Going abroad for studies or an internship is now a key step in personal and professional development. The Erasmus+ program opens up incredible learning and mobility opportunities for BTS International Commerce (CI) students. Whether for a stay in a European country or outside the Union, this experience abroad allows you to strengthen your language skills, expand your international network, and open new doors for your career. However, not everyone knows how to take full advantage of these exchange programs, or how to ensure their project is accepted and funded. By 2025, more than 50,000 young French people will choose this option each year to enrich their career path. So, how can you actually benefit from Erasmus+ as a BTS CI student? What steps should you follow, what are the eligibility criteria, and what are the best destinations? Here’s everything you need to know to turn this opportunity into a real advantage. What is Erasmus+ mobility for BTS CI students?
The Erasmus+ program has existed since the late 1980s, with the aim of promoting mobility in education, training, youth, and sports. For a BTS CI student, an Erasmus+ mobility program means spending a few weeks or months in a foreign country to continue their studies or complete a company internship. The main objective is to enrich their experience through international practice, while breaking away from the local routine. In 2025, this approach is no longer simply a trip, but a genuine educational opportunity, which can also lead to a certification recognized in Europe
via the ECTS system .Discover Erasmus+, the European education, training, youth, and sports program that promotes cultural and academic exchanges and helps students enrich their international careers.
🚀 Study mobility: spend one or more semesters at a partner university or school in Europe
- 🎯 Internships: join a foreign organization for a period of 2 to 12 months
- 🌍 Mobility combined with training and personal development projects
- With these options, students can not only improve their professional skills but also discover different cultures, boost their profile for the job market, and build an international network. All of this helps strengthen project management, foreign language skills, and open-mindedness—in short, qualities sought by modern employers through internships abroad.
What are the requirements for an Erasmus+ BTS CI student? What makes the Erasmus+ program so accessible is its openness to all categories of students, with no age or nationality restrictions, as long as the student is enrolled in a state-recognized institution. The only essential requirement for enrollment is enrollment in a higher education institution or training center associated with this program that offers an Erasmus partnership. Furthermore, there’s no need to worry about missing a year or delaying your studies, since the mobility is integrated into the official curriculum and can be undertaken from the first year of a BTS CI program.
Criteria
Conditions Registration Student enrolled in a BTS CI program or a recognized equivalent program
| Prerequisite | Obtain the approval of the home institution |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 to 12 months per cycle of study |
| Destination | European and international partner countries (see the list here) |
| The flexibility of the program also allows apprentices, young people in continuing education, and even high school students preparing for a BTS (Higher National Diploma) to embark on this adventure if their institution is a partner. The key is to be patient in developing a solid project and carefully following the administrative procedures to maximize your chances of obtaining a scholarship. | What is the ideal length of an Erasmus+ stay for a BTS (Higher National Diploma) in International Business? |
| Generally, for a BTS (Higher National Diploma) in International Business student, the mobility period is around 4 to 6 months. This period allows for an integration rhythm, immersion in the local culture, while consolidating professional skills. Depending on the nature of the project, the mobility can last less than two months if the student prefers a short experience or up to a year if the goal is an in-depth internship or total immersion. | Study mobility often takes place during a school semester, either from September to January or from January to June. For internship mobility, the minimum duration is two months, to avoid missing out on professional experience. It should also be noted that the total mobility (studies + internship) must not exceed 12 months per cycle of study, within the European framework |
in the ECTS system .
Duration
Description
2 to 6 months Recommended period for an internship or study mobilityMore than one semester
| Best suited for a long and in-depth immersion | 11 to 12 months |
|---|---|
| Maximum authorized per cycle, including studies and internships | What is the budget for an Erasmus+ mobility and how can I benefit from scholarships? |
| The overall cost of a stay abroad varies greatly depending on the destination, lifestyle, and personal budget. In 2025, it is estimated that a stay could cost between €6,000 and €15,000. Most importantly, the Erasmus+ program is there to help finance this mobility through Erasmus grants. The financial contribution depends on the host country: | 💰 Between €200 and €600 per month to cover accommodation, food, and transportation |
| 🌍 An additional €150 for interns, regardless of the country (on average) | 🔥 The grant is paid in installments, depending on the precise length of the stay. |
To benefit from this support, your institution must have signed the Erasmus+ charter and your application must be accepted by their committee. The amounts are distributed according to social criteria, the chosen destination, and the length of the stay.
