Five Steps of Erasmus Research and Discuss Plan and Prepare Get there and settle in Take Part and Have Fun! Coming Home
Research and Discuss STEP ONE
Erasmus is open to everyone who is studying full or part-time towards a degree at a registered institution – its not just for language students! Am I eligible?
Does my University Take Part? Nearly all universities and many FE/HE Colleges participate in the programme
How do I find out more? Talk to your universitys International Office or Erasmus Co-ordinator. Find out if there is an Erasmus society, talk to other students who have been and attend all promotional meetings. Discuss with your parents and teachers and join our Facebook page (facebook/erasmus)
Where else can I find information? Visit your universitys website as well as the British Councils – we have lots of case studies, some student videos, reports and city guides
Plan and Prepare STEP TWO
Where can I go? 33 countries in Europe take part. Your university will advice you on which countries it can offer with your course.
What can I do? You can study or do a work placement for 3 months to 1 year
What if I dont speak the language? There are short, intense language courses available with funding. Talk to your Erasmus Officer about the options. Some universities abroad teach in English
What do I do next? Talk to students who went to the same city, read their reports and take a look at our Insiders Guides
How much will it cost? You do not pay any fees to the university you visit and all students receive a monthly grant of around 350 to help cover the costs of living abroad. This is on top of any student loan or grants and is non-refundable. Some countries are cheaper than others – research and discuss!
Get there and settle in STEP THREE
How Do I Get There? There are many cheap flight companies, but taking a train will allow you to pack more! Check out Eurail or find out if anyone else from you university is driving to the same city and car-share and enjoy the sights along the way!
Will I feel at home? It may all seem very strange when you first get there – but this wont last. Absorb the culture, try the local food, go to the markets, join in the fiestas and youll soon feel like a local - not a tourist.
Will I make friends? Everyone has this same concern before they go, but you will make so many friends so quickly, youll be amazed! Read some of our case studies from former Erasmus students who will tell you more.
Take Part and Have Fun! STEP FOUR
What will I do when I get there? As a study student you will take part in normal college life with other students, attend lectures, tutorials, sit exams. If you go on a work placement then you will get a glimpse of life as a working person and discover new skills. Both activities will look great on your CV and help you stand out from the crowd who stayed at home!
What are the best things about Erasmus outside college or work? Former students say the best things are the opportunities to travel, the new experiences you have and the new friends you make – for life! So go rock climbing and surfing, take up painting, play in a band, walk across a glacier, travel to other countries and broaden your horizons!
Coming Home STEP FIVE
Will it be hard to leave? Most students say this is harder than arriving! So meet up with other returned students, join your Erasmus Society, get involved with promoting it to new students and then plan your reunion!
Will it all be worth it? Absolutely – whether you go for 3 months or a year the skills you have acquired can help you get a better degree and earn a higher salary. Not to mention all the memories you will have, the friends you have made and the places you can now stay! Erasmus students say it is the best thing they have ever done. Find out more today, visit your Erasmus Co-ordinator or go to our website and go places!