Myths and realities of doing Erasmus Mobility – Student’s Experience
Being an Erasmus student is not as easy as you might think. In order to make it easier for you we will share the myths and realities of being part of an Erasmus mobility in this blog. Of course, it depends on what you think about Erasmus and which country you choose, but the following experiences are usually similar for every student.
Myths of doing an Erasmus Mobility
Erasmus mobility grant will not cover all of your expenses.
With organisation, a budget, self-management, and only buying what you really need, money can cover the essentials. If you want to travel or go out a lot then you’ll probably need to use some of your saved money.
You won’t have to study or work a lot.
I am sorry to say, but you will have to work hard. The classes and lessons are probably not as hard as they are in your country, but when you go back home you’ll return to your old ways so make sure you don’t fall behind while on your Erasmus.
It is difficult to meet people.
Definitely not. There are dozens of different ways to meet other students. It can be in pubs, through social media or even just by going for a walk. You’re definitely not the only new student in town and you’ll find that making friends from all over the world is the best idea. You can’t imagine how much you’ll learn from them. But don’t wait for others to come to you, be brave and go for it.
You will only eat fast food.
Probably for the first few days, but that’s because you’ll be doing a lot of things and probably won’t have time to cook. However, you can still eat well and healthy in restaurants. Once you get settled in the city, cooking and shopping will be part of your routine, so you will try different and new dishes.
Life will be the same when you return home after your Erasmus mobility.
Most people leave Erasmus thinking they didn’t change. But then they realise they were completely wrong. Even if it is just a small part, you change. Your attitude after those months in another country is not the same as it was before you came. This is because you meet new people from different cultures. And somehow you learn and you become a more open-minded and more mature person. It changes your perspectives and your way of thinking.
People will always help you.
We wish, but no. This is something that not all students know, but there won’t be someone there for you 24/7. You will have to do small tasks, that you have probably never done before or have no idea how to do, on your own. Don’t think that there will always be someone to explain everything to you. This is Erasmus, you are living on your own, it is part of the experience to discover and learn how to do things on your own and grow as a person.
Your Erasmus mobility destination will be perfect.
Definitely not, because a perfect destination DOESN’T exist. Wherever you choose to go will be different to your home country. There will be many things that you won’t like or that you would rather change, but you will have to adapt. If you think about your destination and the challenges before your Erasmus that can help you to later integrate easier.
You will do a lot of stupid things.
Even if it is strange, you will. As I said, being in a different group and being with dozens and dozens of young people will make you make stupid decisions, but guess what, it is part of maturing and this experience.
It takes time to adapt.
Not everything will turn out to be as you planned or expected, so please don’t have extremely high expectations. Erasmus is about learning and having a new experience in life, so most of the things like your place to live, type of work, etc. might not be to your taste.
Realities
Going on Erasmus mobility is not an easy step.
For people who aren’t used to being independent, it will take a while to adjust. But with patience and routine you will get there. You will learn new things and grow as a person which will help you in the future.
You will meet different people every day
True. You’ll make a lot of friends and through them you will meet new people to hang out with at a party, playing cards, on a trip, in the residence or anywhere else
You will be able to travel a lot.
Yes, yes and yes again. You will form many groups and many plans will often be made. You are a student and you will find a way to organise cheap trips, even if they are to other countries. Our advice is to take as many as you can. You will never regret travelling.
Time flies.
Absolutely true. Anyone who has been on Erasmus will tell you how important it is to make the most of your time there. But really, do it. And do as much as you can, get to know everyone and don’t be afraid to try new things, but with a certain amount of control.
You will make friends for life.
When living abroad, friends are the closest thing to family. Seeing them every day or every week will create a great bond between you. And at the end of Erasmus, saying goodbye to them will be one of the hardest things to do. But living apart doesn’t mean you can’t keep in touch.
First week of Erasmus mobility is tough.
Yes. Even if you’re mentally prepared for what this trip is going to be like for you, being away from your family, being in an unfamiliar country and having higher expectations of things, at least for the first week, you’re going to be feeling down and stressed. But don’t worry, after a few days everything will be fine.
Residences are not clean.
Sorry to say it, but some students are dirty. Imagine living in a place where there are plenty of them. But things can change if you do your bit. Clean your part, if something is dirty so other students will do the same.
You will party all day.
Yes, this is true. It depends on the country you’re in, but most of the time, as you’ll be in a student area, parties are everywhere. But it is up to you whether you want to join in or not. Just because there’s a party somewhere doesn’t mean you have to go. Don’t feel pressured to do things you don’t want to.
You will improve your English a lot.
We are so glad that we can put this sentence in the realities section. This is 100% proven and true. Being abroad and in constant contact with international students will make you use English most of the time and with constant practice you will come back to your country with better language skills.
Erasmus mobility will be the best experience of your life.
Yes, yes, yes. The experience of living abroad for the first time is something you won’t forget. The people and friends you make, the skills you gain, the places you visit and the wonderful plans you organise are something incredible that everyone should experience at least once.
Conclusion:
Erasmus is a great and unique experience in life. You will get to know new people, make lots of plans and acquire professional skills. You will learn how to live on your own, become independent and make your own decisions.
You will have to make some effort during your Erasmus mobility, but I can guarantee it will be the best time of your life.
Blog written by: Naira Sangüesa Sánchez