Once Erasmus, always Erasmus!

Well, Erasmus! 

As it's a long subject to write about, I'll try to focus on the principals.

Firstly, what Erasmus is? Generally, it's an European student exchange financed by Erasmus+ Program. There are hundreds of universities from 33. countries where you can go to study abroad for either one semester or a year. Also, there is possibility to go on a training course (3-12 months) or for a short-term project. Yet, I had an opportunity to take part in two short-term programs(*): one in Norway and the other one in Romania. Right now, the real, long-term exchange: 5 months in France! *.*

Of course, for each project there are some grants: for ex. if you're going to study in France, for each month of staying you're gonna get 500 euros of scholarship. It's a really great deal, 'cause living in foreign country costs a lot sometimes.

According to the Erasmus' rights, on every step of higher education you have one year to use for study abroad. So, during bachelor/engineer, master and PhD degree you can spend even three years in other countries! Isn't that amazing!? :)

My beloved Strasbourg

When it comes to paper work, it's one big chaos... as always with bureaucracy... However, if you're organized and cool-blooded you can manage all the paper process. After zillion times of fulfilling documents, few meetings with teachers and many mail with hosting university, I can tell you that there's nothing worse than stress. If you want to win the fight with papers there's one way chill and don't give a shit about this. The true is that you don't now the foreign university and its rules of studying, so even if you think you're done, you're so not. When I arrived to Strasbourg, they carefully explained me everything one more time. Finally, here I am, happily living in France :)

Going back to the very beginning, all you need to do is to choose a hosting university (place you're going to study abroad). Just check the list of partnership from your faculty, send an application and... start to packing the luggage! ;)

Because of my studies (French Philology), I needed to chose one of the French cities. So, between Marne-la-Vallée, Nancy and Strasbourg the choice was a simple decision: the winter semester in Strasbourg!

What Erasmus is? One says it's waste of time, a missed year of proper education etc. For me, it's an adventure! ^^ Not only travelling, but also meeting new friends. It's a total change of life. Every single day is different, surprising: new people, new French words to learn, the aspect of French life... Without any doubts I can say: as soon the best decision I've ever made! ^^ 

To sum up, it's a great opportunity to learn foreign language(s), get to know other cultures, make friends all over the world and just change the life up-side down. Perfect option for everyone, especially for travelers ;)

Once Erasmus, always Erasmus! ^^

PS You can find more information in links in text above :)
* Here's a site with a browser of upcoming projects, just type your country, send application and go on! :)