The European Commission today (22 September) announced the findings of a study into the impact of Erasmus, the European Union’s student exchange programme.

Androulla Vassiliou, the European commissioner for education, culture, multilingualism, sport, media and youth, said that she hopes that in times of budget cuts member states will “continue to stick to their commitments”.

The study, which questioned more than 80,000 people, shows that graduates with international experience find it easier to get a job than those that did not take part in the Erasmus exchange programme. They are half as likely to experience long-term unemployment compared to those who have not studied or trained abroad. Five years after graduation their unemployment rate is also 23% lower.

Vassiliou said that she has sent a letter to the education ministers of all the member states to stress that additional funding must be found to meet the financial commitments “given the context of unacceptably high levels of youth unemployment in the EU”.

She said that one in three of the participants in the Erasmus trainee scheme has been offered a job in their host company abroad. Additionally, one in ten trainees have started their own business. The study also shows that 40% of the participants had moved country at least once since graduation.

In January 2014 the Erasmus programme was expanded with the introduction of Erasmus+, which combines all of the EU’s current schemes for education, training, youth and sport. It is estimated that from 2014-20 some 4 million students across Europe will make use of the Erasmus grants.

The EU target for overall student mobility is at least 20% by the end of the decade. Currently, around 10% of EU students study or train abroad with the support of public and private means. Around 5% receive an Erasmus grant.