The impact of Erasmus mobility on the professional career: Empirical results of international studies on temporary student and teaching staff mobility

The impact of an Erasmus study period abroad for mobile students and teaching assignments of Erasmus teachers on professional development is the focus of the article. Temporary study abroad is expected to have a positive impact on personal and academic development, but also to be conducive to transition to employment and career development. Though the impact has been declining, study abroad remains an important experience for the professional career. Erasmus teaching assignments often do not last longer than a few days. Nevertheless, mobile teachers report a positive impact on their career. The article is based on the VALERA Study1 “The professional value of Erasmus mobility”, a European-wide evaluation study by the International Centre for Higher Education Research Kassel.