In a nutshell:
- The Erasmus program offers students an experience that enriches their academic and personal development.
- There are many reasons to take part in an Erasmus course, including internationalisation, cultural immersion, gaining independence, developing an international network, challenging yourself and learning a language.
- There are a number of key stages in taking part in an Erasmus program: finding information, choosing the host university, submitting your application, preparing for your stay and completing the administrative formalities.
6 good reasons to do an Erasmus
The Erasmus program offers many advantages. Here are a few good reasons to take this route.
Internationalising your career
By choosing this route, students can enrich their university experience by exploring other cultures, education systems and professional environments. This international dimension is highly valued in the global job market, where employers increasingly appreciate candidates with diverse experience and an open mind.
Discovering a new culture
Taking part in an Erasmus program offers total immersion in a new culture. Whether it’s through gastronomy, festivals or local customs, every day is an enriching adventure. The experience broadens your horizons, encouraging you to see the world from new angles. You learn to adapt, respect and understand cultural differences. The friendships made with students from all over the world enrich the experience, creating lasting bonds and a global perspective.
Gaining greater independence
Erasmus is an opportunity to flourish in an environment of independence and responsibility. Living on your own in a foreign country requires you to make autonomous decisions, manage your budget, your timetable and your well-being. Each challenge you face builds your self-confidence and your ability to solve problems. This experience of independence is a crucial step towards maturity and preparation for adult life.
Developing your international network
Erasmus offers much more than just an academic exchange; it’s a platform for establishing lasting international links. By meeting students of different nationalities, you build up a valuable global network. These relationships are not limited to the academic sphere, but also extend to the professional and personal. These international connections are an invaluable lifelong resource, opening doors to new cultures, collaborations and enriching experiences.
Challenging yourself
Taking part in an Erasmus program is an opportunity to confront new challenges. Living in a foreign environment requires you to adapt quickly, overcome cultural and language barriers, and learn to navigate in an unfamiliar context. Each day brings its own stimulating experiences, encouraging you to step out of your comfort zone and push back your limits.
Learn and practise a new language
Erasmus offers unrivalled language immersion in an authentic environment. Living in a foreign country is a valuable opportunity to learn a new language or improve existing language skills. By taking part in courses, interacting with local people and immersing yourself in everyday local life, you can make rapid and natural progress in learning the language.
What skills are developed during Erasmus?
Taking part in an Erasmus program offers a multitude of opportunities for personal and professional development. Here are some of the key skills often developed during an Erasmus experience:
- language skills: total immersion in a foreign country helps you to learn and practise a new language;
- Adaptability: living in a culturally different environment encourages you to adapt quickly to new situations and find creative solutions to the challenges you face;
- independence: being away from home means taking charge of your own day-to-day needs, reinforcing independence and responsibility;
- Open-mindedness: meeting people from different cultures broadens horizons and fosters intercultural understanding;
- social skills: interacting with people from different backgrounds develops communication and teamwork skills.
In short, is Erasmus worth it?
Whether an Erasmus program is worthwhile depends on the student’s individual objectives and what they are looking to gain from the experience. However, in most cases, the benefits of an Erasmus are numerous and significant. It offers a unique opportunity to explore a new culture, improve language skills, develop valuable personal and professional skills, and build an international network.
What’s more, Erasmus experience can add considerable value to your CV, showing employers that you are adaptable, open-minded and have international experience.
In short, for many students, Erasmus represents an invaluable opportunity for personal and professional growth.
How do I apply for Erasmus?
Taking part in an Erasmus program may seem daunting, but with the right information and the right steps, it’s a feasible and rewarding experience. Here are the main steps to taking part in an Erasmus program:
- Familiarise yourself with the Erasmus+ program and its possibilities by consulting the resources available online, such as the official website of the Erasmus+ Agency in your country;
- explore the different partner universities offered by your home institution and select the one that best matches your academic and personal interests;
- make sure you meet the eligibility criteria set by your educational establishment, such as level of study, academic results, etc.
- Make an appointment with your university’s international relations office for specific information on application procedures and deadlines;
- Gather the documents required for your application, such as your transcript of records, covering letter and academic references;
- follow the instructions provided by your school to submit your application by the deadline ;
- Once you have submitted your application, wait for the decision of your home and host universities;
- Once you have been accepted, start planning your stay abroad, including finding accommodation, obtaining visas if necessary, and making financial preparations.