See more here. Scholarship Type Monthly AmountStudy Scholarship
- €200–600
- Internship Scholarship
- €150+ depending on the country
In all cases, it is advisable to run a simulation during the project development stage to assess your needs and prepare your budget accordingly. Most students also invest in a personal foundation or find additional support through their family or partner organizations. The key to success is to anticipate all these expenses to avoid any stress during departure. Which countries should you choose for a successful Erasmus+ mobility program for a BTS CI?Selecting a destination is essential to optimize this stage. Among European countries, France remains the largest source, but the majority of students take advantage of the many existing partnerships to travel to Spain, Germany, or Italy. In 2025, Spain will retain first place as the preferred destination for welcoming the most Erasmus students, particularly for its culture, climate, and the quality of its universities. Romania, Hungary, and Poland offer cost-effective options while allowing for a rich immersion experience.
| Northern countries like the Netherlands, Sweden, and Finland are attractive for their academic standards and modern infrastructure. Their fluency in English also facilitates integration. Finally, outside Europe, some partners offer mobility to countries like Canada or the United States, often as part of Erasmus Mundus, for an even more international experience. European Countries 🗺️ | Strengths |
|---|---|
| 🇪🇸 Spain | Pleasant climate, rich culture, numerous partner institutions |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | High academic level, English proficiency, job prospects |
🇮🇹 Italy
Cultural heritage, professional opportunities
🇷🇴 Romania
Affordable cost of living, cultural diversity
| Your choice of destination should also take into account your career plans. If you’re considering an international career, choosing countries renowned for their expertise in business or management can make all the difference. You can also check out these special opportunities for BTS students to refine your selection. | How can you effectively organize your Erasmus+ mobility with a BTS CI program? |
|---|---|
| Once you’ve chosen your destination, you need to follow a structured process to ensure everything runs smoothly. The first contact should be with your institution’s international relations department or the designated instructor. These people will guide you through preparing your application, obtaining approval, and preparing the necessary documents. | 🔍 Research available partner institutions |
| 📝 Prepare a clear career plan with specific objectives | 💼 Find an internship or plan a study trip |
| 💰 Check your eligibility for Erasmus scholarships and prepare your financial application | 🛫 Organize logistics: housing, insurance, visa if necessary |
| 📅 Plan administrative procedures 6 to 9 months before your mobility | Discover the Erasmus+ program, a European initiative that offers students, teachers, and young people the opportunity to experience international learning. Take advantage of opportunities to study, work, or complete internships abroad while discovering new cultures and developing your skills. |
This process may seem complex, but with the right support, everything becomes accessible. The International Service or the EsN (Erasmus Student Network) student association also offer valuable support in finding accommodation or handling formalities. What concrete benefits can you expect from an Erasmus+ stay after a BTS CI? Going abroad as part of a BTS in International Commerce truly broadens your horizons. It allows you to gain confidence, gain concrete professional experience, and enhance your profile for entering the world of work. There is also a development of language skills, essential when you want to advance internationally or within multinational companies.
Benefits 🎯
What it brings
- 🌍
- Intercultural experience and open-mindedness
- 📈
- Improved foreign language proficiency
- 💼
- Strengthened professional profile
Creation of a global network of contacts
In addition, the recognition of this experience in your degree (via the awarding of ECTS credits) enhances your career path and demonstrates your ability to thrive in an international context. To better understand how these credits work, you can consult
this explanatory link
| . | Discover Erasmus+, the European program that offers international exchange and learning opportunities for students, teachers, and young people. Explore new cultures and enrich your academic and professional career through unique experiences abroad. |
|---|---|
| FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Erasmus+ for BTS CI | How can I start preparing my application? |
| The best place to start is to contact your institution’s international relations department. They will guide you through every step, from choosing a country to preparing your application and obtaining scholarships. | Can I go abroad if I’m an apprentice or continuing education student? |
| Yes, absolutely! Apprentices and continuing education students can benefit from Erasmus+ if their training center has signed an agreement with a partner organization. Internship mobility is often preferred for these profiles. | Which countries should you choose for a successful experience abroad? |
| Spain, Germany, Italy, and Poland are often chosen for their cultural richness and learning opportunities. The selection also depends on your professional goals and your language level. | Is there any additional support available for the Erasmus scholarship? |
Yes. Some regions, organizations, or institutions offer additional assistance. Also, find out about housing and mobility assistance through partners such as the CROUS or the ESN (French National School of Economics). How can I assess whether my exchange project is feasible within my curriculum?The best time to discuss this is with your academic advisor or the international manager at your institution. They will be able to verify whether your project fits into your curriculum and whether you are eligible for ECTS credits.
