longer time periods,” said Orsolya Jánosy.
The amount of financial support available in the program varies between 470 and 620 euros per month, depending on the cost of living in the individual target country. Apart from the scholarship grants, social support can also be applied for, which amounts to 100 euros per month in the case of mobility projects for gaining professional experience and to 200 euros in the case of conducting studies abroad.
The deadline for submitting applications for studying abroad is March 30, 2021, while for traineeship to gain work experience, there is no deadline and students can apply any time.
Please find the announcements and calls for applications at the following links:
Study-abroad mobility: http://mobi.unideb.hu/node/10693/lightbox2
Traineeship for gaining experience mobility: http://mobi.unideb.hu/node/10695/lightbox2
Further information and detailed updates shall be posted on the Facebook page of the Erasmus program of the university at:
https://www.facebook.com/erasmus.debrecen
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