IMAGES: 12 inspiring stories from former students who lived the Erasmus experience
The Erasmus experience has transformed the lives of many students, providing them with unique opportunities for cultural exchange and learning. From the multicultural environment in Bordeaux to the challenge of living in an unfamiliar country like Poland, these stories highlight the adventures, challenges and life lessons that each of these students faced during their exchanges. These stories reflect how the Erasmus program not only enriched their academic education, but also broadened their perspectives on the world, creating bonds that last a lifetime. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTukmrF09Po The Erasmus program is a milestone for many young students who want to explore new horizons and cultures. This article features stories from twelve former students who share their unique and transformative experiences during their stay in different countries. From academic learning to intercultural connections, each story reveals how the Erasmus experience shaped their lives and personalities. Inês Guerreiro’s Story: Cultural Experience in Bordeaux Inês, originally from Lisbon, left for Bordeaux in 1992, eager for a new environment. Despite her fear of being alone and getting sick, she found cultural experience to be a rich experience. During her year in Social Communication, she made friends from 18 nationalities and attended dinners filled with laughter and multicultural singing. The experience was so meaningful that Inês even dreamed in French. For her, Erasmus “makes us more tolerant, wise and sociable.” Ana Matias’ adventure in Spain Ana, also known as Kika, decided to do an Erasmus in Vigo, Spain, in 2004. With the scholarship late, she was fully sponsored by her parents and lived with Spanish girls. Learning to manage a budget was a challenge that strengthened her. During her free time, Kika explored new places and also improved her Spanish skills, which helped her in her future professional career. Raquel Santana and the Parisian experience Raquel went to Paris in 2004 and faced several difficulties, from the language to adapting to the French lifestyle. Although she initially planned to stay for only six months, her passion for the city made her stay for a year. With many challenges and cultural immersion, Raquel remembers the fun moments, such as a night picnic near the Eiffel Tower, which became unforgettable memories. Bárbara Oliveira’s journey in Germany Bárbara arrived in Pforzheim in 2007, determined to learn German and improve her English. Living in a student residence, she built a new family of friends from all over the world. After spending Christmas with a friend from South Korea, who was unfamiliar with Western Christmas, she learned the value of sharing traditions and cultures.Pedro de Sousa Figueiredo and football in Poland
Sara Pereira Faria’s connection with Romania
Sara spent her first semester in Lisbon in Targoviste, a city rich in history. Learning Romanian and experiencing a new reality while missing her mother’s home-cooked food was part of her adventure. She took advantage of the experience to travel around Romania and learn more about local traditions, while developing her career as a journalist.
Tomás Pereira in Slovenia
Sur le meme sujet
After living in Lisbon, Tomás went to Ljubljana in 2009. Arriving in a snowstorm was part of an adventure full of discoveries. With friends from different countries, he explored Slovenia and beyond, experiencing relaxed moments that brought valuable personal growth.
João Sousa and the beauties of Zagreb
Sur le meme sujet
João left the island of São Miguel to study in Zagreb in 2011, where he challenged himself academically and culturally. Living with international friends provided him with a rich exchange of experiences and the opportunity to explore several nearby locations. João believes that Erasmus is an incentive for the development of the human aspect, which is very important in the job market.
Carlota Cruz Morais and self-sufficiency in Istanbul
Sur le meme sujet
In Turkey, Carlota began her journey in 2012, learning to live independently. Despite the initial challenges, such as the language barrier and adapting to everyday life, the young woman managed to connect with other Erasmus students and share cultural experiences, even if her interaction in class was not ideal.
Elena Boracco and Medicine in Lisbon
Sur le meme sujet
Elena, who came from Italy, was impressed by the practical focus of Medicine education in Lisbon when she attended classes in 2012. She values the practical experience and the relationships she formed during her time in the city, always dedicating herself to getting to know Portuguese culture in her free time.
Christian Pürzer and culture in Lisbon
Sur le meme sujet
Christian, a German, also arrived in Lisbon in 2012, where he began to explore the city center and its beauties. Meeting colleagues of different nationalities, he was enchanted by the vibrant dynamics of the city and the group work, aspects that enrich the academic experience.
Benjamin Mennesson and the surprises of Lisbon
Sur le meme sujet
Benjamin, a young Frenchman, had a bittersweet adaptation when he arrived in Lisbon. The cultural differences and the delays he observed caught his attention, but he soon discovered the local beauties and got involved in the activities of the residence where he lived. Taking part in excursions with Erasmus colleagues was one of the highlights of his stay.
Name
Experience
Inês Guerreiro
Enjoyed a diverse cultural environment in Bordeaux and made international friends.
