Sofia Corradi: The Mother of the Erasmus Programme

Sofia Corradi, affectionately known across Europe as “Mamma Erasmus,” was a pioneering Italian educator and academic whose vision and tireless advocacy led to the creation of one of the most successful educational programs in the world: the Erasmus Programme. Her life’s work had a lasting impact on millions of students, transforming the landscape of Higher Education in Europe and beyond.

 Born in 1934 in Rome, Corradi pursued her academic studies with passion, earning a law degree from the University of Rome and later completing her postgraduate studies in the United States (U.S.) at Columbia University. While studying abroad, she experienced the immense value of international education first-hand. However, when she returned to Italy, she faced a major disappointment—her time studying in the U.S. was not recognized by her university back home. This personal experience of academic non-recognition became the starting point of a life-long mission to change the system.

 Corradi began to question why students could not move freely between universities in different countries, especially within Europe, and still have their academic work recognized. At the time, European universities operated largely in isolation, with limited cooperation or mobility. Corradi believed this was a lost opportunity—not only for students, but for the future of Europe itself.

 Starting in the 1960s, she worked as a professor and advisor in various academic and governmental roles. She dedicated herself to promoting the idea of international academic exchange, encouraging universities to recognize foreign study periods as part of a student’s education. Corradi was known for her persistent advocacy, often speaking at conferences, publishing papers, and engaging with policymakers. She collaborated with university 

rectors, education ministries, and European institutions, slowly building momentum for her vision.

Her efforts finally bore fruit in 1987, when the European Commission launched the Erasmus Programme (European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students). The Programme allowed students from EU Member States to study abroad for a semester or a full academic year, with the guarantee that their studies would be recognized by their home universities. The idea was revolutionary—and yet, thanks to Corradi’s groundwork, it was ready to take off.

 Since its inception, the Erasmus Programme has grown enormously. As of 2025, over 13 million people—including students, teachers, and trainees—have participated in Erasmus exchanges. The program has helped foster a generation of Europeans who are multilingual, culturally aware, and globally minded. For many, Erasmus was a life-changing experience that expanded their horizons, deepened their education, and created lifelong friendships and networks across borders.

 Beyond the numbers, Corradi’s legacy is deeply symbolic. At a time when Europe was still recovering from division and conflict, the Erasmus Programme promoted unity through education. It helped create a sense of shared European identity and mutual understanding—values that are more important than ever in today’s world.

 Corradi continued her academic work as a professor of lifelong learning at Roma Tre University, and remained a vocal supporter of the Erasmus Programme throughout her life. She received numerous honours and awards for her contributions, including international recognition from educational and political institutions.

 Sofia Corradi’s story is a powerful reminder that meaningful change often starts with personal experience, determination, and the courage to challenge outdated systems. Thanks to her, generations of students have had the chance to broaden their perspectives and embrace the world as their classroom.

 In a rapidly globalizing world, her vision continues to inspire. Education, Corradi believed, should not be limited by borders—and thanks to her, it no longer is.