Erasmus skills achieved during your mobility

The skills an individual needs to function effectively in a working environment are divided into three categories: 

• Soft skills (aptitudes and personal qualities),
• Hard skills (technical qualities and capabilities),
• Intercultural skills (ability to comprehend and adapt to cultural situations).

Skills

Soft skills

Soft skills are character traits and interpersonal skills that characterize a person’s ability to interact effectively with others.

Time management: You will learn how to handle academic responsibilities, cultural activities and travel planning. All of which require effective time management and organizational skills.

Decision-making: Choosing your destinations and managing your budget will require you to make thoughtful decisions.

Communication skills: An internship abroad teaches you to communicate in different languages. Adapting to their way of communicating will make you a more enriched person.

Problem-solving: During this mobility, the student is the one who has to solve his/her problems. Dealing with unexpected challenges such as using public transport or solving accommodation problems will improve your problem-solving skills.

Self-confidence: Throughout your Erasmus, you will have to overcome language barriers, adapt to a new culture and deal with unfamiliar situations. This will boost your self-confidence. You’ll be able to speak for yourself and to express yourself regardless of the situation. Talking to others, buying tickets, asking for help won’t be a problem.

Adapting to unpredictability: Nothing in life is perfect and most of the time we can’t be sure we have everything under control. Dealing with unexpected situations, such as changes in travel plans or living arrangements will teach you to be adaptable and flexible. 

Self-awareness: Doing Erasmus isn’t for everyone, but it turns each student into a stronger individual. Reflecting on your experiences, strengths and weaknesses will lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth.

Hard skills

Hard skills are abilities you gain through your education and work experience. Usually they are directly related to a specific field of work or job position.

They are different to soft or interpersonal skills and could be seen to be more specific. However, to properly function, you will need to possess soft and hard skills which go hand in hand.

Hard skills are what employers require from you to hire you for a certain position. They can include knowing how to use different tools, computer programs or how to perform other tasks needed to successfully do your job.

During your Erasmus+ internship you will be able to put your hard skills to test through your work assignments. You will polish and acquire new hard skills that will help you with easier employability in the future and enrich your CV.

Intercultural skills

Intercultural skills make sure individuals can function and communicate effectively in the modern workplace. The skills can help employees feel comfortable and enhance productivity.

Language skills: You’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a foreign language. You’ll be able to communicate with local people and learn phrases in a language previously unknown to you.

Interpersonal skills: Working on group projects with international students and making friends with people from different backgrounds will enhance your ability to work in an intercultural environment; a huge bonus for your CV.

International connections: Building friendships and professional connections with students from around the world can lead to lifelong relationships and international networking opportunities. 

Ethics: You may find yourself in situations where academic integrity is crucial. Being in touch constantly with other students with different cultures and ethics will make you a more empathic person, with respect and values.

Multicultural growth: Learning to appreciate and respect different cultural perspectives will make you a more tolerant and globally aware individual. Consideration and tolerance will be part of your daily life as you are constantly in touch with people from all over the world.

Values

Social awareness: As part of your mobility, you’ll take part in many activities or community projects aimed at remarking social issues. Student sport competitions, workshops, trips, events and festivals will make you a more tolerant person, without prejudice and with respect for others.

Environmental respect: Erasmus students during their stay are prone to open their mind and are more open for discussion on different topics. According to studies, students are more interested and concerned about climate and environmental issues.

Respect and empathy: When living abroad, constantly being in touch with people from all around the world, makes you learn how to listen, respect and be in others’ shoes. This will make you a more mature person with communication abilities as well as making you a comprehensive and a sympathetic individual.

Conclusion

Being part of an Erasmus+ program offers you many advantages regarding your future. It prepares you in a personal and professional way. You acquire communication skills, work efficiency and cultural assimilation, as well as tons of values. Without a doubt, it is an experience that happens once in a lifetime and it improves your future significantly.