Ana Matias
Learned to manage a budget and took advantage of Spanish culture in Vigo.
Raquel Santana
Became fluent in French while facing challenges with the language and culture in Paris.
Bárbara Oliveira
Experienced profound personal and cultural growth in Pforzheim, Germany.
Pedro de Sousa Figueiredo
| Learned to ride the train in Poland while living without family comforts. | Sara Pereira Faria |
| Explored Romanian history and faced adaptation challenges in Targoviste. | Tomás Pereira |
| Developed confidence and made international friends while studying in Ljubljana. | João Sousa |
| Experienced culture shock in Zagreb and explored the region through travel. | Carlota Cruz Morais |
| Learned to fend for herself in Istanbul, facing language barriers. | Elena Boracco |
| Discovered a more practical and engaging teaching model in Lisbon. | Inspiring Stories from Erasmus Students |
| The Erasmus experience has transformed the lives of many students, allowing them to explore new horizons, develop personal and professional skills, and make lifelong friendships. In this article, we will share | twelve inspiring stories |
| of former students who lived this incredible adventure, highlighting how academic mobility enriched their lives. | Inês Guerreiro: Bordeaux and Cultural Interaction |
| Inês’ experience in the city of Bordeaux, France, was marked by a strong cultural interaction. Remembering fondly, she highlights how the diversity of nationalities at dinners during the weekends made her feel part of something special. The personal challenges she faced, such as a slight illness, were overcome with the help of a welcoming environment that made her dream in French. | Ana Matias: Learning in Vigo |
| Ana, affectionately called Kika, lived a year of learning in Vigo, Spain. Facing the challenge of managing a budget, Ana discovered the importance of planning and interacting with students from different cultures. Contact with Spanish was also fundamental for her academic and professional development. Raquel Santana: Challenges in Paris | In Paris, Raquel learned that adaptation is key. The language difficulties at the beginning did not stop her from making unforgettable memories, such as the famous night near the Eiffel Tower. The challenges she faced, such as finding housing and adapting to the French education system, made her more resilient and prepared for the future. |
| Bárbara Oliveira: Diving into Pforzheim | Bárbara arrived in Pforzheim, Germany, ready to learn German and improve her English. Engaging with colleagues from all over the world, she experienced memorable moments, such as sharing Christmas with a South Korean friend, offering her a new perspective on the Western celebration. |
Pedro de Sousa: The Adventure in Poland
Pedro’s experience in Koszalin, Poland, was full of discoveries. Despite the language barriers and communication challenges, he took advantage of every minute to explore the country and make new friends, always seeking the excitement that academic life offers. Sara Pereira: Knowing History in Romania Sara chose Targoviste as a destination to dive into the
eastern european history
. The initial adaptation to the new culture and local food brought challenges, but it also motivated her to explore several historical sites, making her trip enriching. Tomás Pereira: The Experience in SloveniaTomás experienced a transformative semester in Ljubljana, where the adventure of discovering new cultures overcame the discomfort of being far from home. Playing football and traveling in groups were some of the ways he found to make the experience more pleasurable and memorable. João Sousa: Discovering CroatiaIn Zagreb, João did not hesitate to explore the unknown. The classes taught in English and the coexistence with colleagues of various nationalities served as a solid foundation for the development of his social and cultural skills, making him more mature and confident.
Carlota Cruz: Self-sufficiency in Istanbul
Even facing challenges with the Turkish language and adapting to the local culture, Carlota found a balance by learning to be self-sufficient. The experiences he experienced during this period became valuable lessons, enriching his academic and personal training.
Elena Boracco: Medicine in Lisbon
Elena had the opportunity to experience a more practical teaching model in Lisbon. The comparison with the system in Italy showed her new ways of learning and encouraged her to explore the city and its charms during her free time.
Christian Pürzer: Portuguese Culture
Christian decided to discover Portuguese culture in Lisbon. The possibility of studying in English and participating in group work were aspects that he greatly appreciated, contributing to his personal development during his stay.
Benjamin Mennesson: The Student Experience in Lisbon
Finally, Benjamin, a young Frenchman, was surprised by the punctuality of the Portuguese and the energy of the city. The year of study in Lisbon was a unique opportunity for growth, full of fun and new learning.
Inspiring Stories from Former Erasmus Students
Inês Guerreiro: A memorable cultural experience with friends from 18 different nationalities.Ana Matias:
Learning in a multicultural environment, budget management.
Raquel Santana:
Linguistic immersion in French, daily challenges in Paris.
