Erasmus Experience in Bucharest

Friday, 4 October, 2024 - 12:39

When it comes to an Erasmus experience, we all expect lifelong friendships, unforgettable experiences, trips and academic opportunities. Well, Bucharest offers them all!

One of the major advantages of studying in Bucharest is the affordable cost of living compared to many other European cities. With a variety of restaurants and cafes you can enjoy your fancy coffee and eat a great meal for a budget of 6-10 euros as an average. And for way cheaper prices (3-5 euros), it's simple to look for fast-food restaurants and marketplace sellers offering pizza, kebabs, and shawarma. Try the "mici," a grilled sausage, at one of the numerous food stands for an experience that is more traditional.

With great academic results and well prepared professors, Bucharest is, at the same time, a great destination for Erasmus students who want to enjoy evenings out after a hard day of studying because of its diverse nightlife. The city has much to offer everyone, from pubs and clubs to more chill lounges. You need to go to the Old Town or Calea Victoriei (the most beautiful boulevard) to feel the real vibe of the city! If you're going to be travelling far from where you're staying, use ride-sharing applications like Uber or Bolt to safely get home.

Expect to be surrounded by nature because Bucharest has many parks where you can go boating, have a picnic with friends, attend an outdoor cinema or go jogging in the morning. Here are some recommendations: Cișmigiu Park (in the center of the city), Alexandru Ioan Cuza Park (that also has the Parklake Mall), Herăstrău Park (by the way, do not forget the Triumphal Arch in the same area) or Tineretului Park.

Moreover, students from warmer areas may find it unfamiliar to experience all four seasons in Bucharest. Summers are hot and sunny, and winters can be cool with the occasional snow. And good news! Although Romanian is the official language, English is widely spoken in Bucharest. Do not be afraid to socialize because the people here are very warm and always down to making new friends.

Good luck on your future Erasmus+ experience and enjoy Bucharest!

Author: Alexandra Lupșan

 
 
 
Culture, Erasmus+

Dear Erasmus Diary... - entry 1

Monday, 1 July, 2024 - 21:35

Dear Erasmus diary,

 

It’s been 2 months since I came back home, and honestly, this is not my home anymore. I was scared to leave but why am I scared to come back home? I’ve been away for 12 months, lived in two different countries, met incredible people and shaped me into the person I am today, but why can’t I let it go? I feel like I am a bad person since I came back, my friends and family are incredible but we’re moving separate ways, I know it’s the wrong thing to do, I should be happy to be back with them but I am not. Being an international student taught me so much about different cultures, not just my Erasmus countries, but countries I could not even imagine I’ll get to meet some day, the pride to be Irish, Italian, Mexican and so on made me wish to spread their joy around, it made me feel like I was one of them, for a second I forgot I was Romanian, because my heart beats fully international.

Being in Erasmus taught me how to be inclusive and respect people equally, it allowed me to fall in love with people I never knew existed a few months ago, random strangers became my family and I can’t ignore the fact that I might not see them for months or years. From every day lecture laughs to spending every weekend together planning picnics and trips, I probably didn’t realise how fast time goes by, did I take it for granted? I’m scared that these memories will fade away and I’ll forget the people I met, but honestly, I’m glad we captured every moment together on camera, these will stay forever. And as far as it goes, I know I’ll be one of your friends who will want to hear and cheer your accomplishments, every year I’ll celebrate your birthday as if it would be a national holiday because I cannot express how much joy it brings to me that you were born on that day and I had the pleasure to have you in this small chapter of my story. To all of my Erasmus friends, I was enchanted to meet you and I hope our story didn’t end when our Erasmus did, some day in the future we’ll still have the same laughs and act like nothing changed, but till then, I hope all of you will be appreciated by the right people the same way you did to me.

 

Yours faithfully,

A girl who’s still in her post Erasmus blues era

Erasmus+

Bucharest, Suitable for Erasmus Students or Not?

Wednesday, 1 November, 2023 - 19:06

Maybe you’re wondering: Why someone would choose Romania, especially Bucharest, as an Erasmus Destination for studies, considering that there are other well known destinations for students around Eastern Europe, such as Hungary, Poland or Czech Republic? What is it so special about this country known for vampires and diverse nature? Is anything you can do between the studying breaks? Let’s find out together!

Well, before we go deeper into our mini travel guide, I should mention that Bucharest is among the safest and most affordable places to visit in Europe, as the majority of the most well known attractions are either free, either very convenient, suitable for almost any type of traveler out there, especially those on a tight budget who want to live their student life to the fullest.

 

ARCHITECTURE

For those keen on architectural wonders, you’re very lucky, as there are plenty of buildings. One visit you should definitely not miss is The Palace of the Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world. Entrance here, with the student discount, is around 4 euros. Quite cheap, isn’t it? Other fascinating buildings in Bucharest, worth of Instagram Stories, are Romanian Athenaeum or Bragadiru Palace.

 

MUSEUMS

Of course, what is a European capital without some really cool museums? You can choose from National Museum of Romanian History, National Mueum of Art or Art Safari. If you want to find out more about Romanian culture you can visit The Village Museum, which includes houses and rural buildings representative of each ethnographic area of the country, including from Transylvania, Maramures, Oltenia, Moldova, Dobrogea, Muntenia and Banati.

 

RELAX

Or maybe you just want to take a break? You know, after all those university assignments and getting used to our learning system...Well, you should probably have a resting day. But where?

