The famous Erasmus program, which stands for European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students, is a student mobility program of the European Union that was created in 1987. Studying abroad is a central part of Erasmus+ and has been shown to have a positive effect on later career prospects. It is also an opportunity to improve your language skills, gain self-confidence and independence and immerse yourself in a new culture. Published on January 28th, the 2018 annual report on Erasmus+ shows that, over the last three decades, more than 10 million people have participated in what turned out to be a life-changing experience for many of them.

 

Something about myself

My name is Beatrice and I am 26 years old. During my university career, I had the amazing opportunity to study in Madrid for one year, thanks to the Erasmus program. I had always had a big passion for foreign languages and for learning about other cultures, especially for Spanish and Spain. Therefore, since my very first year of university, I knew I wanted to do the Erasmus experience. That is why, when I was in my second year of university, I applied to spend the third one in Madrid.

 

Something about my experience

It was five years ago but, when I think about it, it feels like yesterday. You start the process: fill the application in with your details, choose among various destinations throughout Europe and the time of duration. It sounds good… You are going on Erasmus! You have read about it and seen many pictures. Now, you want to leave home and start learning about the world on your own. So, it’s time to go. And here come the hugs, the “come back soon” and “have a lot of fun” that people tell you. But soon, that moment arrives, when you get on that plane with that suitcase that is bigger than you, knowing that you are leaving something behind, which is not something material. You start feeling the uncertainty. The courage to leave, the fear of arriving.

I remember the first week; it was hard. Everything was a nightmare. Where were those new friends? What about those trips and the tranquility of lying on your bed. Only one week had passed, but I already wanted to go back home. Everything was new and difficult: a new city, that feeling of being lost, a learning agreement, the tax code, passport photo, cards, public transport, food, bank. I thought: “What am I doing here?” Then, time passed and everything changed, positively for sure.

 

A life-changing experience

With Erasmus, you start your new life, where everything changes, where you meet yourself, grow up and change. Now, I know I couldn’t have made a better choice. I met people from all over the world. I changed so much and became even more extroverted, open-minded, independent, and curious. Since then, I have been feeling nobody can stop me anymore. I loved that year so much that, afterward, I spent three months studying in Germany, and during my master, I spent one more semester studying and working on my thesis in Argentina. This experience also influenced my decision to focus my studies on international relations and human rights. After I came back, I decided to join the ESN (Erasmus student network), which is s a non-profit international student organisation whose aim is to represent international students, thus providing opportunities for cultural understanding and self-development under the principle of Students Helping Students.

 

Get out of your comfort zone

I believe that these kinds of experiences change your perspective and steer your life both professionally and personally. The most important thing I learned from this experience is about myself and the way I approach my life. Never before had I felt so happy, powerful, free, and alive. I will always bring all the people I met with me; some of them became lifelong friends. Since then, we have been trying to meet somewhere in the world, when it is possible. Stepping out of your comfort zone is always a good thing. And like many others have said before me “everyone should experience Erasmus once”.

If I can give you some advice, do the things that scare you. Pack your suitcase, put your heart in it and leave your fears behind. Don’t be intimidated by people who don’t have the courage to take risks. Traveling and having the opportunity to learn something about other cultures gives you so much strength and I hope I will be able to do it again soon.