Bárbara Oliveira:
Living in Pforzheim with international friends, emotional Christmas experience.
Pedro de Sousa Figueiredo: Adventure in Koszalin, immersion in a different culture.Sara Pereira Faria:
Discovering Romanian history and culture, personal adaptations.
Tomás Pereira:
Traveling around Europe, developing self-confidence in Ljubljana.
João Sousa:
Management training in Zagreb, tourism and new friendships.
Carlota Cruz Morais:
Independent learning in Istanbul, language challenges.
- Elena Boracco: Practical teaching in Lisbon, cultural exploration during free time.
- Christian Pürzer: Integration with international students, appreciation for group work.
- Benjamin Mennesson: Reflection on cultural differences in everyday life in Lisbon.
- The Erasmus experience is often remembered as a transformative period in the lives of many students. This article presents twelve inspiring accounts from former students who shared their experiences in different countries. Each account reflects not only the difficulties and challenges faced, but also the joys, learnings and friendships formed during this unique journey. Cultural diversity, new friendships and immersion in different languages are just some of the advantages highlighted. Experiencing new cultures
- Each student had the opportunity to venture into a different country and experienced the cultural impact of her choice. Stories about how the experience in Bordeaux, for example, allowed Inês to interact with 18 nationalities at weekly dinners show how coexistence enriches cultural understanding. The exchange of traditions, customs, and even the way of communicating was one of the greatest learning experiences.
- Diversity in friendships Students like Ana and Raquel mention how their friendships became one of the most important parts of their experience. Living with people from different backgrounds provided a support network and a sense of belonging, even far from home. The bonds formed outside the academic environment often become lifelong friendships, contributing to an even richer cultural exchange.
- Overcoming academic challenges The difficulties faced in the classroom are also a key point in the narratives. Pedro, for example, describes a scenario in which none of the teachers spoke English, which made him face a great academic challenge. However, this did not discourage him; On the contrary, the experience in Poland strengthened her adaptability and resilience, as well as consolidating her interest in languages.
- Practical learning The reports often mention practical learning that goes far beyond traditional classes. While living in a student residence, Bárbara learned about financial management while organizing expenses with other colleagues. This practical experience is one of the most enriching aspects of the Erasmus program, preparing students for the challenges of the job market.
- Memorable memories Specific moments become the most cherished memories of the Erasmus experience. Nights in Paris under the Eiffel Tower, spontaneous weekend trips, and even birthday celebrations with cultural variations are memories that last a lifetime. Sara talks about the emotional connection she developed with local food and how it affected her eating habits. Each small moment tells a story that shaped each student’s unique trajectory.
- The importance of the exchange All these stories reinforce the importance of the
- Erasmus program as an essential tool for the personal and academic growth of students. In addition to the skills acquired, such as fluency in languages and adaptation to new environments, the experiences allow each student to become a global citizen. With these experiences, students return home not only with a richer resume, but with a broader world view.
- FAQ – Inspiring Stories from Former Erasmus Students Q: What is the Erasmus experience?
The Erasmus experience is a student exchange program that allows students from Europe to study at universities in other countries, promoting international mobility and cultural exchange. Q: What do students typically learn from the Erasmus experience? Students not only learn about their field of study, but also develop social skills, tolerance and confidence by living in a foreign country and interacting with people from different cultures. Q: What were some of the cities mentioned in the student reports? The reports mention cities such as Bordeaux, Vigo, Paris, Pforzheim, Koszalin, Targoviste and Ljubljana, each offering a unique experience. Q: Do the reports only cover academic aspects of the experience? No, the reports also include personal experiences such as friendships made, travel adventures and the challenge of adapting to different cultures. Q: How important is language in Erasmus programmes?
Learning a new language, such as
French, Spanish or
German, is a crucial aspect of the experience, as it allows students to communicate better and integrate into the local culture.
Q: Is there financial support available for students during Erasmus?
Yes, there are usually scholarships
to help cover living and tuition costs, but many students also rely on financial support from their families.
Q: How do Erasmus experiences influence students’ careers?
The experiences gained during Erasmus can open doors in the job market, developing interpersonal skills and
international experience
that are valued by employers. Q: What challenges do students face during the Erasmus experience? Challenges include adapting to a new environment, learning a new language and coping with homesickness, but these challenges are overcome throughsocial support
and new friendships. Q: How do students organize their time abroad?Many students organize their study and leisure routines, forming groups for shopping and study, and planning weekend trips. Q: Do the reports include experiences from students in different areas of study?
Yes, the reports cover a variety of areas of study, such as Social Communications ,Translation ,Management , andMedicine , showing the diversity of the program.
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