Erasmus+ (E+) is a program that funds projects in the fields of education, training, and youth across the European Union. The aim of the program is to develop international cooperation, broaden the horizons of students and teachers, and bring different cultures together. Funding can be applied for study abroad and cooperation projects.
The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) program supports youth projects aimed at building an open society, fostering intercultural learning, increasing civic engagement, and involving diverse communities. Funding is available for voluntary service and local solidarity projects.
Through both programs, participants gain experiences that, at least in theory, could be recognized in their higher education studies. In Estonia, recognition of prior formal and non-formal experience generally takes place through the RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning and Work Experience) system, for example recognizing a specific course or module. RPL is a tool that supports lifelong learning in the Estonian education system. Its aim is to make learning more flexible by allowing learners to have their previous studies, continuing education, self-directed learning, and work experience taken into account in acquiring education or applying for vocational qualifications.
Smaller-scale experiences may, by agreement with the lecturer, be taken into account in other ways as well.
The aim of the study is to map the experiences of participants in the E+ and ESC programs and to find out the extent and how the learning outcomes from their participation have been recognized in their higher education studies. For this purpose, previous studies will be reviewed, interviews with university RPL advisors will be conducted, and information will be collected from program participants.