EDUCATION - FREE MOVEMENT OF PERSONS : NEW QUALITY CHARTER AIMS TO IMPROVE STUDY PERIODS ABROAD.

Improvements are needed in the quality of opportunities provided to EU citizens to study or train in another member state, according to the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament, which have agreed on a new European Charter addressing the issue.

The legislation setting out the Charter, which was formally adopted at the Council on 18 December, recommends to member states that they promote its use by organisations involved in providing such opportunities - universities, schools, companies and youth organisations - be they directed at adults or young people.

The Charter itself has been conceived as a "basic reference document," and covers ten areas, namely information and guidance, learning plans, personalisation, general preparation, linguistic aspects, logistical support, mentoring, recognition of participation and learning outcomes, reintegration and evaluation, and commitments and responsibilities.

One of the substantial ideas it contains is the learning plan, which should be drawn up and agreed between the hosting and sending organisations involved, as well as with the participants themselves. The idea is that it should outline objectives and expected learning outcomes. The creation of a plan is considered especially important when participants are going abroad for long periods, and in these cases it should also address issues relating to reintegration into their home country.

In cases where the placement abroad forms an integral part of a formal study or training programme, the learning plan should contain a commitment by the sending organisation to recognise what the...