Prepare your passport for new experiences and knowledge through Erasmus+ at the Baltazar Zaprešić Polytechnic

The Baltazar Zaprešić Polytechnic develops international cooperation in education, science, and business through the Erasmus+ program by establishing relationships with around 40 partner countries in Europe, encouraging the mobility of students and teachers, and participating in international programs and projects.

What opportunities does the program offer students, which expands its international dimension, as evidenced by the European Commission’s proposal to increase the budget for Erasmus for the period 2021 – 2027 to 30 billion euros, responds Dr. Lana Domšić, lecturer and Erasmus+ coordinator at the Baltazar Zaprešić Polytechnic.

What is the Erasmus+ program and what benefits do students gain from it?

Erasmus+ is the largest program of the European Union for education, training, youth, and sport, whose main goal is to strengthen the knowledge, skills, and employability of European citizens. It offers students the opportunity to spend part of their study period abroad and undertake internships in foreign companies and institutions. This is a life-changing experience for students, and the benefits of Erasmus for students are numerous – in addition to acquiring new knowledge and skills, and later advantages in employment, students improve their foreign language skills and gain numerous new acquaintances from around the world, which opens up various opportunities.

How can students apply and how much money do they receive?

All regular and part-time students enrolled at the Baltazar Zaprešić Polytechnic can apply for Erasmus. Scholarships for students, depending on the country they are going to, range from 400 to 500 euros per month for study stays and from 500 to 600 euros per month for internships.

How long does the Erasmus exchange last and what happens to studies while students are abroad?

The Erasmus study stay can last up to 12 months at each level of study, but most students go abroad for one or two semesters. During their stay at the partner institution abroad, students attend lectures and take exams, which are recognized as part of their studies upon returning to the Baltazar Zaprešić Polytechnic, in exchange for courses at their home institution. Therefore, students do not lose a semester or a year and do not have to make up for missed classes, and all courses attended abroad are recorded in the Diploma Supplement.

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What about students who do not know English or are not confident in their English skills?

A medium level of English or the language of the country they are going to is required to participate in the Erasmus+ program. Advanced language knowledge is not a prerequisite as language improvement is one of the main goals of mobility. Additionally, all Erasmus students are entitled to a free online language course before and during the mobility period.

Can you provide some positive examples of students who went and were satisfied/stayed…?

There are numerous examples of positive experiences from students after Erasmus. Most returned with increased self-confidence and broadened horizons. More students enrolled in master’s programs abroad or stayed to complete internships after their study stays. Several students received permanent employment in a foreign company after completing their internships, and some found jobs in Croatia directly related to their foreign experience. Some of our students’ and professors’ experiences can be read here.

For more information about studying at the Baltazar Zaprešić Polytechnic, feel free to contact us at [email protected], and find the program offer on the Baltazar Polytechnic website or on the official Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn pages of the Polytechnic.