MY ERASMUS EXPERIENCE












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            * MY ERASMUS EXPERIENCE
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            Andreia Catarina da Silva Ferreira, who wrote the following essay to celebrate the 30 year

            the Erasmus programme, is an Erasmus student of Medicine from the Nova University of Lisbo
            During the summer semester 2016/2017, Charles University’s Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen i
            I am a 5th year medical student in Lisbon and honestly doing an Erasmus has never been a p

            studying plan. I genuinely still don’t really know how I got involved in this amazing expe
            it was some sort of fate, and I feel so privileged to have grabbed hold of this opportunit
            hands!

            It was only after receiving a confirmed place at Charles University and booking my tickets
            Republic, that the nerves really kicked in. I suddenly realized that this would be one of 

            challenges I’ve ever had to face. It was scary, yet exciting to think that I would be a fo
            half a year, especially as it would also be my first time being away from my own country b
            I arrived in Pilsen on the 4th of February 2017. At the start I had to face a few difficul

            figure out how to communicate in a new and foreign language, and learn how to manage my ow
            knew how much would a frozen pizza, a pill for the headache, or a bus ticket cost at this 
            came across electrical outlets which didn’t connect with my phone charger… Let’s just say 

            couple of weeks as an Erasmus student aged me at least 2 to 3 years.
            It was definitely challenging for me to go through the initial weeks, however I learned so
            myself and it also helped me develop in so many different ways; I never thought I would be

            these challenges on my own. I am now able to see it as a learning curve within my life, as
            absolutely fantastic challenge that I appreciated and loved every minute of.
            Suddenly, I was getting really involved in the atmosphere created by the Erasmus students 

            The orientation programme (in Pilsen organized by the Erasmus Student Network of the Unive
            Bohemia) gave me the possibility to learn more about Czech culture, the beautiful city of 
            helped me meet and interact with people who would shortly become friends and part of my Er

            during the next few months!
            I have been asked to describe what I’ve been through these last few months, but honestly n
            accurately describe the Erasmus experience. You have to experience it! I can only tell you

            yourself for losing yourself in the time, for spending days and nights in endless conversa
            finding out that you actually like food you never thought you would eat, for getting to kn
            unthinkable places it makes you feel like you’re dreaming, for celebrating the nights you 

            with the people you will never forget!
            Erasmus makes your dream of visiting stunning and new places become a reality, while also 
            staying with your new friends! Once you start working, you’ll see that Erasmus has opened 

            for you, as it gives you world knowledge and brings you connections to people from all ove
            Get ready for the months that flip your life a full 360 degrees because once you’ve experi
            your life will never be the same! Once you return to your country, you won’t be the same p

            same thoughts; otherwise you were not on Erasmus!
            I guess I have to finally face it: it's the end. First of all, I have to thank my parents 
            all this possible, without their support I would have never been able to get through such 

            experience! I also have to thank to all my intercultural friends for making these months t
            of my whole life. I had everything an Erasmus student could ever want: parties, travelling
            amazing friends. It was by far one of the best experiences I could ever have been a part o

            In the near future I imagine myself telling endless stories to my family and friends about
            experience, even though they are probably sick of hearing it. I don’t think I’ll ever get 
            day in Portugal will be forever connected to Charles University and its Faculty of Medicin

            While I write this, I keep hearing Avicii’s song in my head; it reminds me that this canno
            because: “These are the days we've been waiting for, on days like these who couldn't ask f
            them coming, cause we're not done yet; these are the days we won't regret, these are the d

            forget.”

            Erasmus family: You will forever be in my heart.

                                                                  Andreia Catarina da Silva Ferreira
                                                                  Charles University Erasmus Student
                                                                                                      
            Clara Meinerts is currently studying English and American literature at the University of 
            articles for iForum. She also relishes any opportunity to take part in her host University