SOCRATES - ERASMUS

Student and teacher exchanges ; joint development of study programmes; dissemination and implementation of results of CD projects;  thematic networks between departments/faculties across Europe ; language courses and intensive programmes ; European credit transfer system (ECTS): these are the activities supported by ERASMUS, the higher education chapter of the SOCRATES II programme for education in Europe.

Covering the period 2000-2006, SOCRATES/ERASMUS aims at improving the quality and the "European dimension" of higher education, including both universities and « extra-university » institutions. The participating countries are the 15 Member States of the European Union, the 3 countries of the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and all the Associated Countries in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as Cyprus and Malta.

Overall responsibility for implementing SOCRATES/ERASMUS lies with the European Commission (Directorate-General Education and Culture: Directorate A; Unit 2)