I made the decision to study abroad when I chose my degree, as the Arabic and French programme includes a compulsory ‘study abroad’ year. It was an easy decision. I felt that I would be missing out on an incredible opportunity if I didn’t study abroad during my degree, so chose subjects which would guarantee time in another country.
Discovering Erasmus
I found out about Erasmus through the French Department at the University of Edinburgh. Erasmus was one of three options to students of French, the other two being an internship, and an English language assistant in a French school. The French Department worked in conjunction with the University’s International Office to inform people about the programme.
Travel planner
Generally speaking it was very easy to organise. Erasmus is a bi-lateral agreement between universities, so in my case, after listing my top five preferences of places to study, my University assigned me l’Institut d’Etudes Politiques in Lyon and passed my details onto them. They then got in touch and relayed all the necessary information, such as when I had to arrive, which courses I could take and how to select them.
Erasmus support mechanisms come in a variety of forms. There is substantial financial support in the form of an Erasmus grant, which comes in two instalments, and those who normally pay tuition fees in the UK are exempt from paying them for the duration of their exchange (It is possible to do both full and half year exchanges, which is particularly useful for those studying joint languages). The other main form of support comes through universities’ international offices, both in the UK and the country you are looking to study in.
Challenges
However, finding accommodation was a challenge. This is down to the host university and in my case they made it very clear that no help would be given. It took me two weeks to find somewhere to live, which was not ideal, and I was actually still staying in a youth hostel when term started. For those starting in September it is well worth arriving a month in advance to sort out accommodation. I started in January so was not able to arrive so early. When I actually found my accommodation it was a real success but the search was certainly a test.
Living abroad is a true test of resourcefulness. Suddenly you are stripped of all your normal support mechanisms, whether that is old friends, family or the familiarity of the ‘British way of doing things.’
I arrived in France with no friends, no place to live and limited language ability. I left six months later having found a great group of friends, a job, a spacious apartment and gained fluency in a foreign language. I now have the confidence when starting something completely new, whether it is a job or a move to another country, to know that I can make a life for myself.
Language of love
As I study French at university I did not take any language classes when I was in France. However, some of my friends who were also on exchange did take advantage of the intensive language courses arranged by Erasmus, normally just before the term starts. Many of the host universities also organise language classes for foreign students.
Money matters
I found it quite expensive. When I was in France the pound started to weaken against the Euro, which is just as relevant now as it was in January 2008. However, the Erasmus grant was a real help, and I found a part-time job which kept me out of the red. Not only does expense differ from country to country but also from city to city. For example, Lyon was far more expensive than smaller French towns in terms of going out, but rent was much cheaper than I pay in Edinburgh. My host university in Lyon helped all the exchange students set up a back account which made it very easy.
Word to the wise
I would say allow plenty of time for finding accommodation, and avoid private student residences, even as a last resort. They pray on the desperation of homeless foreign students and are incredibly overpriced. I would also say try really hard to get a part-time job, as it is a great way to meet people whilst improving language skills. Finally, use your weekends well: buy a railcard and travel around the country. There will be far too much to see for a half or even full year exchange but it’s well worth exploring your host country as much as possible.