Author: Chiara Ravasio

Packing a suitcase, stepping off a train in a city where you don’t speak the primary language, and figuring out how to navigate university life away from home—for millions of young people, this is the defining moment of becoming European.

Since its establishment in 1987 as a European Commission initiative, Erasmus has evolved from a simple university exchange into a symbol of European integration itself, giving rise to what is widely known as the “Erasmus Generation.” Beyond enabling students to study abroad, its impact is multidimensional: transforming how young Europeans learn, travel, build relationships, and ultimately perceive their place in the Union.

Academic Growth and Career Impact

From an educational perspective, student mobility is a cornerstone of European higher education, generating immense benefits for participating students and host institutions alike. Exposed to new teaching methods and academic environments, students broaden their perspectives while developing critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Living in an unfamiliar environment further fosters adaptability and independence. Research consistently shows that Erasmus participants gain significant self-confidence, self-awareness, and leadership abilities—equipping them to navigate complex professional and social landscapes.

The numbers back this up: according to European Commission impact studies, 80% of Erasmus graduates find employment within three months of graduation, and former mobile students face a long-term unemployment rate that is half that of their non-mobile peers.

Equally vital are the linguistic and intercultural gains. Daily contact with peers from diverse backgrounds challenges stereotypes, reduces prejudice, and fosters genuine openness—outcomes that formal classroom education alone can rarely replicate.

From Cultural Exchange to Active Citizenship

Yet Erasmus has always pursued goals far beyond academia. From the beginning, it was conceived as a political and educational catalyst to strengthen European identity. By promoting intercultural dialogue, it contributes to a true “European learning society” where education becomes a vehicle for mutual understanding across borders.

Through shared daily experiences, participants become acutely aware of the common values underpinning the European project: democracy, equality, human rights, and individual freedoms. Living abroad allows young people to appreciate Europe’s diversity while recognizing its deep interconnectedness.

Over 80% of participants report feeling more European after their mobility stay. Interestingly, studies show that many students already hold pro-European views before going abroad; for them, Erasmus acts as an accelerator, transforming abstract notions of EU integration into lived, emotional reality. Crucially, developing a European identity does not replace national identity—the two emerge as complementary dimensions of belonging.

Bridging Lived Identity and Practical Rights

Feeling European, however, is only half the equation. When the Erasmus Generation moves across borders to study, live, or work, they encounter real-world friction—from voter registration hurdles to complex administrative residency rules.

For young people to fully realize their potential as European citizens, cultural exchange must be paired with robust, accessible political and civil rights across all Member States. A strong sense of European belonging is most meaningful when supported by seamless rights to participate, vote, and be heard wherever one resides in the Union.

Get Involved: Shape the “All On Board” ECI

This is where the lived experience of young Europeans meets political action. Ahead of the official campaign signature launch this autumn, the ECIT Foundation has launched the “All On Board” European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) to demand full, accessible citizenship rights for everyone living and moving in Europe.

We are calling on the Erasmus Generation to help us build this movement from the ground up:

• Share Your Testimonials (The Good & The Bad): We want to hear your real experiences of moving across Europe—both the empowering moments and the frustrating roadblocks. Did your exchange feel seamless, or did you hit administrative hurdles with voter registration, residency permits, or recognition of your rights? Positive stories showcase what European citizenship can be, while challenging ones highlight exactly why reform is urgent. 
• Build a Youth Task Force (YTF): Join forces with peers across Europe to help shape local awareness, drive campaign strategy, and mobilize voter turnout. Read our full Call for Youth Task Forces to learn how to get involved.

Visit the official All On Board ECI website to learn more about the initiative, or get in touch directly at info@ecit-foundation.eu to share your story today.