Spanish Erasmus Plus – The year that will change your life
Doing an Erasmus year or semester abroad is a big decision, but every year 1000s of students take part. In 2019 an estimated 17,000 students from the UK alone participated in the programme. If you’re umming and ahhing, my best advice would be to just go for it; this is an experience you won’t regret! Read on to find out why and what will make this one of the best years of your life!
The practical stuff
So, what actually is Erasmus Plus? It’s a programme funded by the European Union which gives students the opportunity to study or work abroad for up to 11 months (not only study Spanish, but any course that interests you). 33 countries take part, including Spain, which receives the largest number of British students.
The main benefit of the programme is to improve your Spanish or learn the Spanish language; what better way to grow your language skills than full immersion in Spanish culture, living and breathing it 24/7? Your employer or host institution may even offer you Spanish lessons, which of course would be an unmissable opportunity and the perfect way to learn Spanish in Spain! The Erasmus Plus scheme also offers a grant to all students, which makes the experience much more affordable and accessible.
New experiences
It’s guaranteed your Erasmus year or semester will be packed full of new experiences, whatever you decide to do. If you choose to study, you will experience a whole new education system with different teaching methods and subjects. Studying with Spanish Erasmus Plus is a fantastic way to learn things you wouldn’t have had the opportunity to before, for example you may even study in Spanish! And if you decide to work, you will gain a new experience of Spanish working life.
Spanish Erasmus Plus offers the opportunity for you to experience a whole new culture and way of life; perhaps you’ll discover a new hobby or enjoy a local festival and you’ll definitely get to try delicious local foods! The Erasmus Plus scheme helps you develop invaluable new life skills; think of it this way, once you’ve moved to a new country alone, you can do anything!
New places
Studying or working abroad provides you with a fantastic opportunity to travel and see new places! Depending on what you choose to do or where you choose to go, Erasmus Plus students are able to spend their free time seeing new places and soaking up the culture!
If you decide to study in Spain you may be able to join organisations such as ESN Spain, who organise amazing trips and events for Erasmus Plus students; a great opportunity to see new places, meet other like-minded students and have fun! Also companies such as Flixbus Spain, make travelling around the country (and the rest of Europe!) easy and affordable. So, you’ll be able to see the Alhambra in Granada after dreaming of it for years, or visit your friend in Barcelona, wherever your heart (or the bus!) takes you!
New friends and unforgettable memories
Ask anyone who has taken part in Erasmus Plus and they’ll tell you they met the best people and made unforgettable memories. Not only will you meet people from all over the world, with shared interests (a love for Spain!), but you’re likely to make friends for life, because of the unique time you’ve shared living abroad.
Your Erasmus year or semester is what you make of it, so if you want these unforgettable memories, make them! Put yourself out there, join local sports teams or cultural societies, a great way to not only make friends and have fun, but also the perfect opportunity to improve your Spanish language; after all that may be the main reason you’re there!
So, if you weren’t already convinced, I hope you are now. Speak to anyone who has taken part in the Spanish Erasmus Plus scheme and you’ll hear them say it was one of the best years of their life, and speak to anyone who didn’t make the leap and they’ll tell you they wish they had. As author Zig Ziglar once said “making a big life change is pretty scary. But know what’s even scarier? Regret.”
This is an opportunity you won’t want to let pass by. For more information on Spanish Erasmus Plus, check out their website here. Also, at Entrelenguas we offer Erasmus Plus internships, so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’re interested, we’d love to hear from you!
Written by @Amy Shillabeer
