My Erasmus experience: Spain and France

Online classes, moving back home, bars closing – a new reality faced by many students during the pandemic, and for me, the driving force to take a gap year and go on Erasmus+ mobility. I posted a notice on ErasmusIntern and was contacted by a teacher from an elementary school called Enric Farreny in Catalonia who offered me an Erasmus+ internship position as a language assistant, stating that my inexperience isn’t a stumbling block. As a third-year student of English and French, I was faced with two challenges – how to accept this offer without knowing any Catalan and without any experience in education? On my first day, I discovered that the language barrier is not an issue since Catalans are used to foreigners, and even Spaniards, not speaking their language, so the teachers were always there to direct me. Luckily, the teacher who contacted me was responsible for everything – accommodation, trip, and making me feel like a part of the team. There were two more interns in the school, who I also lived with, so we spent most of our time together. Although my main subjects were English and French, I assisted teachers on almost all subjects – from Art and Music to Math and Physical Education. Both the teachers and the children had patience with me, so I worked with student groups during the second week of my internship and even taught the class independently. I already knew that Catalans were warm and cheerful, however, what I experienced exceeded expectations – students showering us with hugs as well as colleagues who would take us hiking and bring gifts every Friday. Even though my main task was to incorporate English and French into various subjects, my students managed to teach me some Catalan. I also learned how to work with children. Towards the end of my internship, which lasted only three months, I even considered prolonging my mobility and staying for the whole school year, but I knew I had to continue my journey in France in order to truly perfect the language I’m studying. I made lifelong friends in only three months and got the taste of the remarkable Erasmus experience only those who lived it know that it cannot be described with words, so for all those who are reading this and are having doubts about going on Erasmus mobility – this is your sign!

After my Erasmus+ internship in Spain, which will be remembered by warm people, but also by a full-time job and obligations to my colleagues, I continued my journey in a green city in France called Dijon, where the student experience awaited. Since epidemiological measures were more rigorous in France than in Croatia, we were pleasantly surprised by the fact that classes weren’t remote due to the small number of Erasmus students. Also, we could choose a room in the student campus dorm during the online application, which lowered the fees and most importantly – made meeting other students easier. Luckily for us, it got warm pretty fast and even though bars were closed we soon found a group of students craving friendship. Since most of us were international students who came to learn French, we managed to combine the pleasant with the useful and learn the language as well as the culture of France. Most of us were enthralled by the campus, not only because of the practicality but also because we could join sports and music workshops and activities for free. Also, despite the restrictions, the university ESN really made an effort in carrying out the activities for Erasmus students, so we often hiked and spent time in nature. Regarding the courses and studying in France, I would recommend it to everyone who likes active participation in class, writing essays and presenting, because the grading system of most French universities is based on these criteria and critical thinking. As a cherry on top of the mobility, bars and restaurants opened their doors and travel restrictions were lifted. Therefore, we spent the last few weeks travelling throughout France, exploring museums and savouring every bite of French cuisine. The highlight of this trip was, of course, Paris! It made such a strong impression on me that I decided to go on Erasmus mobility again, this time applying to the Sorbonne. I received my acceptance letter in June. Paris, on se voit bientôt!

Updated on It-Tlieta, 02/08/2022