Celebrating 38 Years of Erasmus: “Live Our Values, Inspire Our Future”

In 2025, the world celebrated not only the 38th anniversary of Erasmus, but also the incredible impact it has had on millions of students, teachers, and professionals since its launch in 1987. Originally focused on university student exchanges, the Erasmus Programme evolved into Erasmus+ in 2014 — an expanded version that now supports education, training, youth, and sport across Europe and beyond. 

This year, FH Upper Austria proudly joined the celebration once again — bringing the Erasmus spirit to life across all four campuses. — Linz, Wels, Steyr, and Hagenberg. This year’s Erasmus Days were filled with inspiring stories, lively discussions, and a shared passion for international exchange. With an average of around 1,000 exchange students every year, the Erasmus program continues to be one of the most popular and influential initiatives at our university. The 2025 celebration, held under the European motto “Live Our Values, Inspire Our Future,” perfectly captured the spirit of openness, curiosity, and collaboration that Erasmus stands for.

A Celebration Across Campuses

Across all four campuses the Erasmus Days celebration brought students and staff together in a vibrant showcase of international spirit. Promo stands, PowerPoint presentations, and the “Best of Erasmus” exhibition highlighted inspiring photos and personal stories from outgoing and incoming exchange students, vividly demonstrating how studying abroad broadens horizons and builds lifelong connections.

In Linz, students shared what Erasmus means to them by writing their thoughts on colourful cards, expressing ideas such as “making lifelong friends” and “discovering new cultures.” Everyone who took part received a small Erasmus-themed giveaway — from tote bags and keychains to post-its and sustainable beeswax cloths — as a cheerful reminder of the event’s message of sustainability and community.

The spirit of exchange continued in Steyr, where participants gathered informally over coffee and cake to discuss their experiences, expectations, and questions about studying abroad. The open atmosphere encouraged lively conversation not only among students but also with several R&D colleagues, who joined to explore Erasmus opportunities for staff.

Meanwhile, in Wels, a popular Gewinnspiel (quiz) for staff members drew more participants and winners than expected, reflecting the growing awareness and enthusiasm for the program across the university.

Over the decades, Erasmus has helped shape the lives and careers of many, from European leaders like Ursula von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron, who both studied abroad, to artists, scientists, and entrepreneurs who trace their curiosity and confidence back to their exchange experiences. What began as a small student mobility programme has now become a global movement, connecting people across borders and inspiring a shared European identity.

As this year’s motto suggests, “Live Our Values, Inspire Our Future,” Erasmus Days 2025 were not only a celebration of what has been achieved, but also a call to continue building a more connected, inclusive, and globally minded academic community.