Erasmus and beyond: students share their exchange experiences

Spending a semester or two abroad can be an exciting experience for every student, and taking part in the European Union’s Erasmus program is an amazing way to expand your horizons. In addition to Erasmus, UNYP cooperates with many universities located in Europe, North America, South America, and Asia. 

We understand the value of an international education, which is why we fully support our students in studying abroad. We talked to some of the many UNYP students who have been on exchange programs. Get some inspiration from them! 

“Don’t get it wrong! Being part of an exchange program is much more than studying in a different country. It’s mainly about amazing places, daily challenges, and important experiences. Simply put, the exchange is a huge life chapter that you will never forget. I’m grateful that my chapter was written in South Korea…” – Simon (South Korea)

“Valencia is a beautiful city with a lively spirit. The atmosphere is strengthened by the traditional Spanish way of living – eating out or having drinks until very late (I had to adapt to having dinner at 9-10 p.m. at the earliest). Spanish people gather all around the city to socialize, and there are many international students as well. The university has a nice interior design, and classes are very engaging with lots of teamwork and weekly presentations. So far, it has been a great experience” – Katarina (Spain)

“So far, it has been an absolute joy to get to know the university and the city. The people are highly communicative and welcoming. We have been amazed by the size of the campus, and the fact that we have our own basilica where masses are regularly held. The university and the city itself have a unique spirit, and the classes are very engaging” – Jana and Mikael (Washington DC, USA)

Erasmus and other student exchanges provide great opportunities to discover new cultures, new experiences, make new friends. Of course, there are two sides to every coin, and there will be some challenges when you study abroad. For many people, spending time far away from home can be tough, although developments in telecommunication mean that keeping in touch with family and friends around the world has never been easier. And while many students combine work and studies, this is not possible when studying abroad. 

Are you interested in taking part in Erasmus or another exchange? Before applying to study abroad, make sure that you fulfill the eligibility requirements. Then, all you need to do is make an appointment with CGE, indicate the three universities you wish to apply to, and get your application in. UNYP has partnerships with more than fifty universities, so the hardest part will be choosing where you want to go! You can learn more at Outbound Exchange Sudent Information on the UNYP website, or by emailing the UNYP Center for Global Engagement.