University of Galway has taken part in the Erasmus Programme since its inception in 1987. Thousands of students have benefited from the opportunity to study in another European country as part of their degree. Erasmus presents a unique opportunity to students, allowing you to experience the best of both worlds - to study something of interest to you while also being able to travel.
As we enter into the spring months we begin to plan our next academic year. The questions of accommodation and travel are always looming large. For some students, an Erasmus Programme may be an option of consideration. With decision time fast approaching, here is a few reasons why going on an Erasmus exchange is a no-brainer.
Your chance to travel
Everyone loves to travel. It is an opportunity to discover new places, experience different cultures, and make friends around the world. You may have toyed with the idea of moving abroad when you finished school, but were unsure if such a big step was for you. Studying abroad for a limited period of time as part of an Erasmus exchange is the perfect trial run, and helps you realise if it is for you in the long run.
You receive financial support
Erasmus students receive a study grant, which is provided by the European Commission. On average, students receive around €300 per month. Of course, this grant won't cover all the expenses involved, but it is definitely a great help to students. With the grant, you can focus on your studies and immersing yourself into the culture of your Erasmus destination, instead of worrying about getting a part-time job to cover finances.
Learn a new language, or improve one you already know
Visiting other countries will enable you to learn their language, or master another. Although all Erasmus courses are taught through English, Universities also offer students language classes. Learning a language is one of the most impressive skills in the world. Maybe you enjoyed learning a language in school, but your course did not allow you to continue it. This is the perfect opportunity to travel to the country of the language you studied, and get back into swing of it.
Meeting new people
Everyone likes to make new friends, and until now you might have friends with similar language, culture, and tradition. With Erasmus, you can interact with new people with a different language, culture, thoughts, habits, and values. It is a wonderful thing to have friends from beyond the border of your country. You can visit them, or they can visit you, opening up a whole new possibility of travel.
An upgraded CV
Spending a semester or a year studying abroad is great experience to add to your CV. It shows that you are independent and not afraid to take risks. It is also a great conversation point for a job interview. International experience reflects well, but the fact that you managed to live abroad and managed things solely, can be just as impressive.
