Travelling in Europe

More than 3 million students have already studied abroad! (source Erasmus+ Agency)

Experience mobility in Europe! Join Julien, Louise & Agathe:

Coimbra - Portugal

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Julien’s feedback:

When and in what context did you take part in an ERASMUS exchange?

I went to Coimbra in Portugal, during my third year of my STAPS degree as a student of the College ST at the University of Orléans, for 1 semester in 2017-18.

How did you find your accommodation?

There are many international students in Coimbra. It was easy to find house-shares, mainly thanks to Facebook groups. 

I finally chose the “Erasmus house” (not a very original name), in which I have lived with 17 other people, coming from Turkey, Italy, Brazil, the Netherlands, Belgium, France or Spain. I was a bit scared at first, since I had never shared a house with other people, but my 5 months were amazing and I absolutely do not regret my choice. Moreover, I was able to perfect my English, since I did not have any other way to communicate with my housemates. 

Isn't it difficult for a foreigner to succeed at university in another country without speaking the language?

For me, it was super simple. The teachers of the University of Coimbra are very understanding, and even if I did not understand everything in class, they always helped me, sometimes they made summaries in English or adapted the exam to my level. All teachers of the University speak at least a minimum of English. In the end, I came back in France with an average grade of more than 15, way more than what I had at the University of Orléans. 

What did you think of Coimbra and Portugal?

I spent the best five months of my life in Portugal. Coimbra is a pleasant city, not necessarily very big but with lots of students. There are lots of bars and international students, so it's very easy to make friends and find reasons to go out.

Portugal is a particularly beautiful country, where all the towns are close together. There are many castles and towns by the ocean, and the climate is generally very good. However, winter can be a bit harsh because, despite temperatures sometimes approaching zero degrees, few houses have heating....

What have you gained from this experience?

I feel that I have come out of this experience feeling more mature! Not just because of the different teaching methods, but also because of the people I've met, the customs, the community life... I've opened up to new horizons!

University College of Cork - Irlande

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Louise’s Feedback

When and in what context did you take part in an ERASMUS exchange?

I went to Cork in Ireland as a student during my 1st year of master’s degree in physics at the CoST (University of Orléans). I wanted to go to an English-speaking country, as I was going into teaching and thought it would be a plus for entering a MEEF Master’s programme.

How did you find your accommodation?

I took advantage of the accommodation offered by the University of Cork. Initially, I wanted to live in a shared house, but life is more expensive in Ireland, so this was the best solution, and it didn't stop me from going out and meeting people.

I know that flat-sharing works really well too, but I hadn't thought about looking on dedicated websites.

Isn't it difficult for a foreigner to succeed at university in another country without speaking the language?

A little at first, you need to give your ears a bit of time to get used to the accent and the music of the language! In fact, I recommend arriving before the start of the year if possible, and taking the language courses. It helps a lot and also gives you a head start in meeting students and chatting before the beginning of the programme.
 

What did you think of Cork and Ireland?

Fantastic! I was really surprised and charmed by the Irish kindness! The city is very cosmopolite, and there is always something to see or do. 
 

What have you gained from this experience?

I my mind is more open than before, and I have a greater ability to adapt, both in life and in teaching at UCC. I've also learnt not to be afraid of speaking a language I don't quite master, and in the end it's not that difficult! Now I DARE to speak! I am a bit more resourceful.

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 Trinity College of Dublin

Agathe’s Feedback:

When and in what context did you take part in an ERASMUS exchange?

I chose to go on ERASMUS + to do my 3rd year of bachelor’s degree in mathematics. And I honestly think it was one of the best years of my life.

 

Where did you do your ERASMUS and why there?

I studied at Trinity College in Dublin. I freely admit that I wouldn't have chosen Dublin in the first place, but Ireland is a country for which I had a great attraction.

Whether it's for the magnificent scenery (it's easy to see why so many films are made there), or for its culture and history. In addition, Trinity College is a highly reputed university with a wide choice of courses, some of which I really wanted to take.

How were things at the university?

Quite different from the French system. I had half as many hours of classes and they were mainly 50-minute lectures in lecture halls. You have to go and find the work yourself, but the lecturers are generally attentive to their students and willing to help. The university has a very good policy for welcoming students. When I arrived at the airport, someone from the university met me and gave me lots of information.

And your life in general?

Daily life was about the same as the one I had in France. The main difference came from my wish to visit Ireland and to understand its history. So I spent quite a lot of weekends visiting Dublin and traveling to other regions of the island. 

What difficulties have you encountered?

I mainly found it difficult to fill in the various documents and obtain certain information.

What advice would you give to people who want to leave?

Don't let the difficulties get you down. But above all, make the most of the present moment without worrying too much.