One of Europe’s most successful ideas is becoming greener.
For almost four decades, the Erasmus program has enabled thousands of young Europeans to study, live and make friends across national borders. Green Erasmus 2.0 now adds another dimension to this European success story: international mobility should not only broaden horizons, but also encourage more sustainable ways of living and travelling.
Coordinated by the University of Poitiers (France), the three-year initiative brings together partners from Denmark, Croatia and Belgium, with the University of Jena (Germany) among its supporting partners. This European network combines universities, student organisations and educational experts in an effort to make sustainability an integral part of international student mobility.
Green Erasmus 2.0 aims to turn environmental awareness into lasting behavioural change. A European Green Erasmus Label will recognise sustainable practices in the internationalisation of higher education, while a Community of Practice will enable universities to exchange experience and develop common approaches.
The initiative goes beyond greener travel. Students will be encouraged to address real sustainability challenges during their stays abroad and to act as Green Erasmus Ambassadors in their universities and local communities.
Erasmus has helped generations of students experience Europe as a shared cultural and intellectual space. Green Erasmus 2.0 asks whether this experience can now also help them shape a more sustainable Europe.
Perhaps sustainability is learned best when it is experienced together.