Erasmus Experiences
Read what Joe, a third year Psychology and Philosophy student thought of his Erasmus experience:
"I found the whole year a fantastic opportunity for my personal growth, broadening my academic horizons and giving me the opportunity to meet so many interesting people from many different global institutions. For me it was the people that I met that made Sweden so rewarding. It is not only a test of survival as you go about trying to shop at supermarket in a different language or scaling the streets in a different climate, it’s a test in yourself as person. I think it has helped me to develop confidence in my own character and I have gained knowledge though the interaction with the diversity of the people that I shared this time with. Already I have had visitors come to England from Sweden which was fantastic, they are very hospitable people and from my experience have a soft spot for the English. Looking back, I have made so many great friends from many different countries including USA, Australia, Italy, France, Belgium, Finland, Russia, Sweden, etc. and have countless happy memories of my time in Uppsala and I can’t wait to go back for a reunion one day. Although my language skills could have improved to a greater degree (having lots of Swedish friends does help!), do not be afraid of the language barrier as Swedish people have a fantastic reputation for their amazing grasp of the English language. As experience it will look great on your C.V. to employers globally as the push for a United European Union continues to progress. I feel that the Erasmus program is a fantastic opportunity that any adventurous, forward-thinking student should not over-look and if you like blonde hair and blue eyes, Uppsala could be just the place for you."
... and how Olivia, a BA Philosophy student, describes her Erasmus experience at the University of Malta:
“I’d heard about the ERASMUS study abroad scheme before I came to Heythrop and when I went along to hear previous ERASMUS students talk about their experiences, I immediately knew that it was what I wanted to do. They talked about what interesting friends they had made and the amazing things they had done, and I am glad to say that I can talk of the same things! A friend and I decided to study in Malta for the academic year and in the first semester lived in the university residence, a rectangle of student flats with a pool in the centre and a bar at one end- it felt like luxury. The trips out to sights on ‘the rock’ started as soon as we got there, heading for Paceville, the clubbing area, with about one hundred other people, all packed in slightly rickety old mini buses. We had days on the beach, lunches in restaurants and trips to museums.The sense of community that I felt in the residence was comforting - it’s not all easy when you begin to live in a foreign country where you don’t know all the customs. My experience at the University of Malta was also great, I really felt like I was being cared for by the staff and was interested in all the new things the lecturers had to say, lots of which aren’t offered in England. There will be some intricacies of any new university that you don’t understand but everyone made me feel welcome and not like an ‘outsider’. I think being in Malta was one of the best times of my life; I hope I will go there and see all the wonderful friends I made again.“
... and how Juanita, a third year PRE student describes her Erasmus experience:
"...in my second year I decided to go on the Erasmus scheme in Malta, a small island near the south of Italy...it was seriously the best year I have ever had! If I had to sum it up in a single word it would have to be AMAZING! If you’re thinking about going on an Erasmus year abroad, I would say go for it one hundred percent; you won’t regret having made the most amazing friends for life, learnt a foreign language (though many courses are delivered in English) and in general had the most fun you could possibly imagine. I would definitely recommend Malta in particular as the place to do your Erasmus. Don’t be fooled by Malta’s calm, quiet reputation because Erasmus in Malta is where it’s at! Just make sure that with all the fun, you also put time aside to study, and try not to get carried away with spending all your money!! "
