Britain's Big Move: Back to Erasmus After Brexit

Britain is making a U-turn. After leaving the Erasmus program during Brexit, it's now planning to rejoin in 2027. This decision is seen as a big win for young people, giving them a chance to study abroad without extra costs. But there's a catch. The UK will pay £570 million for the 2027/28 academic year. That's a lot more than what they used to pay as an EU member. This has sparked questions about the real benefits of Brexit. The idea to rejoin Erasmus was discussed during a meeting between UK and EU leaders in May. Since then, the UK has been trying to mend fences with the EU. The Erasmus program was canceled in 2020 by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who thought it wasn't worth the money.But think tanks like Chatham House disagree. They say Erasmus actually brought in money. Students from other countries spent money on education, services, and hospitality. Plus, over a million "Erasmus babies" have been born since the program started. Rejoining Erasmus is not just about travel. It's about skills, education, and opportunities for the next generation. It's also a way for Britain to boost its global standing. As one university leader put it, even a short visit to the UK leaves a good impression.