Hello, steemians,
I am back with an article about my future Erasmus and especially how to prepare yourself. As I am leaving for Finland next year I thought it would be a good article to explain how I prepare myself to leave in another country for a few months. I am going to give you a few tips to plan your Erasmus.
First of all, you need to prepare everything in advance to be sure to have a place to stay and to have the cheapest flight ticket possible. Don’t think you have plenty of time, time flies.
1. Choose your university program
First, choose a university with an interesting program! Take time to visit their website and their course program. Then read the description of every course and take the course you are attracted by.
2. Choose a good apartment
Choose a place to stay in advance to have the best apartment possible. Compare every agency to find the place that suits you. There is some campus where there are buildings reserved for Erasmus students. It is the case for me, I had to apply as soon as the application was opening to be sure to have a room. It is a good opportunity to meet other exchange students.
3. Ask for a scholarship
Some universities give you the opportunity to get a scholarship. Finland is an expensive country, so I get a good scholarship to help me with all the fees. If you are going outside of Europe, you have the Mercator scholarship. Ask your university to get some information on how to obtain the scholarship, it is worth it!
4. Visit some countries
If you have enough budget, take time during your Erasmus to travel. If it is possible for you, travel around the country where you are staying. There are some Erasmus organization that allow you to travel with others Erasmus. It is a good way to get to know other people.
5. Buy transport tickets earlier
Return tickets are cheaper, sometimes you have the opportunity to take flexible tickets, don’t hesitate If you want to stay longer or if you are not sure of your return date.
6. Take language classes
If you are stressed by the fact to speak another language like English for example, take some courses. There are free online courses to learn a language. You have a lot of tutorial on YouTube, watch your movies and tv-shows in English, it is a good exercise. Without subtitles of course 😉
7. The steps to enter the country
If you are going outside of Europe, you will need a passport and maybe a Visa. Make sure that all the papers are settled on time. The administration can take time, prepare in advance.
8. Search groups of exchange student on Facebook
A lot of students at the university use a Facebook group to communicate and to help each other. The person in charge of me in Finland had me join the group. You can ask everything on this kind of group and you can organize a meeting to get to know other exchange students.
9. Prepare your suitcase
Make a list of everything you have to take with you to be sure to not forget anything. Ask the tenant of the place you are going to stay if there are towels or bed sheets, … Sometimes it is possible to rent a pack with the minimum necessary.
10. Do not stress
Your Erasmus is going to be a great experience, so enjoy and don’t stress. It is going to be amazing and you will never forget your exchange trip.
I hope these tips about the Erasmus preparation will help you. If you have any advice don't hesitate. If like me, next year you will spend a semester abroad, enjoy and have fun!!!
See you soon with another subject steemians. Bye 😊