Ireland has seen a 9% increase in international students. Just over 6,000 students visited Ireland in 2012-2013 under the Erasmus exchange programme, according to new figures.

While 2,762 Irish students took advantage of the opportunity to study or train abroad during the same period.

France was the most popular destination for those going abroad for the academic year.

Ireland has been one of the 11 countries participating in the Erasmus programme since its inception in 1987.

Jessica Gough is an Erasmus ambassador from Dungarvan in Co. Waterford.

She says Erasmus student-exchange programmes are a way to make new friends and learn more about another country.