British practice. Or how to change the world
ERASMUS. And what do you associate this word with? I probably already know – exotic views, sun-kissed faces and an insanely fun life. I was lucky enough to try not only Erasmus studies, but also Erasmus internship. So these two experiences made me realize that every student's story is different. Every student leaves with different desires, expectations and dreams, and therefore brings back a different bouquet of impressions. So I want to share with you MY brightly colored bouquet, brought back from my Erasmus internship in the United Kingdom.
Why to the United Kingdom and not back to Turkey?
After going to Turkey as part of the Erasmus exchange program, I was rewarded with six of the most interesting months of my studies. However, I chose another country for my internship – the United Kingdom. I often get asked “why?”. The answer is very simple – although I had a truly wonderful time in Turkey and had unforgettable impressions, I wanted challenges, the unknown and surprises again. And I probably wouldn’t have found this in Turkey… So, having set a priority that I wanted to go to an English-speaking country, I set out to search for an organization on the Internet. The search was indeed tiring and time-consuming, but the celebration came to my backyard – I was accepted into The Green Economics Institute!
Green economy? Changing the world!
I have always been interested in social and public ideas, when you can see a little further than your own shoelaces. So it was nice to enter an environment where people think similarly. Only when I arrived at the institute did I realize that its activities are much broader than I expected: publishing books and an international journal, organizing conferences, participating in exhibitions, conferences, events and countless other things. And the director herself presented her activities very simply: ,,We are changing the world. And most importantly, these words are not empty: in 2011, the director of the Institute, Miriam Kennet, received an award for being one of the women who are changing the world the most. The topics on which the Institute works are also very diverse: global warming, gender inequality, poverty in third countries, sustainable development, the exclusion of young and old people, etc.
Oxford University, meeting a Nobel Prize winner and other interesting facts
Even before arriving at my internship, I knew one of my tasks – organizing a conference at Oxford University. I won’t lie – this task was really exciting, so I couldn’t wait to contribute to the first works. Being and even giving a presentation at a university that is considered one of the best in the world was a truly invaluable experience. A university that is almost a thousand years old is enchanting and takes you to a different world. However, on the second day of the conference, I unexpectedly received a hint from the director that I needed to accompany Nobel Prize winner, Graciela Chichilnisky, to lunch. A hurricane raged in my head: “We didn’t agree on this!” “What am I going to talk about with a NO-BE-LIO prize winner?” “But it’s only lunch!” And anyway, having suddenly poured water on my burning fears, I went out to lunch. But for once in my life, I realized that sometimes we overestimate positions, titles, and other shiny things. This woman from the United States was quite simple and kind. We had a great conversation about her years of study, her majors, and various twists and turns in life.
The birth of a book
Only after arriving in Reading (the city in the United Kingdom where I did my internship) did the director take me to a book publishing house. When I picked up the newly published book, she mentioned that the feeling was similar to having a newborn baby. A lot of yourself, sleepless nights, and feelings are put into creating it, and it sometimes takes more than nine months. To be honest, I didn’t understand what she meant at the time. Although I have always appreciated books, I never realized that it could be so important and meaningful. And then, a few days later, I received an assignment – books "Green Economics: Policy and practice in Eastern Europe" editing. This was followed by intensive training in working with a special program, thousands of letters from economists from Latvia, Estonia, Russia, Ukraine and Lithuania and many sleepless nights. You won't believe it, but after a million cups of coffee I was able to distribute the book I edited myself! The feeling is indescribable! Indeed, the work that we created together with the Latvian professor and the director of the institute was exciting. The book contains not only the pain points of Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Ukraine, but also the best practices of the countries. Does it sound interesting? You can also purchase the book online!
If not now, when?
So, so… I can’t boast of exotic views of England, sun-kissed skin or endless parties. This time I didn’t “fit” into the Erasmus stereotype. But I’m very happy about that, because there was everything: sleepless nights, crying to tears, homesickness, self-tests, lots of English smiles. But, of course, it was WORTH IT. I don’t know about you, but for me, every stage of life dictates a corresponding wisdom/lesson. So it was this practice with its challenges and surprises that gave me even more fire and energy to act and try out the opportunities life offers. I’m glad that I decided to take this step and that on a sunny spring morning, when I saw the ad inviting me to participate in the exchange program, I said: “If not now, when?”
Odeta Grabauskaite
