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thinking of Erasmus
elantan
Posts: 21,022 Forumite
Hi all, have just been informed I have been chosen to participate in Erasmus, I still have not decided if I want to do it or not yet so was wondering if anyone has any opinions ?
I'm not your typical Erasmus student in that I will be 44 by the time it comes around, part of me thinks it can be an exciting opportunity and part of me thinks oh god could I handle student digs, nothing against students at all ... but I'm an old married that likes spending time gardening and going away in my caravan, so I can't seem to make up my mind if I want to or even shouod go or not
Any advice great fully appreciated
I'm not your typical Erasmus student in that I will be 44 by the time it comes around, part of me thinks it can be an exciting opportunity and part of me thinks oh god could I handle student digs, nothing against students at all ... but I'm an old married that likes spending time gardening and going away in my caravan, so I can't seem to make up my mind if I want to or even shouod go or not
Any advice great fully appreciated
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Comments
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not a bad idea but I don't recommend it.We've removed your signature, if you don't know why please read the Forum rules or contact forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com0
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I know a lady who, in her early 50s, went to Lyon for an Erasmus year abroad (it was a compulsory part of her degree so she had no choice). She had a blast. Where will you be going? Are you sure you have to live in student accommodation? My friend didn't - she used her Erasmus grant to rent a private apartment.0
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My son did erasmus in the philippines and really enjoyed it, he used his grant to rent privately as it was far cheaper than student housing, air-con was 40p per month.0
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I'd totally recommend it! I did Erasmus (admittedly when I was much younger) and it was one of the best experiences of my life.
Like others have said. you don't have to live with students if you don't want to. Have a look a private accommodation, or maybe house sharing for mature students if you don't want to live alone.0 -
Hi all, have just been informed I have been chosen to participate in Erasmus, I still have not decided if I want to do it or not yet so was wondering if anyone has any opinions ?
I'm not your typical Erasmus student in that I will be 44 by the time it comes around, part of me thinks it can be an exciting opportunity and part of me thinks oh god could I handle student digs, nothing against students at all ... but I'm an old married that likes spending time gardening and going away in my caravan, so I can't seem to make up my mind if I want to or even shouod go or not
Any advice great fully appreciated
I think you would need to give more detail before anyone could offer sensible advice...
Do you know in which country, or even at which university, you would be spending the year abroad? Anything about the course content, and how it would (or would not) relate to the rest of your degree? Any information about the cost of living there, particularly the cost of renting the kind of accommodation that would suit you? And how about your family situation: would the rest of your family be able to move there for the year? If so, how would they cope with the language?0 -
Hi all, thanks for taking the time to read and reply, sorry I have been absent have been on holiday in
Will do my best to answer questions but I am still abroad so may not be able to answer all.
From my understanding I have the chance to go to Spain, Portugal Italy Poland and I think Croatia, I really wanted to go to Norway, the subject I am studying is in the health care sector and I really wanted to learn about the Norwegian health case system, I don't really fancy any of the other options so this is putting me off a bit, I dare say I don't have to stay in student digs, I think this was just expected of me.
I have been trying to contact people regarding the programme but am.finding I am getting little in the way of feedback ( although one lecturer kindly did offer to put me in touch with others... I just havnt been able to take her up on the kind offer due to being abroad and struggling Internet wise)
The more time progresses the more I think yeah it's a great opportunity but what exactly will I get out of it0 -
I am unsure of what I will be doing whilst I am away but think I may be working in a hospital type environment, my family have no problem with me going and my husband would fly out a couple of times to visit, it is only a as far as im aware it is a 3 month placement, so he would visit maybe once a month for a long weekend or something.
We do intend on possibly living abroad when we retire so this may be a good chance to see if that could be an option but it is only a glimpse into what life abroad may be like and we may choose not to live in any of those countries anyway0 -
Ask your lecturer to put you in touch with previous Erasmus students. They will be more than happy to talk to you about the programme and if they went to the same country, will have plenty of practical tips to share.
As a mature student, you need to consider the impact on your family and other commitments.
More generally? Spending time in a foreign country on your own is a fantastic experience. Just don't be one of those students who hang out with the other Brits, always chat in English and squander the experience. I appreciate it may be more daunting as a mature student, but if you've managed to make friends here on your course, you can do the same thing again abroad with locals.
My year abroad remains one of the best things I did in my life, even though it happened many many moons ago! Having to take care of myself in a foreign country gave me a lot more confidence.0 -
I know this probably won't help OP too much, but still....
My young niece was on Erasmus exchange in Maastricht. She invited me over for a weekend. I went, the mad old auntie! I slept on her bed in the student digs, and she slept on the floor bless her.
We had a total blast. Seemed to me that the exchange was a bit of a joke though, as the students seemed to do nothing only party. (all students do I reckon anyway!)
I am not a young one either, but honestly, everyone was so friendly and open, seemed like a charmed life to me.
I suppose it's a bit different when you are a student, but I would go for it. The country of choice is up to you. But please do not leave it be. Great for your CV also, in time to come.
Age does not matter, attitude does.0 -
What an opportunity, you seem to be able to take advantage of it without it affecting your family life, so I would say go for it.
Of the countires mentioned Italy or Portugal would be the ones I would go for or Croatia failing that. It will be a great time for you.0
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