Page 6 - euroguidance-insight-newsletter-2014-autumn

Studying abroad improves job opportunities

New Research from the European Commission on Erasmus
After completing higher education, it is easier to attain a job having studied or completed
a work placement abroad. Young European people with higher education degrees perform
better in the labour market if international experience is on their CVs. This is the
conclusion of an extensive study, which has examined the benefits of the Erasmus
exchange programme, conducted by the European Commission.

Five years after completing higher education, the
unemployment rate is 23 percent lower for former
students who have gone on an Erasmus exchange
programme, compared to those who did not go
abroad in connection to their education. In addition,
the likelihood of experiencing long-term
unemployment is halved for former exchange
students, when compared to those who have not
travelled internationally during their studies.

Students who study abroad or complete a work
placement abroad gain international experience
and possess, to a greater extent, qualities such as
openness, tolerance, curiosity and the ability to
solve problems, the study shows. These attributes
are pointed at as important competencies by more
than 92 percent of those employers who were
asked what they look for when hiring new members
of staff.

Moreover, the study shows that more Effects of an Erasmus stay abroad:
than one in three of those who have
completed a work placement with the • the Erasmus Impact Study is the most extensive
Erasmus programme are offered a study of its kind and focuses on the significance
position in the host company. Also, which Erasmus stays abroad have for European
students
one in ten of all previous Erasmus
interns start their own business. • the survey combines both qualitative and
quantitative interviews with almost 80,000
respondents from 34 countries – including
students and companies
Read more about the
findings of the • tests conducted before and after students have
Commissions' Erasmus completed their exchange abroad shows that
Impact Study:
Erasmus students score higher in attributes such
as tolerance, problem solving skills, curiosity and
awareness of own strengths and weaknesses,
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-
release_IP-14-1025_en.htm even prior to the start of the exchange programme.
When students return, the difference between an
Erasmus student and other students has
increased further regarding these qualities.

• the survey was conducted by the European
Denise Rose Hansen and Birtha Theut Commission by an independent consortium
Euroguidance Denmark consisting of CHE Consult, Brussels Education
Service, Compostela Group of Universities and
Erasmus Student Network.

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