Therme is a one of the largest wellness and relaxation centers, where you can find pools with thermal water, massage rooms and steam sauna. A ticket here is around 15-20 euros, depending on the discount. To reach Therme, which is 20 km  from Bucharest, you have a shuttle every two hours from Piata Romana.

Opera Nationala is another great option if you want something entertaining yet cultural. You can see La Traviata, Phantom of the Opera or Swan Lake, to name a few.

 

PUBS

Nightlife in Bucharest is very diverse, having plenty of clubs and pubs from where you can choose from, especially in the Old Town. The ones that we recommend are The One, Beluga, Control or Apollo, the last one being LGBTQ+ friendly.

 

PARKS

There are also a lot of parks, such as Tineretului, Izvor, where you can take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful gardens, or Herastrau, where you can rent a paddleboat on the lake or have a picnic.

 

 Oh, and I almost forgot…shopping! Cotroceni, Baneasa, Promenada, Mega Mall, all these are the biggest shopping centers in Bucharest, so if you need to buy something, you will most probably find it in one of these.

 

Even if you never considered before Bucharest as an Erasmus destination, I hope this article helped you find out more about things you can do if you end up studying here. And if you decide so, never forget that we, those in Erasmus Student Network ASE-CMP Bucharest, are looking forward to meeting you and helping you discover all the wonders in this city. See ya!

 

Author: Antonia Ghencea

Culture, Erasmus+

Getting your Encore of the Erasmus Generation

Monday, 1 February, 2021 - 22:12
 
Written by: 

Paulina Bednarek Thursday, 28 January, 2021 - 19:21

Getting your Encore of the Erasmus Generation

I joined ESN for a simple reason: to do more than studying. It has already been 4 years since that, and if someone had told me from the past what I could do thanks to this student organisation, I would have answered that they were entirely bonkers.

One of the meanings of the word “generation” refers to it as “people who belong to the same age group and create a society, a family”. As such, the Erasmus Generation is formed by young, energetic people who discover the world and develop themselves by experiencing different forms of mobility, who volunteer and make the world a better place. It’s more than a group. Does it sound too overrated?

Family – Friendship – Infinite Possibilities

Have you ever been a mentor to a peer that came to a new city and didn’t know anything about the country and its culture? We meet people from different backgrounds, speak foreign languages, we try to put ourselves in someone else's shoes. Even in small actions you can see the lights of volunteering. Those initiatives follow the purpose of the Erasmus Generation: to form an international community; a community without borders. It’s time to build up lifelong bonds, shall we?

Everything started when the Erasmus+ Programme was born to support youth in education and gain new competences that would enable them to enter the job market in the future.  Studying abroad stands for many as an unforgettable experience, and after 34 years of existence of the programme, the interest in it is even greater. But it wouldn’t be complete without the impact of Erasmus Student Network (ESN) - one of the biggest student associations in Europe. All members strive for unity in diversity, diversity in the unity – no matter where we come from, we learn from each other and enhance the rich variety of cultures.

ESN creates tools and services that simplify the process of going abroad for the internationals, such as the Buddy System, which works on a pairing up system, or Erasmus in Schools activities (opportunity for international students to give cultural workshops for children in local schools). It stands for everything we fight for in the modern world: openness, tolerance, inclusion. The network represents the diversified culture and creates possibilities where everyone can benefit from. With that in mind, it becomes clear that a peer-to-peer approach lies at the heart of our work.

Become an Ambassador  

Every individual contributes to the common good. It is the voice of youth and the spirit that brings different individuals together. Present in 42 countries and with over 530 sections, ESN opens its doors and waits for new volunteers to become the next ambassadors who share our values and fulfil the motto of Students Helping Students. Do you want to develop new skills, meet new people and use your enthusiasm on a daily basis? Are you an aficionado of travelling, sports, events organisation or languages? ESN needs people like you! The members have the chance to develop their skills in the fields of Public Relations, Human Resources or Fundraising (to name a few). This is the best space for interaction and unleashing your creativity. For instance, on the @erasmus.generation Instagram account, you can already see hundreds of stories, impressions and memories from exchange students, trainees and volunteers that prove mobility has many faces.



 

More Mobility And No Borders

Taking part in an exchange can be one of the ways to showcase how the impact of internationalisation has grown. But what happens when the ESNers are the actors who spread the idea of youth mobility and its positive changes?

Since the Erasmus Student Network was formed in 1989, volunteering has acquired an added value. People broaden their horizons through international experiences, they learn how to think outside the box. 

However, it’s not only about going abroad or making new friends who come from other parts of the world. It’s also about getting acquainted with different cultures and how they work. Thanks to many young ESN ambassadors, internationalisation at home has become a reality. When the pandemic struck, we didn’t step back. #ErasmusAtHome, a series of online network-wide events, was our way to call to action, to become stronger and give an example for making an impact despite difficulties. We have found the light at the end of the dark tunnel. We are all in this together, aren’t we?

 

At the very beginning, I was just helping Erasmus students coming to my university for their exchange. Taking first responsibilities, being a leader, gaining new organisational skills, learning how other cultures work. Over time, that “just” has started to make me certain that I do have an impact as a European citizen, as a young individual - in my local community, in my country and beyond it. And I'm walking on a wire, trying to go higher.

Erasmus Generation is the key to strengthening international relations. Erasmus Generation is not tangible. It’s a feeling that has the power to connect, expand, change. We are travellers and game-changers. Believe me, you want to be a part of it. Once experienced, it stays with you. 

