the return of the erasmus student scheme - and the esl/esol/tefl industry

Before Brexit, the UK benefitted from the Erasmus programme which enabled higher education students to study or work abroad as part of their degree, as well as staff to teach or train in over 30 European countries - which included places outside the EU.

The UK left the EU in 2016 and seemed to think the Erasmus project wasn't that important: U.K. Mourns the End of Erasmus Program in Wake of Brexit - The New York Times 

Here's a view from 2021:

The UK government’s decision not to participate in the Erasmus scheme is short-sighted and will undoubtedly have negative economic, political, cultural and linguistic consequences for a country trying to reposition itself globally. On the plus side, it is great news for the students of Northern Ireland that the Irish government in Dublin has committed to subsidise the Erasmus Year for Northern Irish students at an expense of more than 2 Million Euros. You cannot put a price on what this offers in terms of ‘soft power’ influence. The Conservative government in Westminster could learn a lot from their Irish neighbours.

Why Jettison Erasmus? The negative consequences for the UK of walking away

Before Christmas, it was announced that the UK will rejoin Erasmus student scheme in 2027 and in the latest EL Gazette, we get the view from the world of esl/esol/tefl:

The Erasmus scheme, known officially as Erasmus+, will be reopened to those involved in education, training, culture and sport from 2027...

“It’s incredible news – we are delighted that this opportunity is returning for our members as well as millions of people in the UK and the EU,” said Annie Wright, joint acting chief executive of English UK...

David Hughes, the chief executive of the Association of Colleges, said the announcement was “brilliant news” for staff and students of all ages in further education colleges...

Alex Stanley, vice president for higher education of the National Union of Students said: “In the time we have not been in Erasmus, the number of UK students studying in the EU, and vice versa, has plummeted. This announcement will expand opportunity through universities and vocational courses, strengthen ties with our European neighbours, and allow a generation of students the chance to study abroad at a much more affordable rate.”

Return of Erasmus a boost for UK ELT - E L Gazette

And English UK certainly thinks that "The return of Erasmus+ will boost UK ELT".

Finally, here's the official government page: The Erasmus+ programme - GOV.UK

Sounds good! UK to re-join Erasmus+ – here are six benefits of the European exchange scheme

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