#erasmus exchange program

[goldencherriess]

A year ago I was on my Erasmus, during my first days, and I honestly think that's insane. I can't believe it's been a year and that I'm here and not there. Forever grateful.

[goldencherriess]

I saw a post today on Instagram. It said "how should we ever get over Erasmus?". You don't. It'll always be part of you. You don't get over something like that. Not when it helped you discover yourself entirely and taught you how to be happy

[goldencherriess]

(I'm the Erasmus anon hiiii, still a little shy about coming out of anonymity)

Hi dear! I'd never expected that kind of perspective on nostalgia. You put it like a good thing, even. The "get out of your room" part really stuck with me. I'm quite an extrovert, however, can you believe my biggest fear is that I won't make any friends there?

My career is a language-based one, so many many Erasmus come here. I've met many many Erasmus students. And... Man, I gotta say, they don't even open their mouths or try and socialise with anyone. I'm so afraid I'll end up being one of them, and only hang with other Erasmus from my country (which I definitely don't plan on doing, I'm there to meet the people there!)...

How's your experience with this? Is it true that one can make many local friends in their Erasmus? Gonna be stuck there for 10 months, so I'm not planning on hanging out exclusively with people from my country.

Your response really really made my day, so thank you for the advice✨

Hi!! Don't worry about still choosing to keep yourself anonymous. It's totally fine! I'm glad you still reached out to me despite of it.

Sorry for the late reply, yesterday I had two exams and I was very tired.

The fear of not making any friends is a fear any Erasmus student experiences. Especially if it's your first Erasmus. I remember being that way, but believe me when I say that everyone is like that the first few weeks. No one knows no one. Everyone is new to everything. But that's the beauty of Erasmus. It forces you in this new environment so you can grow. It really changes your perspective on life. Every Erasmus student is searching for their friend group, they're attending events, they go out. I'm an introvert with some social skills and it still was a bit difficult for me in the beginning. But everyone is so nice!! They're very eager to meet new people. So if you don't approach people, chances are they will approach you.

I'm studying foreign languages so there are some Erasmus students coming here too. I thought they were unbothered as well but after going on Erasmus I realised they were most probably shy. I found the students at my host university very intimidating for some reason. I was shy to approach them. This semester, an Italian student was attending one of my classes. She was so glad I introduced myself to her. She said she doesn't know anyone in any class. You can always approach the native students, don't be shy! No one will turn you down. Trust me, a smile can go a long way.

It is true you can make local friends! I did. I made friends through the local ESN section. I befriended the Italian volunteers and because I signed up for the buddy program I had an instant local friend. The buddy program is basically an Erasmus student receiving a local student (in most of the cases it's actually an ESN volunteer, who they're also a student) to help them accommodate to the new life. My buddy was an ESN volunteer and he was really the sweetest. We still keep in touch.

Of course, it is easier to make friends from your country. I think it's also easier in the beginning when you're homesick. But don't worry about that. It'll happen on its own. Just socialise with everyone, go to the ESN events and see who you're clicking with. And I also recommend you to sign up for the buddy program!

My Erasmus friend group consisted of Italian ESN volunteers and some girls from my country. And it really was the best thing that could have happened to me on my Eramus. We did some crazy things together. We made memories. But!!! I also befriended people from all over Europe.

So yeah, it is possible to make local friends. It is also possible to make friends from different corners of the world. The secret is just to go out and socialise as most as you can. Friendship will bloom on its own. And always smile!!

Thanks again for reaching out to me. I hope my responses helped you! I'm always here to answer any more questions you have!

Much love xx

[goldencherriess]

I love your Erasmus posts so much. While you're already back home, I'm halfway through the paperwork to make it happen and leave my country.

I recently read your post about nostalgia. That's such a strong feeling, and definitely not easy.

I was just wondering, is the nostalgia of your Erasmus days stronger than the nostalgia you probably had of your home when you just arrived to your new country? Which nostalgia, in your opinion, is easier to overcome? My biggest fear is missing my home and my people back home once I arrive there. I feel like it will bitter the experience.

Keep posting these sweet beautiful posts. Big fan.

Xoxo my dear

Hello! Receiving this in my inbox just made my day. I wasn't even aware someone was reading my Erasmus posts as they are very random. But it is very nice to meet a fellow Erasmus.

The paperwork is tedious but you'll get through it. You can always ask for help.

Regarding the nostalgia feeling, I would say they're different kinds of feelings, if that makes any sense. When I first arived in my Erasmus city, I was very confused and overwhelmed from the start. It won't bitter the experience, it makes part of the experience. I was homesick for about 3 weeks and then I slowly got used to my new lifestyle. You still get homesick from time to time, but it's not as intense as in the beginning. It's more of a "oh, my family and friends are waiting for me back home and I miss them but all I have is now so I must make the most of it." To have someone to miss is actually a blessing. You'll surely miss your home but it will be there when you come back so don't let that hold you back from enjoying your Erasmus life. You only have one Erasmus and you should make the most of it. My advice is to go out. Meet new people. I know that's very hard, especially in the beginning, but that's how you get over the loneliness and homesickness. It worked for me and I met one of the most amazing people. We still keep in contact and we plan to see each other soon. There's this great association called ESN (Erasmus Student Network), you should attend their events! They're connecting Erasmus students and organising trips and parties and other fun activities! They really helped me get out of my shell. Aaand I'm currently an ESN volunteer myself in my home city!

As for the nostalgia once you come home... That's a different story. I'm still not over my Erasmus, I'll probably never be but that's the beauty of it. I look back on it and warmth feels me. The first week when I came back was tough lmao, you'll see that for a bit you'll feel a little out of place home but it'll slowly pass.

So take it all in, feel all the emotions, allow yourself to live, meet people, do spontaneous things, try new food, go out, party. Just have fun!!! You won't regret it.

If you ever have any other questions don't hesitate to message me. Or if you wish to keep yourself anonymous, you can always drop an ask in my inbox. I'll answer it as soon as I can. I'd love to hear more from you and about your Erasmus adventure. Once an Erasmus, always an Erasmus.

Lots of love xx

[goldencherriess]

I miss the days of my student exchange. Every now and then I remember the faces of the people I met there and the memories we made together and a deep longing takes over. Nostalgia hits deep. I wish I could time travel to relieve it all again. But we only have the present, so we should make the most of it while we still can

[mothmonologue]

You're probably all annoyed by my constant rambling about Erasmus but

I just found out my ECL language certificate won't get me a visa so now i have to get an online PTE certificate (the only one I can do under a month) for an ASSLOAD of money. I'm so tired of this. I'm a fucking burden to my family. I just... know that.

[mothmonologue]

BITCH I WON THE ERASMUS THIS IS NOT A FUCKING DRILL IM GOING TO FUCKING MIDDLESEX UNI FOR A WHOLE YEAR AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[mothmonologue]

.... why was I called darling by an erasmus officer