Are you ready to write your own chapter in that story? Go to www.esn.org/sections and find your new international family now!

Erasmus+
erasmus-testimonials

Erasmus Testimonials - 1st Edition

Saturday, 5 December, 2020 - 13:07

Author: Andrei Alexandru (Andi)

Erasmus Testimonials, 1st edition
 

 

Hello ESN friends, Erasmus lovers, curious people from all over the world – get yourself a comfortable seat, grab a cup of your favourite drink and be ready for what is coming up! Welcome to our first edition of Erasmus testimonials, part of a series which is intended to feature as many Erasmus students as possible, from different universities and in different countries. The main purpose of this project is to bring a clear, personal and diverse perspective about the Erasmus experience from young people that have already lived or are currently living their exchange adventure, in order to inspire and help future candidates.

Now, with everything settled, let’s move on to our first two Erasmus students who were eager to share their experiences and memories with us.

 

 

Diana Păcuraru is now a third year student at CSIE – Economic Informatics faculty of ASE Bucharest. Her first Erasmus adventure began in the fall of 2019 and lasted for one semester in the beautiful city of Braganca, Portugal. For her, the international experience was a mix of feelings, fluctuating “between missing home and wanting to go back, to never wanting to leave your Erasmus country ever and wishing it wouldn't end”.

 

While many people might be reticent when it comes to leaving their comfort zone for a few months, Diana set her Erasmus goals from high school and says that she “can’t imagine why someone wouldn't want to apply for […] the chance to go out in the world by yourself, meet people from all over Europe and learn directly from them about their country and culture”. The language obstacle is one of the reasons why some students step back, but it wasn’t the case of Diana. Her teaching language in Romania is English, the same it was at the Polytechnic Institute of Braganca. However, the accent of the professors made it difficult for her at the very beginning, but eventually she “got used to it pretty fast”.

 

“The Algarve region is considered to have amongst the most beautiful beaches in Europe”. Diana’s favourite memory from the mobility is her first time she went kayaking on the southern coast of Portugal with a group of Erasmus students that would end up being her closest friends there. When it comes to some other favourite things: for the place, there is “a tie between the University's canteen and the Belem neighbourhood in Lisbon”, for the food, the chocolate truffles “brigadeiro” that her Brazilian friends taught her to make, and for a favourite word, “chuva” – rain, in English – because it took her a good couple of minutes to put it in different phrases and to pronounce them. “Language is a funny thing” says Diana, where she mentions a little story about the way she found out that “thank you” is different by gender. “When I first got there I assumed if I was thanking a man I would use the masculine form («Obrigado») and for a woman the feminine («Obrigada»). It took a kind library employee to explain to me that because I am a woman, I will always say "Obrigada", no matter the gender of the person I am speaking to. Now I got a better idea why I got so many smiles when attempting to thank people.” When it comes to educational differences between Romania and Portugal, Diana felt that the Portuguese system is “more practical and project based”. She had the chance to take some courses which are currently not available at her home university, “3D Video Game Design” and “Virtual Reality Lab” being two of them.

 

Erasmus is about people, friendships, and bonds which last for a lifetime. Diana mentioned that she is still in touch with many of her friends, they “write each other on Instagram and Whatsapp, video calls, voice messages, funny pictures, it all depends on the person”. She says that many of her friends were made by attending the ESN events of IPB. In order to avoid, or at least to minimize the post Erasmus depression, Diana decided to join ESN ASE Bucharest, “which actually worked for a while, until events were cancelled”, but she also “made a photo album, […] talked my Romanian friends ears off about my experience in Portugal, these things helped”.

 

Asking Diana if she would repeat the Erasmus experience was a silly question, as she is currently in another mobility program at the University of Nicosia Applied Multimedia, in Cyprus. With a world pandemic going on, she spoke briefly about the current situation: “It is certainly different, but at the core Erasmus is about the people, and we find ways to make it work in any kind of situation”. We can’t wait to hear more from her!

 

 

Andreea Podovei is currently a third year bachelor student at Faculty of Economic Cybernetics, Informatics and Statistics of ASE Bucharest. Her Erasmus experience started one year ago, during the 2019-2020 academic year and lasted for one semester in Žilina, Slovakia. She attended the courses of the Faculty of Operation and Economics of Transport and Communications, part of the University of Žilina. During her time abroad, Andreea observed some differences between Romania and Slovakia. For example, “students and teachers are cooperating much more and are involved in more projects together”. On the other hand, regarding the non-formal education, she claims to “have developed a series of practical skills such as time-management and social ones”. Andreea is following an English program at her home university as well, so from the language perspective she didn’t face any difficulties.

 

What made Andreea apply for the Erasmus experience? “I have always been eager to experience as much as I can an international environment and to discover other cultures and languages” she says, therefore, the mobility represented the best opportunity to achieve these goals. Many Erasmus students find it hard to adapt in a new country and to a new culture. For Andreea, the first two weeks made it feel “a bit harder to get around in a totally new environment”.  However, as she has “managed to meet more local and Erasmus students, the feeling of being an outsider vanished” and at some point it “actually has felt like home there”. Her new friends were very helpful in many situations and managed to make her feel more comfortable. “In Slovak the difference in pronunciation between «hello» and «goodbye» is pretty small and as a foreigner, I didn't really notice it. Therefore, every time I went to a supermarket instead of saying «hello» to cashiers I was saying «goodbye», until another Erasmus student observed it and corrected me”. Andreea mentioned that she is still in contact with the people she met in Slovakia and they have group calls from time to time to discuss, bring back memories and play online games together, mostly when their schedules don’t overlap. Also, she mentions the ESN community which “has been pretty involved, doing a lot of fun and nice activities but also helping us with everything that has occurred during our stay”. Andreea’s favourite memory is related to ESN, a trip called “Jungle Weekend” organized by the Uniza section, which took place at a cabin in the mountains and has included activities such as hiking trips and archery but also intercultural activities which aimed to connect the foreign students.

