Minister hails success of UK Erasmus Student of the year 2008

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, has congratulated the success of the UK Erasmus Student of the Year 2008.

At a reception in Parliament Buildings, the Minister congratulated Queen’s University student, Patrick Cassidy from Belfast, on his achievement after winning the 2008 Erasmus (European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students) Prize Competition.

Over 200 students entered the annual competition, submitting an essay or photography portfolio on the theme, ‘Home or Away?’ describing and portraying the academic and personal benefits of their work and study abroad under the Erasmus Programme.

Sir Reg said: “In his essay, Patrick, who was studying in Belgium, described Erasmus as ‘a story of shared cultural understanding and exchange.’ I believe this is true of any programme that enables students to experience an international perspective whether it is through work or study. It opens up opportunities for experiencing the richness of cultural diversity as well as academic and personal skills.

“Erasmus has become a key driver in the modernisation of Higher Education in Europe, providing the opportunity for students to study for part of their degree in another country.”

Erasmus is a European-funded student mobility scheme which addresses the teaching and learning needs of staff and students in Higher Education (HE) and provides support for HE Institutions across Europe to work on shared projects including curriculum development and other areas. It was introduced in 1987 with the aim of increasing student mobility within Europe.

The Minister continued: “Erasmus is an excellent opportunity for Higher Education students to live and thrive abroad. Participation in the scheme enhances a student’s employment prospects in an increasingly international labour market. It also aids Northern Ireland employers’ need for staff who can work confidently and efficiently in an international context, and I would strongly urge others to participate in the programme.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Erasmus programme is supported by the Department for Employment and Learning as part of its international activity. The Department promotes inward and outward student and staff mobility by encouraging participation in the European Community’s education and training programmes such as Erasmus.

2. Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning, Communications Branch on 028 9025 7872. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.