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Faculty of Arts and HumanitiesDepartment of Social and Cultural Anthropology

Study in Europe

Topthemen

  • Apply now for the Erasmus+ year 2026/2027

    Apply now for the Erasmus+ year 2026/2027
  • New Erasmus+ Partnership: Durham University

    New Erasmus+ Partnership: Durham University
  • New Erasmus+ Partnership with the University of Oslo

    New Erasmus+ Partnership with the University of Oslo

Study Abroad with Erasmus+

The “Erasmus” programme was originally established by the European Union in 1987. It looked to promote closer cooperation between universities and higher education institutions across Europe. This meant setting up an organised and integrated system of cross-border student interchange.

Over time, the programme has expanded in its breadth and depth and is now known as “Erasmus+”. Its extended form is a broad umbrella framework which combines former EU’s different schemes for transnational cooperation and mobility in education, training, youth and sport in Europe. Increasingly, it is also looking beyond Europe.

Since the start of the programme in 1987, over 16 million people have taken part in Erasmus+, thanks to enthusiastic take-up of opportunities by staff, students, young people and learners of all ages.

Erasmus from 2021

The Erasmus+ programme supports the objectives of the European education agendas, promotes the modernisation, internationalisation, and qualitative improvement of the higher education sector in Europe, enhances the EU’s attractiveness as a place to study and conduct research, and contributes to the sustainable development of higher education in partner countries outside of the EU. Moreover, it particularly strengthens students’ international skills, personal development, and employability. In 2021, a new seven-year generation of the programme was launched.

Erasmus+ Social Inclusion

Inclusion and diversity are key themes of the 2021-2027 Erasmus+ program generation. Through a wide range of measures at various levels, the program aims to make a significant contribution to greater equity of opportunity across all areas of education.

Erasmus+ Digital

Digitalisation is one of the three main priorities of the 2021-2027 Erasmus+ programme generation. In recent years, digitalisation was often associated solely with the European Student Card Initiative (ESCI) and Erasmus Without Paper (EWP). However, as a cross-cutting issue, digitalisation affects not only the work of International Offices but the entire higher education institution.

Erasmus+ Green

The new Erasmus+ programme generation is more inclusive, more digital, and greener. Physical mobility and the personal cultural exchange that comes with it remain core elements of the Erasmus+ programme. However, physical mobility - through student and staff exchanges, internships, or travel related to transnational cooperation projects - inevitably results in CO2 emissions.

So how can Erasmus+ become greener and more sustainable, and contribute to the EU’s climate goals?
The cross-cutting priority of sustainability focuses on raising awareness among Erasmus+ participants about sustainability, climate change, and environmental protection - especially the ecological footprint generated by mobility. By promoting awareness and offering financial incentives, the program aims to increase the number of mobilities using more environmentally friendly means of transport and reduce Erasmus+’s ecological footprint. Furthermore, fostering competencies needed for living in a sustainable and resource-efficient society and economy - so-called "green skills"—is to be supported through funding for cooperation projects on green topics.

Source: eu.daad.de/

Department Partnerships in Europe

The Department of Anthropology maintains Erasmus+ partnerships with various universities across Europe. These partnerships are continuously being expanded. Currently, six Erasmus+ agreements are active:

Belgium: Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven

Target Group

Master’s students can spend a semester studying at KU Leuven as part of the Erasmus+ exchange programme. A total of eight students - four from Cologne and four from Leuven - can participate in this exchange. Doctoral candidates employed at the department can receive additional funding for up to one week.

The programme is aimed at Master’s students and doctoral candidates whose academic interests align with the focus areas in Leuven. These areas include urban anthropological research and have a regional emphasis on Africa.

Further information:

New Erasmus+ Partnership: University of Cologne × Durham University

We are excited to announce our newest Erasmus+ partnership with Durham University (UK) — one of the world’s leading centres for anthropological research and teaching!

This collaboration opens new opportunities for student and staff exchanges, joint research, and shared learning experiences between Cologne and Durham. Students will benefit from Durham’s rich academic environment, combining rigorous scholarship with vibrant campus life, while staff can look forward to developing new cross-border projects and teaching collaborations.

By joining forces with Durham, we continue to expand our international network and strengthen our commitment to global academic exchange in anthropology and the social sciences.

Stay tuned for more information on how to apply for a study or teaching stay in Durham — and be part of this exciting new chapter in our Erasmus+ journey!

Main links: Incoming Opportunities - Durham University and Anthropology - Durham University

Thereafter any of these are fine, but of lower importance:

 

United Kingdom: Goldsmiths, University of London

Target Group

Undergraduate students can spend a semester at Goldsmiths College in London through the Erasmus+ exchange programme. A total of eight students - four from Cologne and four from London - can take part in this exchange.

The programme is intended for undergraduate students whose academic interests align with the focus areas of teaching at Goldsmiths.

Further information:

The Netherlands: Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen

Target Group

Undergraduate students and graduate students can spend a semester at Radboud University Nijmegen through the Erasmus+ exchange programme. A total of four students - two from Cologne and two from Nijmegen - can participate in this exchange. Doctoral candidates employed at the department can receive additional funding for up to one week.

The programme is aimed at undergraduate students, graduate students and doctoral candidates whose academic interests align with the teaching focus in Nijmegen: Anthropology and Development Studies.

Further information:

New Erasmus+ Partnership with the University of Oslo

We are thrilled to announce our new Erasmus+ cooperation with the University of Oslo’s Department of Social Anthropology, a globally recognised centre of excellence in ethnographic research and teaching. Students participating in this exchange will have the opportunity to explore key contemporary issues such as migration, climate change, activism, and global political economy, while developing strong qualitative research skills in an international academic environment. Based in Norway’s vibrant capital, participants will benefit from the University of Oslo’s dynamic research community and gain invaluable cross-cultural experience.

 

Switzerland: University of Zurich

Target Group

Undergraduate and graduate students can spend a semester at the University of Zurich through the Erasmus+ exchange programme. A total of two students can participate in this exchange. Doctoral candidates employed at the department can receive additional funding for up to 60 days.

Further information:

Faculty Partnerships in Europe

In addition to the Erasmus+ agreements held by the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, you can also plan your stay abroad at a European partner university through Erasmus+ agreements established by other departments within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. An overview of these opportunities can be found here.

To find out whether applications from students outside the specific subject area are accepted, please contact the respective coordinators directly.

Application Process

Whether you plan to study at one of the partner universities of the Department of Anthropology or through an Erasmus+ agreement from another department within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, the application process is the same.

First, please consult the Center for International Relations (ZIB) of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. There you will find detailed information about formal requirements, the application process, scholarships, and more.

The international advisor at the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology will then support you in planning your semester abroad. Regardless of whether you study at a partner university of the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology or participate in the Erasmus+ programme through another subject area (e.g. your second major), the following applies:

  • If you wish to have courses recognised for your Anthropology degree, you must prepare your Learning Agreement in advance with the international advisor.
  • Please schedule a Zoom appointment and have the following documents ready: Your Transcript of Records from the University of Cologne and a list of courses you intend to take abroad.

International Advisor at the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology