You are currently on your Erasmus exchange, and you’re unsure about what comes next. Do you feel like nothing will be the same again? Perhaps we can help! We assume you’ve heard about summer schools, but what is the difference between Erasmus+ and a summer school?
There are plenty of Erasmus+ opportunities, but there are also many summer schools. Let us introduce ourselves! At ABC, we are dedicated to transforming education by emphasizing practical knowledge and hands-on experience. We collaborate with professors who have practical experience in the business world and leading global companies.
Now, what sets us apart from the Erasmus+ program? Find out more below!
1. Long-term vs short-term
Your study period abroad can last a minimum of 2 months (or 1 academic term or trimester) and a maximum of 12 months. Students can also do a blended mobility, combining a virtual period with a physical short or long-term mobility. Additionally, you probably have to meet some basic conditions imposed by your home university, such as (in some countries) matching the mandatory courses by 70%. Hence, it can sometimes be challenging to find a course that aligns with those at your home university. Moreover, you must pass exams at the end to justify your scholarship and receive the remaining support once you return from the program.
On the other hand, at ABC, it doesn’t matter which field you come from. Whether you study medicine, archaeology, design, or something else, you are welcome! We don’t require any prior knowledge of the business world, entrepreneurship, and the like – it’s just essential that you find it interesting! And yes, our summer schools in Silicon Valley and Toronto last for 2 weeks. To be precise, you can join us in Silicon Valley from June 30 to July 13, 2024, and in Toronto, we’ll be together from July 21 to August 3, 2024.
2. Exams
As mentioned earlier, the majority of people on the Erasmus+ program must pass a certain number of exams for them to be recognized at their home university. Depending on the country you are in, exams can be in written, oral, or practical form for specific faculties.
On the other hand, at ABC, there is no exam that you have to pass at the end of the summer school. Instead, you work throughout the program in a team with like-minded individuals, developing your entrepreneurial idea. At the end of the program, you need to present your idea to a panel of experts who will provide feedback on the group work and highlight areas for improvement. It’s then up to you to continue developing that idea once you return home.
Participants of ABC Toronto 2023 presenting their projects to the panel of experts
3. Teaching methods
Depending on the country and the university you attend, you may encounter different teaching methods. Sometimes, lectures are traditional, where the professor imparts knowledge, and students listen. Other times, lessons take a more practical approach, involving group work, discussions with peers, experimentation, and the like. As we said, it hinges on the educational system and the particular university you’re enrolled in within the respective country.
At ABC, we have chosen a modern approach to business! We bring together ambitious young students and individuals to work on a collaborative project throughout the program. You will learn from others, gain new skills, and see varied approaches across cultures for a well-rounded perspective. Besides that, you will get hands-on exposure to world-leading companies such as Google, Apple, and LinkedIn. After the program, you’ll be ready to enter the business world and make a meaningful impact!
4. Financing
The EU provides annual grants to national agencies in the 33 participating countries. National agencies are responsible for organizing calls for proposals and for signing grant agreements with universities, schools, colleges, and other educational institutions in their country. Students apply for an Erasmus grant through their home university which is responsible for paying them the agreed grant. The overall Erasmus budget for student (and staff) mobility is allocated to different countries based on the following factors: a) population: number of students, graduates, and teachers in higher education; b) cost of living and distance between capital cities, and c) past performance indicator: calculated based on the number of outbound staff and students in the past.
On the other hand, for ABC programs, you have to pay for the program you choose to attend. Specifically, for ABC Silicon Valley, you need to allocate 4,500 EUR, while for ABC Toronto, the cost is 3,900 EUR. The Total Fees include the Admission Fee, lectures with the professors, company visits, guest speakers’ lectures, on-campus housing for the program’s duration, program materials, and day trips to Niagara Falls or San Francisco. The Total Fees do not cover travel costs, health and travel insurance, meals, visa fees, and personal expenses.
Participants of ABC Toronto at Niagara Falls
5. Application process
To study abroad with Erasmus+, you must be registered in a higher education institution and enrolled in studies leading to a recognized degree or tertiary-level qualification. Your period of study abroad must be relevant for your degree-related learning and personal development needs, and be part of the study program that you are following. Your sending institution and the receiving institution must have an inter-institutional agreement between them for you to study there with Erasmus+. Both institutions must also hold the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (if they are in EU Member States or third countries associated to the Erasmus+ program).
The application process for ABC Silicon Valley or ABC Toronto is slightly different. First, you should visit our official website and select the program that aligns with your preferences. Once you’ve chosen the program that suits you best, fill out the Application Form and schedule a meeting with the ABC Team via email. Following the meeting with the ABC Team, you will receive information about the outcome. If accepted, it is necessary to pay the Admission Fee, and later in the process, the remaining payment. And that’s it – the only thing left is to have the time of your life with us! As we’ve already mentioned, you don’t have to meet any prerequisites regarding knowledge in entrepreneurship or the world of innovations. It’s essential that you can communicate in English and that you are between 18 and 30 years old!
Each program carries distinctive features. We strongly support both! Erasmus+ and summer school promise unforgettable experiences, introducing you to friends from diverse cultures. They serve as catalysts for personal growth, broadening your worldview. Participating in these experiences nurtures crucial soft skills. It includes language proficiency, sociability, flexibility, teamwork, and adaptability, integrating you into a global community.
If you’re uncertain about what to do after Erasmus but want to learn more about disruptive technology trends, the importance of Angel Investors and Venture Capitalists (VC), and how to embrace an innovative mindset, join us in Silicon Valley. If, on the other hand, you want to develop your business idea, ABC Toronto is designed to equip you with both theoretical and practical knowledge to build upon your idea, create a great business plan, and pitch it to investors.
