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The aim was to identify regional student’s level of knowledge about Erasmus exchange programs, their experience in preparing special documents appropriate for these programs, main factors that prevent students from participating in them. According to the data of the survey we can say that in Georgia student’s level of knowledge about Erasmus exchange programs is very low especially in regions: 54% of participants did not have any information about Erasmus +, 38% of them only heard about it.

Erasmus+ programs are not as known in Georgia as in EU countries, but more and more Georgian students have strong desire to have full information about mobility possibilities they have. In Georgia most of projects are held in the capital of the country. There are many conferences, workshops, trainings for youth. However, students from other regions are not able to take part in those activities, because expenses for them are much higher. If they are willing to participate, they need to compensate travel and accommodation expenses. As usual, they miss too much opportunities to get new information and knowledge. So we had strong necessity to invest in promotion of Eramus+ and give all motivated Georgian students possibility to get benefits of Erasmus+ programs.

Erasmus+ Student and Alumni Association gave us great opportunity to organize Erasmus + promotion event which was equally accessible for all Georgian students who had desire to be aware of all the benefits and possibilities Erasmus+ can give them. Erasmus Student Network Georgia and ESN Tbilisi ISU organized Erasmus + promotion Event “Erasmus+ - the way to successful future “, funded by ESAA. The project took place in one of the most beautiful part of Georgia: Sairme and 50 students from different Georgian universities participated in it.

The project consisted of two days of presentations and training courses, in which the participants were informed about Erasmus+ exchange programs and significance of it in modern European society. Our partner National office of Erasmus+ in Georgia gave participants informational materials about Erasmus+ exchange programs. Invited trainer gave presentation and workshops about specifications of Europass format resume, and a cover letter, which are essential for participating in exchange programs.

The project included training in cultural diversity and the orientation for the necessary skills. Participants had chance to take part in different workshops during the project and gain knowledge about multiculturalism, leadership and youth role in developing modern European society. They took active part in discussion about mobility possibilities as important tool for developing personal and professional skills.

Erasmus+ exchange students who study in Georgia shared their experience with Georgian students. After trainings we had networking event where participants had chance to have conversation with each other as well as with trainers and participants of Erasmus+ exchange programs.

Participants of the event mentioned that they got appropriate and sufficient information about Erasmus+ and the project motivated them to participate in Erasmus+ projects in the future. Most of them are going to try and participate in different Erasmus+ exchange programs in the following year. ESN Georgia and ESN Tbilisi ISU stay in touch with participants of the project to see if level of participating in exchange programs increases after the event.

Possibilities like this are extremely important for countries that are not members of EU yet, but has strong desire to be part of European lifestyle. New generation has to build bridges between the nations of Europe. Erasmus+ gives the best opportunities to youth to exchange information about their countries, gain knowledge about European values and thus help their country become valuable member of EU. That’s why investment in promoting Erasmus+ in non EU countries is essential for the future of Europe.