 

In Erasmus you learn how to appreciate and to be grateful for everything surrounding you. Maybe that’s why Andreea’s favourite word in Slovak is “Ďakujem” which means “thank you”. “A pub in the town which had a panorama of the city and a cosy atmosphere with good music in the background” – that’s how she would describe her favourite place – and for food “it was obviously Slovak traditional Halušky, and I also have to mention the sweet gingerbread that is especially made for Christmas holidays”.

 

In the first part of the article, Diana told us that joining ESN helped her to cope with the post Erasmus emotions. Andreea felt “some mixed feelings and a state of not belonging anymore” and soon after that she started her journey at the ESN ASE Bucharest section which made it easier for her to adapt back to the lifestyle at home. “I consider that deciding to go in an Erasmus requires a bit of impulsivity and courage”, she mentions, and also offers some tips and tricks for those who want to experience the Erasmus feeling on their own skin: “to be aware of the general aspects regarding the country, city and university before applying and to know as much as possible of the practical information needed such as transportation, life costs, paperwork and also about university, courses, campus and similar things”. Andreea would definitely repeat this adventure and, as a conclusion, she describes her Erasmus experience as “a whole journey of discovering a new country, new language, new people and new cultures”. 

 

Stay tuned for more articles about the Erasmus world and experience! Don’t forget to follow ESN ASE Bucharest on social media and be the first one to find out the latest updates.

 

 
Erasmus+
non-party-blog-cover

Five ways to enjoy Erasmus without partying

Monday, 9 November, 2020 - 00:19

Five ways to enjoy Erasmus without partying

Erasmus exchange broadens your horizons, gives you friends for life, and also adds a nice mark to your CV

Many of you associate Erasmus exchange with parties. What if we told you that it’s much more than that? Even if you’re not into hanging out often, you can still enjoy your stay abroad without any parties. Here are various ways to do so:

1. Learn a local language

At your new university, there definitely are some courses and international events that promote learning languages while abroad. You can find a tandem partner and add another language to your CV!

2. Go on a trip

Whether alone or in a group of people, travelling can bring lots of joy. Check out cheap prices for buses, planes or trains, then pack your backpack and go on an adventure!

3. Explore the city and create your own map of sights to see

A semester or a year in a city is enough time to explore it and find remarkable places that were not mentioned in most guides. You can mark them on your own map and share them online! Cafes, parks, interesting museums – the choice is yours! It’s a fun way to learn more about the place you live in and share your knowledge with the rest of the world!

4. Join a sports club or a student organisation in your new city

There are different associations in almost every town or city. If you’re keen on sports, knitting, or even superheroes, try finding one that matches your interests. You can meet locals, learn about their traditons, and experience various practices.

5. Join ESN!                        

ESN adds a nice set of skills to your CV. Joining Erasmus Student Network is a volunteering experience that will develop your soft skills, such as multiculturalism, problem-solving, presentation, and multitasking. You get to organise events, participate in trips, and support other exchange students during their stay abroad.

Erasmus exchange is not just partying, it’s a great way to learn, develop yourself, and meet interesting people from all over the world. You don’t need parties to have fun!

Written by: Alina Dubinina Wednesday, 24 August, 2016 - 21:50 

Erasmus+
erasmus+

Erasmus+ Explained

Sunday, 20 September, 2020 - 00:00
 

Erasmus+ Explained - Most asked questions about the most successful European Programme

A series of frequently asked questions, answers and useful links in one place for Erasmus+ students, volunteers and trainees.

Erasmus+ is one of the most successful programmes of the European Union and, since 1987, brings people together, promotes cultural exchange and peace all over the world and whether you are just starting high school, enrolling at university or a staff member in a Higher Education Institution, you have the right to apply to participate in the Erasmus+ Programme activities. However, looking for all answers in one place can be challenging, so we gathered and answered the most googled questions for you.

Why is the Erasmus+ Programme called Erasmus+?
The programme is named after the Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam, which is also an acronym that stands for European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students. 
 

What is the plus in Erasmus+? 

The Erasmus Programme (2009-2013) focused on student and staff mobility between universities. The Erasmus+ Programme (2014-2020) still focuses on higher education student mobility but it also includes opportunities to study, train or volunteer abroad for vocational students, apprentices, teachers, youth workers and volunteers. Therefore, the plus in Erasmus+ indicates that the programme lasting from 2014 to 2020 is inclusive and includes a wide range of activities for all levels of education and staff mobility.

 

How does the Erasmus+ Programme work?
Erasmus+ is the EU's programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe and it is managed by the European Commission, the Education, Audiovisual, and Culture Executive Agency, a series of National Agencies in Programme countries, and a series of National Offices in some Partner countries.

