Possible UK exit from EU student program lamented

The United Kingdom government must ensure the country remains a member of the European Union's student exchange program, or Britain's economy will lose 243 million pounds ($318 million) a year, Universities UK International has warned.

The organization, also known as UUKI, says membership of the program, which is called Erasmus, has been a huge winner for the UK, costing about 177 million pounds a year in membership, but bringing in 420 million pounds from EU students visiting the UK and spending money there.

The UUKI, which represents higher education providers, also said 17,000 young Britons would miss out on valuable work experience and overseas study if the country opts out of the program, during talks with the EU on their future relationship, now that Britain has left the bloc.

The Guardian newspaper reported that the UK government's declared negotiating position suggested that Erasmus may not be a high priority, with the government saying it "would consider options for participation in elements of Erasmus on a time-limited basis, provided the terms are in the UK's interests".

The UUKI says exiting the program would especially hurt students from disadvantaged backgrounds because those wanting to take part are means-tested.

Business groups also expressed concern.

Joe Fitzsimons, the education spokesman at the Institute of Directors, said: "Many employers deeply value the kind of international experience the Erasmus scheme helps foster. Given the benefits it can bring students and businesses, maintaining access to Erasmus and wider EU research and education partnerships has been a priority for the IoD..."

Emma Meredith, international director at the Association of Colleges, told The Guardian that 85 percent of UK colleges used the Erasmus program to find work placements for students, particularly those in vocational subjects, such as construction and social care.

"For college students in some of the most deprived parts of the country, Erasmus helps to level-up opportunity, experience, and aspiration as well as ensuring that we are viewed as an open, tolerant and welcoming country to the rest of the world," she said.

Labour Party member of Parliament Taiwo Owatemi has set up an all-party parliamentary group to discuss Erasmus and lobby government on the issue.

She wrote in The Times newspaper: "I am particularly perturbed by the uncertain prospects after Brexit for the Erasmus program, which has given my constituents the opportunity to study abroad, and has welcomed some of the brightest to our shores. Despite repeated requests, the government has failed to provide formal reassurances that the Erasmus scheme will survive the UK's departure from the European Union."