When you use Google to look up Erasmus+ and the Turing Scheme, you may well find lots of misleading information surrounding both of these overseas study and work placement programmes. This article by our team at TravelEdventures looks at the common myths surrounding both mobilities – so you know what the truth is and what isn’t, separating fact from fiction!
First Myth – the Initial Week of Your Placement Is Depressing!
The bottom line is this is simply not true. Truthfully, arriving in a new city all by yourself (or even with a group of friends) can be intimidating but there’s a lot of excitement too! You’re in a new place, you’re about to gain so much independence, learn about a whole new country and culture! That’s a real thrill – imagining what lays ahead is an incredible feeling and yes, you’ll have some nerves and doubts, all of those feelings are totally normal but depressing? We don’t think arriving in your new country is at all depressing – quite the opposite!
Second Myth – You Won’t Understand Anything Anyone Says to You
This is another common worry but not a concern because truthfully, you will make yourself understood and anyone talking to you will also go the extra mile to make sure you understand them. If you speak English, even on a basic level, you’ll find most people do too, it’s a common language. Even when you chat to locals, you’ll find creative ways to communicate and within a few days you’ll have picked up lots of new words and phrases. Within a few weeks, you’ll be chatting away (almost) like a local, so don’t feel anxious, embrace the language barrier as a challenge that you’ll soon overcome.
These Study Placements are Just Long Holidays, There’s Not Much Studying Involved!
This is indeed a myth, an Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme experience is not a semester off. Those first few weeks are a lot of fun; there will be a full programme of activities if you go with TravelEdventures and lots of welcome parties and get togethers. However, you do have to study, or you won’t get your qualification, and you might even have to pay back your grant. So, it’s best to learn when to say no to a social event and get your studies complete first!
Fourth Myth – The Grants Cover All Your Expenses
Simply not true, and while both the Erasmus+ and Turing Scheme grants are generous (with added funds for disadvantaged and disabled students), they don’t cover everything. You’ll have to learn to budget and it’s always wise to top up your grant before going abroad by doing odd jobs. Remember, you’ll have to cover rent, groceries, transport and your social activities. In fact, both schemes are a fantastic way to master budgeting.
Fifth Myth – If You Don’t Party then You Won’t Fit In!
Again, this is not true and while partying is a big part of the Erasmus+ and Turing Scheme culture, you don’t need to go out every night to feel included or build a social life. You’ll soon learn to balance studying and your social activities. Hand-pick your social events and remember, as already mentioned, your studying always comes first!
Final Words
The truth is, no two experiences are the same. The best advice? Create your own story and enjoy your experience to the full but study hard too. Erasmus+ and the Turing Scheme bring extraordinary opportunities, don’t squander either – just strike a balance between socialising and studying, remember it’s normal to feel a little homesick and it may take time to fit in. Don’t worry about the language barrier, you will pick up the local language faster than you think! If your school, college, university or other higher education institution is interested in our Erasmus+ and Turing Scheme programmes, ask your coordinator to get in touch with the TravelEdventures’ team by clicking here.
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