 

What are the objectives and features of the Erasmus+ Programme?
The general objective of the Programme is the sustainable development of Partner Countries in the field of Higher Education, developing the European dimension in sport and promoting European values. However, multilingualism is one of the cornerstones of the European project and a powerful symbol of the EU's aspiration to be united in diversity. Other important features of the Programme are the recognition and validation of skills and qualifications, promoting open access of project outputs to support learning, teaching, training, and youth work, and finally promoting equity and inclusion by facilitating access to participants from disadvantaged backgrounds and fewer opportunities.

 

Which projects does the Erasmus+ programme include?
In order to achieve its objectives, the Erasmus+ Programme implements three different key actions. Mobility of individuals is the first key action and is focused on Mobility of learners and staff,  Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees and Erasmus+ Master Loans. The second key action, Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices, supports Strategic Partnerships, Knowledge Alliances, Sector Skills Alliances, Capacity-building, and IT support platforms such as eTwinning, European Platform for Adult Learning (EPALE), European Youth Portal and since 2018, the European Virtual Exchange. The last key action, Support for policy reform, focuses on improving knowledge in the fields of education, training and youth, initiatives and support for policy innovation, and promotion.

In addition, the Erasmus+ Programme supports the Jean Monnet Activities that aim at promoting excellence in teaching and research in the field of European Union studies worldwide and fostering the dialogue between the academic world and society.

Besides education, innovation and youth, Erasmus+ also supports actions in Sport that include Collaborative Partnerships and Not-for-profit European sport events, and as of 2017, the European Commission organises the European Week of Sport with a goal of promoting sport and physical activity.

For more information about how the programme works and its key figures visit ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/about_en or read the Erasmus Programme guide.

How to apply for Erasmus+?
Erasmus+ is open to many individuals and organisations, although eligibility varies from one action to another and from one country to another. You have a possibility of studying or doing an internship abroad in another country for a period of at least 2 months and a maximum of 12 months per cycle of studies.

To apply, go through the International or Erasmus+ Office of your Higher Education Institution and ask for the form to apply. Once selected, you will sign a Grant Agreement with your sending institution (even if you do not receive financial support from EU funds), and a Learning Agreement with your sending and receiving institution.

For more guidance on what to do before, during and after your student exchange, read our Student Guidebook for studying and training abroad.

 

How much is the Erasmus+ grant?
Eligible students receive an Erasmus+ grant provided by the European Commission - this is paid through your institution. This grant contributes to the extra costs that you may encounter from studying abroad. For 2018/19, the grant can be up to €300 to €350 a month, depending on the country you visit. Students with a lower socioeconomic status, disability or exceptional special needs may be entitled to extra funding to cover associated costs while abroad but you must apply for this before departure.

For more about Erasmus+ grants look here ec.europa.eu/education/study-in-europe/planning-studies/scholarships-costs_en 

 

How many participants does the Erasmus+ Programme have?

The Erasmus Programme was established in 1987 and is among the most popular EU programmes in education and training. During its first year, only 3,244 students went abroad and the programme involved only 11 countries — Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, France, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom. What started as a student exchange programme in 1987, has grown into something bigger and enriched the lives of more than 9 million direct participants. Each year, more than 300,000 students now study or train under the Erasmus+ umbrella.

 

How does Online Language Support work?
Online Language Support (OLS) provides participants in Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps long-term mobility activities with the opportunity to assess their knowledge of the main mobility language, before and after their stay abroad. If they so wish, participants also have the opportunity to follow an online language course to improve their language level, before and during their mobility.

 

Why is the Erasmus+ Programme important and why should you study abroad?
Studying abroad is an amazing experience. It is unique from a personal as well as an academic point of view. Being in an international environment for a few months is the best opportunity to establish intercultural contacts, obtain valuable insight into a different culture, learn a language and grow as a person. Moreover, over the past 32 years, the programme has allowed a whole generation to informally learn what it means to live and work alongside people from another culture, and to develop the skills and versatility that are vital for the modern labour market.

 

Why should you apply for an Erasmus+ traineeship?
Erasmus+ supports traineeships (work placements, internships, etc.) abroad for students currently enrolled in Higher Education Institutions in Programme countries at Bachelor and Master level as well as for doctoral candidates. These opportunities are also open to recent graduates. Going abroad for an internship is the perfect opportunity not only to strengthen your CV, but also to improve your social skills while learning how to become more independent. 

Everything you need to know about traineeships esn.org/blog/everything-you-need-know-about-erasmus-traineeships 

 

Is the Erasmus+ Programme only for students from the European Union?
Individuals can take part in many of the opportunities funded by Erasmus+, although most will have to do so through an organisation taking part in the programme. The eligibility of individuals and organisations depends on the country in which they are based. Countries that are eligible to participate in the programme are divided into two groups, Programme countries and Partners countries. Although Programme countries are eligible for all actions of Erasmus+, Partner countries can only take part in some and are subject to specific conditions.

Check the list of countries that can take part ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/about/who-can-take-part_en 

 

Does Erasmus+ help with employability?
Recent studies have shown Erasmus+ enhances students’ quality of life and career prospects, both during their course abroad and long after it finishes and it helps students discover what they want to do after their studies. Furthermore, 80% of Erasmus+ graduates are employed within three months of graduation, with 72 per cent stating their Erasmus+ experience helped them land their first job. Nearly half of Erasmus+ trainees were offered a job in the company where they trained.

For more information on employability and internationalisation of students taking part in mobility programmes check the Erasmus Impact Study.

