Landmark for Erasmus scheme as 1 million German students go abroad

One million students from Germany have gone abroad through the EU exchange programme Erasmus since its launch, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in Bonn said on Friday. 

The million mark was reached this spring, DAAD said, describing it as a historic milestone.

Spain, France and Italy have for years been among the most popular destination countries. 

Erasmus has existed since June 1987, and more than 17 million Europeans have taken part in the programme since then. About 1 million international students have come to Germany through the programme.