An Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme work, or study placement abroad is an extraordinary opportunity to see the world differently, become independent, learn and experience a brand-new culture. Furthermore, you’ll make friends for life, improve your chances of future employment and have tremendous fun every single day. You may feel homesick at first but give it a few days and those feelings will soon disappear. Read on to find some really good advice from people who’ve been there, seen it and done it! Don’t forget to read our other article on top advice by clicking here once you’ve finished this one.
Your work or study placement is a short period of time, ranging from 2 weeks to one year (sometimes longer). You don’t have time for discord, so if you feel that you’re about to become embroiled in an argument, stop and think, it won’t be important enough to waste time – and Erasmus+ is too short (as is life!). Walk away.
As you get into the Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme groove, you might find yourself tempted to put your studies aside but remember, your course is the key reason you’re abroad, so don’t forget to study. Put in the hours and ultimately, you’ll reap the benefits when you embark on your career. There will be plenty of time for enjoyment, just strike a balance and stick to it.
You’re in a fantastic city, wherever you’ve chosen to do your Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme mobility, make sure you discover every inch. Go to the extremes, visit the corners, the borders, the suburbs, the different neighbourhoods. Don’t just stick with the centre of the city or the popular student areas, see it as a local would see it and really get to know it well. You may never visit it again so make the most of it.
Don’t waste your money spending it on meals out and tourist attractions, live like a local. Shop in the supermarkets or open markets, go home and cook for yourself, for friends, throw dinner parties, have get-togethers at home, go to the local park, have a picnic, go off-the-beaten-track (as above) and immerse yourself in the culture by being a part of the fabric!
You aren’t going to need a full set of crockery or a full set of cutlery, so don’t waste your money buying loads of things you won’t need. Get your family to send a box of necessities over from home, some towels, some crockery, dishes, cutlery, bed sheets etc. If you want to dress up your room with something fun, shop second hand – because once you’ve finished your placement, you’ll find you don’t have room to take it all home with you. Exercise restraint and save your money for your leisure activities.
No matter how much of a great storyteller you are, your friends at home won’t understand what you’ve just been through so don’t try to make them. Erasmus+ and the Turing Scheme are so extra-special that until you actually go abroad and experience these types of trips for yourself, no one can possibly begin to comprehend what they’re like. So by all means, be effervescent about your trip but don’t be disappointed when they don’t share your enthusiasm!
Keen to embark on an Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme adventure? Why not talk to our team to find out how we can organise your work/study trip of a lifetime! Click here to get in touch.