 

Can you participate in the Erasmus+ Programme more than once?
Yes. You can do a study period abroad or a traineeship up to 12 months during EACH study cycle: Bachelor, Master, and as a doctoral candidate.

What is an Erasmus+ youth exchange?
Youth Exchanges are organised for groups of young people from different countries in order to meet, live together and work on shared projects for short periods. Usually, youth exchanges last between 5 and 21 days. To participate in a youth exchange, you cannot apply directly for a grant as an individual. Applications must be made by an organisation or a group of young people who in turn select who will participate in the exchange.

Look for training courses at salto-youth.net/tools/european-training-calendar

 

What is #DiscoverEU?

The European Union is offering travel passes for you to explore it’s cultural diversity, to connect with other Europeans, and for you to enjoy the advantages of the freedom of movement. If you are 18 years old you are eligible to travel for a minimum 1 day and up to 30 days. The next application round will be open in spring 2020 on the European Youth Portal.

Check for updates on the next open call europa.eu/youth/discovereu_en

 

What is the European Solidarity Corps and how is it related to Erasmus+?


The European Solidarity Corps is an initiative that embraces actions from Erasmus+ and receives funding from it. It creates opportunities for young people to volunteer or work in projects - in their own country or abroad - that benefit communities and people around Europe. Participants aged 18-30 can be placed with a project either for volunteering or for a traineeship, an apprenticeship or a job for a period between 2 and 12 months.

If you are up for a challenge, and willing to dedicate yourself to helping other people, then join the European Solidarity Corps today europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en. Build your profile on the platform and get notified about projects under your interests and availability.

 

What are the plans for the new Erasmus+ 2021 Programme?

The current Erasmus+ Programme, with a budget of €14.7 billion, runs from 2014-2020. For the next long-term EU budget 2021-2027, the European Commission is proposing to double funding for Erasmus to €30 billion. The aim of the Commission's proposal is to increase the number of beneficiaries, reach out to people from all social backgrounds, build stronger relations with the rest of the world, focus on promoting forward-looking study fields, and promote a European identity with a travel experience.

 

How to pack for an Erasmus+ exchange?
You are going to a whole new world, so you will want to explore everything that your new country has to offer. This is why packing your most comfortable shoes in your Erasmus suitcase is a top priority in any situation. Do your research and find out about the general weather conditions of the country you are going to and based on that pack your clothes. Also, if you have prescribed medicine, remember to bring it with you in the right amount. Taking some generic medicine with you like painkillers or stomach relievers etc. can do wonders in dire times.

We made a list for your Erasmus suitcase! Find it at esn.org/blog/your-erasmus-suitcase 

What is the role of the Erasmus Student Network in the Erasmus+ Programme?
The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is the biggest student association in Europe. More than 15,000 volunteers offer help to international students in the academic, social and practical integration process under the motto “Students Helping Students”. ESN works for the creation of a more mobile and more flexible education environment by supporting and developing the student exchange from different levels and providing an intercultural experience.

Check if there is a local ESN organisation in your Erasmus destination esn.org/sections.
 

For more frequently asked questions regarding studying or training abroad as an Erasmus student, applying for an Erasmus+ Master Degree Loan or applying for an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree visit ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/resources/documents/frequently-asked-questions-students-and-staff_en 

 

Written by: 
Josipa Friščić Sunday, 20 September, 2020 - 23:41
Erasmus+

6 Types of People You Meet on Erasmus

Sunday, 24 February, 2019 - 12:36
Written by: Daria Istomina Thursday, 31 January, 2019 - 21:49

6 Types of People You Meet on Erasmus

In the kaleidoscope of events that Erasmus always is, it is very easy to lose track of people that you meet. But don’t you worry: we made a list of people who will surely come your way during the exchange! 

We know that labelling people is really uncool but don’t you agree, there are those people that you meet anywhere you go? And this is not surprising because they usually are the ones that you would make a character in a book about Erasmus if you were to write one: each plays their unique role in this period of your life. In this article, we tried to give you a preview of whom you will probably meet during your Erasmus or have already met. In the latter case, this article will be a funny reminder of that amazing time ☺

People in a long-distance relationship

These are the sometimes boring yet the most amazing people: they usually don’t drink too much, are probably the most responsible and will help you to call a cab. And when they are not able to, they are very sorry about that. Also, aren’t they so sweet yet tiring sending tons of pictures and voice messages to their significant others? Their partners will probably visit them on holidays and you will be jealous thinking, “WOW, this is an actual example of a long-distance relationship that works!” We know, it’s a rare one, so don’t be ashamed of that! But, after all, isn’t it amazing to look at these people and be so happy yet so jealous of them? And when they get married, they might even invite you to their wedding and you will have the best time revisiting those amazing memories from your Erasmus.

A person you’ve met at a party once

Well, what can we say? We have to accept the fact that parties are a part of the exchange and sometimes you can really meet someone who will spark your interest. It may not be a start of something big but rather just a good memory. But does it really matter? So our best advice is: enjoy it and be responsible!

That popular person

You thought this stopped when you graduated from high school? Never. There is always this guy or girl who are in the centre of everything. They are the first people your buddy will reach out to when he/she wants to organize an event. If you’ve heard that someone is having a night out on Sunday (when your classes start tomorrow at 9) you can be sure: that was their idea. Doing some crazy stuff only locals do (like bathing in ice water in winter in Russia)? They will be the first to try that. They seem good-looking, with an amazing sense of humour, and somehow everybody loves them from the first sight. How do they do that? This can be a topic for our next article. But for now, our advice is: if you want to have fun, stick with those people.

