Why do an Erasmus?
The term " Erasmus " evokes the idea of travel, of opening up to the unknown. The 2002 film The Spanish Inn helped popularize the experience for many people. Since its creation in 1987, the European exchange programme has facilitated the mobility of three million students as well as trainees, teachers, professionals and volunteers. Let's zoom in on this successful project, which recently became Erasmus +.
Discover a new culture
Traveling is arguably the most direct way to immerse yourself in a foreign culture, whether it's Spanish, Swedish, or Slovak. When arriving in a new country, the Erasmus+ beneficiary comes into contact with another language, other habits and customs and another history. Once the initial culture shock has passed, all he has to do is immerse himself in his new daily life, especially to practice the desired language. For example, exchanges with locals are an excellent opportunity to improve your communication skills. And while Erasmus may seem like a distant possibility, the travel opportunities are not as far away as you might think. One example is the Erasmus Belgica initiative , which aims to encourage mobility in Belgium's three communities. A Brussels student can therefore travel to Flanders and vice versa. The perfect opportunity to practice your Dutch!
Becoming independent
Doing an Erasmus also means gaining autonomy. Indeed, going abroad means managing administrative procedures, looking for accommodation, shopping... By stepping out of their comfort zone, Erasmus beneficiaries take their first steps into working life and learn to take responsibility. Budget management remains a crucial issue. To prevent the financial issue from being an obstacle to going abroad, the programme offers an Erasmus + grant, modulated according to the country of destination. This scholarship can be a significant help during internships such as those offered by Meet My Job's partner companies.
Becoming more professional
Often cited as a highlight of personal life, the Erasmus stay also represents an opportunity to develop academically or professionally. Students and interns alike are sure to come out of it grown and they don't hesitate to add it to their CV. Experience abroad can in fact make it possible to stand out in the pile of applications that the recruiter has to face. She generally demonstrates an open-mindedness, an ability to adapt, to take risks and a proven mastery of a foreign language. Ultimately, an Erasmus stay improves the candidate's employability. It is then up to him to highlight this experience in his CV and during job interviews!
The motto of the Erasmus programme " Enriching lives, opening minds " sums up its purpose perfectly. Its beneficiaries, after exploring the world, return to their home countries with unforgettable memories and better language skills. More independent and professional, they now have one more enriching experience to their credit. So, what are you waiting for to try the Erasmus + adventure?
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