Erasmus : Which impact does the urge for freedom have on the development of our youth?

The urge to travel is getting higher and higher among the young twenties: not only do they travel more and more, they also choose to complete their studies abroad. But from where this big interest to the unknown? What impact do these experiences have on our personal development and above all; are there any disadvantages to that exploration?

In addition to the pleasure trips, more and more young people choose to follow an internship or training abroad at one or another time in their student career. A trend that is welcomed by our open and freely obsessed society, but what are the pros and cons of these studies or internships abroad?

First of all, Erasmus students can get to know other cultures. A human has always been a curious creature and because of the fact we can travel around the world more easily, we can let that natural exploration run more and more free. For example, we can visit other cities like Sintra, Coimbra, Evora. We can explore the history of each city and learn more about the monuments in these cities and why they have such as many monuments etc.

Moreover, Erasmus certainly offers young people the chance to dig into a culture because they spend their daily life there for a long time. In this way, we learn for example, certain habits of the locals. Habits like kissing everyone, or touching/hugging everyone, even when they don’t know each other.  In Portugal, people give each other two kisses, in Belgium for example, we only give or loved ones or our friends one kiss and three with special occasions like a birthday.

Secondly, we get the opportunity to learn how to speak another language. Because of the fact that we take part of a new culture in a new country, it is evident that we take the initiative to learn the language of the country where you are staying at. It is important if you want to communicate in daily life for example. We try to do our best to speak in Portuguese but if it is not understandable, we try to speak English or even make ourselves understandable with gestures and movements.

Even though we only get basic Portuguese at school, we improve ourselves every day. But that doesn’t mean that it is easy. For example, we still need to speak English with the Erasmus because it is easier to express ourselves. Despite our limited knowledge of speaking this language (Portuguese), this contributes to a certain degree of independence.

Another argument is that we can expand our social environment and gain independence. When young people get the chance to meet a world in which other uses, ways of thinking and habits are waving the slice, not only their living environment expands but they also learn how to be on their own. On return, however, they are often completely opened up; they are much more abundant and mature. We don’t have a mom and dad in here who looks after us, we have to make it on our own. For example, we must do daily chores on our own, we must cook, we must clean, we have to do laundry, we have to do dishes, etc. 

Another example of getting more mature is because we have to look for an apartment ourselves, we have to do our administration, look for courses at school, figure out how we can get to school or to the store, etc.

It is important to remember that we can contribute to a more solid and multicultural society.
Research shows that stereotypes that students have about other nationalities, change after an exchange project. After returning, students have better intercultural skills. For example, we can get a different view on stereotypes by gaining self-esteem and engaging with other nationalities, thus eliminating your original prejudices. 

Furthermore, a long-term stay in another country gives them the space to experience the uses and sensitivities of other cultures, after which they can also communicate better with other cultures and better cope with cultural differences.  This is a skill that is not underestimated today in our multicultural world. For example, we as future teachers are getting more and more involved with a multicultural class. It is important to expand our knowledge about the culture here, so we can share our knowledge with the children.

Above all, don’t forget that you can have a much stronger personal data resume after your exchange. If you pass all your courses during Erasmus, you will receive the credits that you should have achieved at your own school. All this is a nice addition to your personal resume. It is seen by many employers as proof that you are self-employed. It also indicates that you are multilingual and thus also have knowledge of cultural differences. A study has even shown that 31% of companies find an international experience a requirement!

In my opinion we can have a lot of benefits from going on Erasmus. Because in Belgium we have a lot of schools that are multicultural. When those schools are looking for employees, they are inclined to hire you because you proved that you are open to work with other cultures, because of the Erasmus. Moreover, nowadays employers are increasingly attaching importance to languages ​​and independence. By participating in Erasmus, you prove that you have this and you have a great opportunity to be accepted

On the other hand, there are also disadvantages of going on Erasmus. First of all, we have to miss our family and friends for quit a long time. This is especially for those who need the support of a warm family environment to function properly, Erasmus might not be good for them. For example, not every family has the opportunity to come and visit their children on Erasmus. Therefore, it’s not always easy to miss your family for such a long time.

Also, the lack of having a close group of friends around you is difficult in the beginning. In the long run, this will change because you get to know new people. But the fear of being all alone, for example is horrifying.

Secondly, there is a lot of paperwork before you leave. You have to put everything in order for your own school and for the partner school. In addition, there is also a lot of paperwork that you have to do at the end of your Erasmus. Furthermore, this hassle is attached to your scholarship, so if you fail to do the paperwork, you will lose more than half of the money you get from the scholarship.
All that work can get you stress among the stress you already had of all the schoolwork we have to do. Another example of why this is a big disadvantage is because every communication is through email and that might get confusing from time to time.

Another disadvantage of going on Erasmus is that it is expensive. Despite the financial support you get, to cover for the most important costs during Erasmus, like the rent of your apartment, it remains an expensive adventure. For example, you have to buy your flight tickets, your food, nightlife, city trips and so on..
These are additional costs you do not have when you live at home, except for the food. In addition, you will not receive a scholarship if you are on Erasmus for less than 3 months. Or for example, when the paperwork is not okay, you will not get a scholarship so you have to pay everything yourself.

Lastly, your choice of country remains limited to the foreign partner settings of your own school. Hereby, you have the advantage that you don’t have to look for a school where you can study because it is already there for you, you just have to contact them. On the other hand, it is a disadvantage because some students had a particular school, field or study or country in mind, but can not chose that particular country because it is not on the list.

To summarise, going on Erasmus has more advantages than disadvantages, at least from our point of view. However, it is up toe ach of us to decide which pros and cons are the most important. From our vision and experience during our Erasmus period, we can say that the disadvantages are not so bad at all in comparison to the benefits. During Erasmus you will get confronted with yourself, which will make you better acquainted with your own. Erasmus is highly recommended and contributes to your personal development!