Your best friend

It probably all started during an orientation session or another ESN event: you two had a surprisingly nice conversation and that person seemed very nice, funny, smart, and outgoing at the same time. You somehow just clicked together. Then the conversation probably continued at the bar you went to after the event. And somehow meeting that person made all of your fears about not making friends on Erasmus disappear: you realized that now you have a friend! Revisiting that now: how many adventures have you had together? You can’t even remember. How many secrets and stories have you shared? It doesn’t matter. You just still don’t understand how it is possible to meet a soulmate in a totally different country. Well, they say that Erasmus can do that to people.

The love of your life

Wow, this article suddenly got very serious by the end! Well, this big feeling never hits you at the right time and in the right place, and it is exciting and hurtful at the same time, especially when you both think that your relationship has an expiry date. But it doesn’t have to. Here are two stories with a happy ending (about Marianna and Marcel and Kate and Javi) to help you overcome all the difficulties. In the end, we are all very romantic somewhere deep in our hearts and believe that if it is really THE true love, it will always win. By the way, if you want to share your Erasmus love story, feel free to contact us.

Your Buddy

Yes, from capital B. This person is the one who will help you to buy warm clothes you forgot to bring. Or maybe you went on a trip and lost all your money? Don’t worry: your Buddy won’t let you sleep on the street and suffer from hunger. They will listen to your poor attempts to speak their language and will always say that your progress is outstanding (even if you simply managed to order a meal in a local canteen). You may wonder: why are Buddies helping you - Erasmus students - all the time? Well, they just enjoy it. When you are fascinated by the architecture, they are fascinated with you, when you feel nervous about your first class, they feel nervous too when you feel sad about leaving – they are sad as well. But don’t worry, this first person you’ve met in this new and unknown country will stay with you even after you leave. Because this is your Buddy.

Here’s our list. Take no offence from it! All of those people will make your Erasmus as unforgettable as it always is and will be a part of the stories you will be telling your friends, parents, kids, and even strangers at the bar. In the end, isn’t Erasmus about unity in diversity? Even if it simply means the diversity of characters that you meet.

Erasmus+

My Dear Pre-Erasmus Self

Wednesday, 13 February, 2019 - 21:45
Written by: Myrto Delkou 

My Dear Pre-Erasmus Self​

To my old self before leaving for Erasmus: there’s a million things I’d like to say but let’s just start with me telling you this was the best decision of your life!

My dear pre-Erasmus self,

This comes to you just before you depart for your semester abroad. It’s the day you boarded the plane and started the greatest journey of your life. You’re wearing a yellow coat and you’re trying to take the perfect “Insta story” photo of your passport while waiting in the airport of the city you know too well by now, the city you’re desperate to escape from.

It’s February, and there’s not a glimpse of worry in your eyes as you count the hours until you land in a place which seems so unknown, yet so welcoming. Very soon you will look around the city from the back seat of the taxi and you will take photos of the frozen river - you’ve never seen anything like that before! You will move your stuff into your new room, and you will not miss home at all. You won’t be afraid. I’m so proud of you for not being afraid. You know nothing about the city, you know only two words in the language, and you have no friends there - yet - but you won’t be scared of anything.

The view from your window on the 19th floor will be amazing, and as the hours pass by, the street lights will bring out the magic you felt in your heart the second you stepped foot here. You will fall asleep peacefully, and the next day, you’ll take the tram downtown. You will feel your steady heartbeat and the cold breeze on your face while walking through the main  gate of the University.

During your first few days, you will join some other Erasmus students for lunch. Please, pay attention to this: that’s when you will meet one of your closest friends. He will be the one to ask you if there’s something wrong when you’re trying to conceal it from everyone around you, the one to share your passion for the English language, the one who will send you funny memes about grammar and excitedly share a new word he learned. One evening, he will meet you at a coffee house and you will open your heart to him and he will listen, even though he has no reason to care. His heart is golden so please, please, show him how much you appreciate him every chance you get.

And by the way, make sure to notice the French girl and her bubbly personality. You will want to be more like her later on in life. She likes to dance like nobody's watching and she always radiates positivity. You will end up sharing moments, thoughts and feelings with her, and her brutal honesty will make her an incredibly valuable friend.

When you first enter your flat in the dorm, you will meet the redhead girl who stays in the room next to yours. She’s the most hardworking person you will ever meet and you’ll spend evenings drinking tea with her, chatting about life, before she runs out the door to her busy lifestyle. She will seem so confident but make sure to show her some extra love on the days she’s down. She will become your sister, your friend, your sarcastic companion. One day, she will bring you a cake from the bakery she works at during the weekends, out of sheer desire to do something nice. So, I’d like you to know, she’s very special. I didn’t think of it then, but you should bring her a small gift from each of the places you travel to. It will mean a lot to her.

