drive? Drive!

Go to Finland according to Erasmus I decided on the exchange program quite unexpectedly. I've always been the one about Erasmus had a negative response: binge drinking, wasting money, and guaranteed academic debt. However, one spontaneous decision changed my outlook for life.

Selected? I don't want anymore!

In the middle of the first semester of the second year, I see that an additional handbook is announced Erasmus for studies. I fill out the registration form thinking that I, a sophomore, will definitely not be selected. French philologists do not go in the second year. Besides, there is only one place left — a more suitable candidate will certainly appear. Soon I receive a letter that I have been selected. Finland. I can't stand the cold, I don't love this country, because to be honest, I don't know anything about it. However, there is no way back — VDU has already contacted my future university in Tampere and they are waiting for my letter (I am the last accepted foreign student, as the registration period in Finland ended a month ago). I accept and start waiting for the trip.

Pink shade

When I am asked to talk about those five months in Finland, I simply say that it was very good. Have not been abroad with Erasmus the program doesn't understand why I'm telling them every detail with sparkling eyes, so I just suggest they go out on their own. I studied earnestly for four months. It was definitely not easy, but it was motivated by an excellent scientific system. The teachers tried to help the student to learn, to interest him, to let him choose the most interesting thing to learn, and then to consolidate the knowledge with practical work. Although there was a lot of stress, I passed the exams successfully. By the way, the employees of all university services greeted me with such a sincere smile that sometimes I even believed that they really care about my problems and it is interesting to hear the same questions asked by students every day.

The other side of the coin is student life. Talk about wild parties is not uncommon. There were students who honestly drank every day, stole food and disturbed others' sleep. It's hard at first, but you get used to it later. They failed the exams. They will complain that studying in Finland is too difficult. I was on vacation abroad for the last month only: I traveled, enjoyed my freedom, cried with my friends, saying goodbye to others. On May 23 at 5 o'clock in the morning at the bus station, looking at my snot face in the window, seven half-naked friends danced. Maybe someday they will dance for me one at a time, but never all seven together. That's sad and fascinating Erasmus studies.

Or maybe it's not better?

I heard that not everyone brings back only good memories from studying abroad. Some do not overcome homesickness, others do not reconcile science and student life, others face other problems. I think that not every person can and should ride. Erasmus studying abroad is not a place for an overly closed person, a racist or a homophobe. Also, the material aspect should not be forgotten. At the beginning, you have to spend a lot of money (advance for a dormitory, fee for a student ID, food, travel), so the scholarship is really not enough. Later, you have to live frugally, but there is enough money. I chose a double room to save money, so I had to listen to my roommate constantly singing and share a shower and toilet with thirty people. Scary? Pay more or don't go abroad.

And some more…

When planning your studies abroad, it is important to think about many details. I would advise you to choose your country wisely. For example, a student looking for excellent study quality should look to the Scandinavian countries, while a student looking for fun should look further south. It is also important to find out if the subjects will REALLY be taught in the local language (if that would cause problems), because sometimes the descriptions of the subjects are out of step with reality. Before driving, I suggest you get ready to live in a community, share (either voluntarily or by force), get used to new rules, norms of life and be tolerant.

I also suggest those who are not planning to go to Erasmus to think. Such an opportunity often comes once in a lifetime. Favorable conditions are provided for studying abroad (financial support, help in choosing subjects, cooperation between universities), and the age is suitable, because it is possible that a newly created family will prevent such a choice after a few years. So, when planning Erasmus studies abroad, hesitation arises and must arise, but the final choice must be made after carefully considering all the pros and cons. I was the one who made the spontaneous decision and was more than happy with it. I wish the same to others - to hesitate and make the right choice!

Judita Jurkėnaitė