The Erasmus+ programme within Key Action 1 supports international mobility activities from or to Partner Countries in the fields of higher education and youth. This action also contributes to cooperation between the EU and eligible Partner Countries and reflects the EU external action objectives, priorities and principles:

• enhance the attractiveness of higher education in Europe and support European higher education institutions in competing on the higher education market worldwide;
• support the priorities identified in the Communications “Increasing the impact of EU Development Policy: an Agenda for change”and “European Higher Education in the World”;
• support the internationalisation, attractiveness quality, equity of access and modernisation of higher education institutions outside Europe in view of promoting the development of Partner Countries;
• promote the development and external policy objectives and principles including national ownership, social cohesion, equity, proper geographical balance and diversity. Special attention will be given to the least developed countries as well as to disadvantaged students from poor socio-economic backgrounds and to students will special needs;
• promote non-formal learning and cooperation in the field of youth with Partner Countries.

Mobility projects for higher education students and staff can comprise one or more of the following activities:

Student mobility:

• a study period abroad at a partner higher education institution (HEI);
• a traineeship (work placement) abroadin an enterprise or any other relevant workplace. Traineeships between Programme and Partner Countries are not foreseen in 2016, either with an Erasmus+ grant, or as a zero-grant from EU funds.

A study period abroad may include a traineeship period as well.

To ensure high-quality mobility activities with maximum impact on the students, the mobility activity has to be compatible with the student’s degree-related learning and personal development needs. The study period abroad must be part of the student’s study programme to complete a degree at a short cycle, first cycle (Bachelor or equivalent), second cycle (Master or equivalent) and third or doctoral cycle.

Traineeships abroad at a workplace are also supported during short cycle, first, second, third cycle studies and within a maximum of one year after the student’s graduation/ This also includes the ‘assistantships’ for student teachers.

Wherever possible, the traineeships should be an integrated part of the student’s study programme. Student mobility can be in any subject area/academic discipline.

Staff mobility:

• teaching periods: this activity allows HEI teaching staff or staff from enterprises to teach at a partner HEI abroad. Staff mobility for teaching can be in any subject area/academic discipline.
• training periods: this activity supports the professional development of HEI teaching and non-teaching staff in the form of training events abroad (excluding conferences) and job shadowing/observation periods/training at a partner HEI, or at another relevant organisation abroad.

A period abroad can combine teaching and training activities.