It’s the Welcome Week, and you join an event alone. While waiting for people to gather, you will start a conversation with a young man who has the sweetest smile. In the months to come, he will become your best friend. It’s never been so easy to talk to someone, so please try to spend time with him as soon as possible! You see, once you’re gone, it will never be the same. While you still can, memorise the way he moves his hands while he talks, the sound of his laugh, the tightness of his hugs and the comforting scent of somebody you can lean on. One day, you’ll spend hours watching a TV-show and by late afternoon, you’ll feel bad for wasting the day. You’ll text your best friend and ask him to go out to dinner with you. You will go for pizza, talk for hours and then he will take you to the best cocktail bar in town. You will order crazy cocktails and talk some more and before you know it, it will be well after midnight. You will catch the night bus together and this night, which started out as a lazy day, will become one of your fondest memories. I know you can’t plan these things, but please try to do that more, because not a day goes by now, that you don’t cherish that moment.

It’s April, and you still have quite some time until you leave but you’ve already started having nightmares about coming back home and they happen more often as time goes by. You’ll wake up scared and you’ll look around to make sure you’re still here - and it’s okay. Sometimes, when it’s cloudy and foggy, you won’t be able to see anything from your window and it’ll feel like you’re floating on a cloud. You will find that feeling very comforting.

It’s May, and this month you’ll travel a lot! Don’t worry about money that much, you’ll get by just fine. Just go to that place, visit that museum, take the fast train to wherever your finger lands on after spinning a globe. If you don’t do this now, when do you think you will?

Take my advice and study more of the local language. You’ll be so proud to speak a bit of it by the end of your Erasmus! Buy more of the chocolate you like because you won’t find it back home. Buy souvenirs from your Erasmus city. You’ll be grateful for that one day.

It’s June, and in less than a month it will all belong to the past but calm down and make some extra effort to be around your favourite people. Your departure is getting closer and you will feel your sadness increasing every time you cross out another day on the calendar. It’s your last week, so go to all the parties, hug your friends as tight as you can, write down their addresses to send them letters, take more photos, play more music, ride your bike along the river one more time, go and chill on the Student Island and watch the stars all night long.

Looking back now, I wish you could understand then how important these months were and will always be for you. You achieved something incredible and I’m here to tell you something you will soon realise for yourself: this was the happiest period of your life. It will feel like a dream for a while, but when it does, look at all the photos and the videos you took. They are proof it was real. Hold on to these memories. There will always be ways you could’ve done it differently - maybe better. But you will have this Erasmus experience which cannot be put into words. It will change you forever, it will bring tears to your eyes every time you think about it. Your Erasmus was amazing and I wish there was a way for you to understand how lucky you are to be there, while you still are in that place. I wish I could grab your shoulders and shake you and tell you to seize every moment, even though I know you will try your best to do that. So, while taking your first steps in your new city, do me a favour and memorise everything you possibly can. From the sound of the elevator when it reaches your floor to the exact time of your first and last sunrise in the city. Once you’re gone, you’ll be thankful for every detail.

So, my dear pre-Erasmus self… are you ready?

With love,

your post-Erasmus self
 

ESN Blog: My Dear Pre-Erasmus Self 

Erasmus+, Environmental Sustainability

Once Erasmus, always Erasmus

Wednesday, 23 January, 2019 - 19:23
Written by: Ameni Mehrez Monday, 6 June, 2016 - 18:00

Once Erasmus, always Erasmus

The Erasmus experience doesn’t have to end. Look at it as a beginning of a new chapter.

It is the end of the semester. The exam period has ended or is coming to an end. People have started to book their tickets to go back home. Your whole Erasmus experience has flown by so fast that you can’t believe it is almost over. Maybe you already said goodbye to some of your friends and teachers. The Erasmus semester has been full of love and friendship stories but at the same time full of goodbyes. Everyone is leaving but you don’t want to leave. You don’t want to go back to your ordinary, monotonous way of life. You don’t want to go home and leave all the people that are now part of your life.

If we could offer you a small dose of comfort, then it would be this: once an Erasmus, always an Erasmus. To not be left with what if’s when you’re home, we would suggest a few things: before you leave, try to share your feelings with others, give feedback about the different things you liked or disliked during your semester. It is also a great opportunity to confess things you never had the chance to confess during your stay. Don’t forget to tell all your friends what this whole Erasmus life has meant to you, what they really mean to you as new friends from different countries through speeches, toasts, videos, or pictures you have taken during your time together.

Don’t fear the end of the semester, be inspired and content instead. Your whole experience might not be perfect but it was definitely worth it. You experienced things you never thought of experiencing before and these little things might have changed a lot in you: the way you think, the way you behave and even the way you live.For these particular reasons, if you’re ending your Erasmus: stop thinking about goodbyes and start thinking about the new bright future waiting for you. All those memories do not have to just be memories to remember but also wonderful experiences to be inspired by. Why not think of it this way: your Erasmus doesn't have to fully end. You can take bits and pieces of it and make them a part of your life.

If you really enjoyed your Erasmus, you should keep building this experience either by planning future trips together somewhere in the world or inviting all your friends to your home town and your home country. You can create a blog where you invite all your Erasmus friends and share your stories together and in that way you can keep all your stories together for the rest of your lives. You can also create projects or cultural events where you invite your friends to participate. It all depends on you. If you want to let go or let it keep changing your life.

Overall, be grateful for what you learned, what you experienced and what you had at the end of this semester. Be grateful for all the people who opened your eyes to new horizons and new opportunities. Don’t be sad to say goodbye, feel free and excited to meet all those people who were part of your life again. Without them, your whole cultural, intellectual and emotional exchange would have never been as great as it was. Keep in mind: Erasmus people are not just inspiring friends but a family that  will stay with you for the next chapters of this book called life. 

Source: ESN Blog 

 

Erasmus+

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