ERASMUS - Hidden Meaning in Each Letter of This Word ****************************************************************************************** * ERASMUS - Hidden Meaning in Each Letter of This Word ****************************************************************************************** Adriána Peťková, who wrote the following essay to celebrate the 30 years anniversary of th programme, is an Erasmus student of Journalism from Comenius University in Bratislava, Slo semester 2016/2017, she is hosted by Charles University’s Faculty of Social Sciences. The European exchange student programme, Erasmus, has reached an excellent age! It is old around the world, but still young enough to continue. And even though it is already grown- that its existence brings a lot of joy to a slightly younger generation. The programme has of university students’ lives, and of course not just theirs, since 1987 and it currently thirty-three countries. The “Plus”, which belongs to the Erasmus programme since 2014, has during my stay in the capital of the Czech Republic in various ways. I have connected a fe Erasmus experience so that every expression begins with one letter of the word Erasmus: Encouragement – the Erasmus programme has shown me that everything is possible and I can h It has giving me courage in everyday challenges. I don’t write just about the fact that I jump to the right side of the escalator in the underground to make space to those passing way around The Old Town without getting lost. I have learnt to be more self-confident, sel brave with the knowledge that every single day can bring new and exciting experiences and Erasmus has encouraged me to spend time in another city, situated in the neighbouring coun simultaneously strengthening my passion for travelling. I believe that it is very importan with the world in this way. It is a great opportunity, especially when I have a chance to a few days. Responsibility – to be part of the Erasmus programme doesn’t just mean ‘have fun all the t this might depend on the personality, certainly). At least sometimes there is a need for o responsibility and learn to rely on yourself. From acceptance to the programme until the e yourself filling in many documents and that requires attention. I have realized that this which is reinforced during this period of time. This is because you must make your own dec obligations and responsibilities by yourself. Art - Prague offers a wide variety of art. For example, the National Gallery fulfils it's by presenting Czech, and world, art pieces; from famous creations to those by not very wel The National Gallery is not only attractive for tourists, but for everyone who is interest kinds of art, even for someone who is a mere spectator. On the other hand, thanks to the m contemporary art we can get to know interesting reflections of today's time sketched from we can simply become familiar with modern art. And the theatre! Unfortunately, I have not to get acquainted with the National Theatre building from the inside yet, but I have falle The Estates Theatre because of its magnificent appearance, and also by artistic performanc Lucerna (cinema, café, dancing hall, etc.) is a great place for enjoying the historical at city, too. There are endless places where one can experience art in the city! This makes t events because there is always something to do. If the word Erasmus contained one more “e” guarantee it would stand for events. Study – I attended courses of Media and Communications Studies and I am so thankful for th my time at Charles University is going to finish in a short while, it has given me a lot o knowledge. Moments – too many to talk about in just a few short pages but to mention a few: pleasant around the city;  looking around from the tram window and seeing the Charles’s Bridge; wat shining while having a picnic in a park. Watching people pedalling a water bike on the Vlt atmosphere of Prague cafés. The innovations of Czech design presented in showrooms. Dancin music at parties. Quiet time in libraries. Relaxing at the dormitory. The list goes on and specific for every person. They are unrepeatable moments, which I have had the chance to e months thanks to Erasmus. Understanding - I think that it is a generally applicable premise that people have a chanc attending the Erasmus programme. Understanding is connected with individual people but it groups or entire cultures. It is very important to learn about someone else's culture, not general knowledge but also to enable the transfer of information and the convergence of cu Summer semester (my Erasmus period) – it includes learning a new place, new people and cre friendships. It includes being in this beautiful city, which is loved not only by tourists everyone who lives here because I definitely don’t feel like a tourist here anymore. So, Erasmus, as you celebrate your 30’s birthday I would like to wish you success for the it lasts for a long time! I hope you remain an imaginal bridge which connects people and c that it is a great opportunity for each of us to be a part of, even if it may only be for This essay won the first place of Charles University’s competition “30 years of the Erasmu category “Your Erasmus Story.“ Molly Young is a student of History and Politics from the University of Northumbria in the in a new city has brought her new experiences and taught her to go for every opportunity p