Erasmus+ Journey: Exploring and Expanding Horizons
The idea of temporarily moving to another country, although it may seem frightening, is definitely worth it. If you have the opportunity to do so but put fears and excuses are getting in the way, read this article carefully.
I’m Elif, I’m a computer engineering graduate. Last year, I had the opportunity to spend a semester in Portugal as part of the Erasmus program, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. The main reasons of saying this as follows:
- I had the opportunity to improve my English. I greatly improved my language skills.
- I traveled a lot. I explored cities step by step. The cities I admired and the ones I haven’t even heard of before.
- I saw what I could achieve. In a country where I didn’t even know the language, I rented a house, arranged transportation, completed legal procedures and obtained a university degree.
- I made alot of friends in the local community. I saw how easy and humane it is to connect with people who were born and raised in a completely different geography and under influence of different cultures. I had the chance to represent my country whilst learning a lot about cultures and lifestyles from other countries.
- I started to look at the world from a broader perspective, I realised there is so much more outside of my home country that I did not want to miss out on. I wanted to see more places and I set myself bigger goals. People started to respect me more and I want to reach more people by doing universal works.
If you are determined about this but don’t know where to start, let’s get started together!
First of all, you need to decide on this months before starting the Erasmus+ Mobility. You will need to contact the your International Office and complete your language exam application. Many schools start conducting Erasmus+ study language exams at the end of the fall semester or the beginning of the spring semester. Remember, your success in this exam will directly affect the scholarship that you will receive. Unfortunately, not every school can offer a scholarship to every student, and only a certain percentage of students who meet the language score and GPA requirements can receive a scholarship. I was lucky that during the years I applied to Erasmus +, my University was able to provide scholarships to everyone who won both study and internship mobility. You will be informed by the International Office about partner universities and quotas.
If you have chosen a country that requires a visa, try to schedule an appointment as soon as possible (as soon as you are accepted to the school). It may take 7 days to 2 months for your visa to arrive you. Make an effort to complete all required documents accurately. Make sure there is a wet signature on every document unless that comes from abroad. Check your email frequently in case additional documents are requested.
It’s a good idea to buy your plane ticket early, but also make sure it’s refundable and changeable. Make sure to check the baggage allowance. When it comes to accommodation, the first thing you should do is contact your abroad school’s International Relations Department to inquire about the university’s dormitory options or suitable/safe places they recommend. During my education, the dormitories were full, but they guided me very well, and I established contact with the right people.
You can find other Erasmus students in your school through student groups and the international relations office at the partner institution. During this period, you will likely spend most of your time with these students. The local people may not always be proficient in English.
As soon as you enter the classes, be sure to inform the professors that you are an Erasmus student and introduce yourself individually. Learn which language they use during the class and how they conduct the lessons. If a professor wants to teach in their native language or if their English is weak, they will support you by assigning homework and projects. If you have some courses that are not opened, you will have a few weeks to prepare new documents. Keep track of deadlines and replace any courses that have not been opened with courses in your curriculum.
Finally, explore the country you are in (and neighboring countries if possible) as much as you can. This place is now your second home, and you will always remember it with a smile for a life time. Learning a few local words in their language like “Good morning,” “Hello,” “Thank you,” and “Good evening” will create a good impression on people and make your adaptation easier. Don’t let the paperwork demoralize you. You will be very tired, but don’t give up! I hope you gather unique memories and always be courageous in your life.
“To have something you’ve never had, you must do something you’ve never done.”
Thank you for your time. See you soon!
