Erasmus+ to give 240,000 young Brits the advantages of IN

Today, the UK saw the launch of Erasmus+, the European Union fund for education, training, youth and sport. The scheme will give young people the opportunity to study or train abroad to boost their skills and employability.

Erasmus+ will provide grants to more than 4 million people to study, train, gain work experience or volunteer abroad. In the UK, nearly a quarter of a million students, apprenticeships, teachers and youth staff are expected to benefit from the grants between now and 2020.

The revamped version of the popular Erasmus programme has now got a 40% increase in EU funding in order to comprise young people involved in apprenticeships and volunteer schemes. The UK will receive nearly £100 million funding this year, increasing each year between now and 2020. Through stronger partnerships between education and employers, Erasmus+ will also help to increase the quality of education.

Speaking ahead of the launch, British influence Director Peter Wilding said:

"The scheme will give young people from all background the chance to immerse themselves in a different culture, to experience a different learning, training or volunteering environment. The message for our children and grandchildren is: Europe is not this scary, foreign place some paint it to be. Europe is your oyster, your playground, your backyard."

Erasmus+ will open many doors for young people in the UK and is a prime example of the major benefits of being IN Europe. It will deliver more jobs and higher growth.

Here is Kavya's story of why Europe is important to her: