The Erasmus program is an EU (European Union) funded program that organizes student exchanges between the universities. Each exchange is designed to enable the student to gain valuable international experience, either by studying part of their degree abroad, or undertaking a work placement (traineeship). The exchanges usually take place in the second or third year of a course, and can last up to twelve months. Universities that participate in this program have a number of partner providers across Europe that offer student exchange placements.