6 reasons that prove that Erasmus isn't simple lot's of partying and little studying

OK, I've been here before, and this time I want to talk to you about the argument that your parents make all the time regarding Erasmus, when you talk to them by message or Skype, when you're describing your new experiences: "Try and also concentrate on your studies! You've got to learn that life isn't just one long party and fun and games, you have to work for your future! Party less, work more! ". Sound familiar? I bet it does.

The truth is that this idea is based on the fact that on Erasmus the party is practically never ending, and this idea is recognised by everyone. From here comes the stereotype that, when someone goes on Erasmus, the priority is to party, and to leave out studying. I'm not saying this is wrong, I'm only saying that it's not quite right.

However, for me, the factors that refute this wrong concept that; Erasmus is a party subsidised by the EU, in another country, are the following:

You learn more outside of the classes

Because with travel, where you get to know new landscapes, cultures and people and with the people that you meet in parties and other events you learn a lot more than you would only in classes. You're there to get to know other cultures and other mentalities, and you can even learn to speak a new language. This is because...

The parties are also part of the country's culture

And it's where you get to know lots of people, as well as the music and the local food and drink. Not going to parties (in your city or in another one) is equivalent to not meeting the people, the cities and the country where you are. You have very little else to say when you return home.

Erasmus is an asset to your CV.

It's another added value that Erasmus grants you. The simple fact of having had the experience to go on an Erasmus exchange to study or to work in another country is seen as very important by the majority of companies. The relevance of this is important when someone is weighing their options for hiring. It will, of course, depend on the country and the university you went to and, if you worked or did an internship, on the company that you worked for. But in some way, you will definitely be at an advantage in relation to those who've never had a similar experience.

Why do you have this advantage? Well, because of the...

Globalisation of the market

Nowadays, the market is even more international and competitive because of globalisation, therefore people are looking for well-qualified people to work in this market, particularly those who are fluent in foreign languages (principally English), and autonomous and skilful people with the capacity to adapt to different atmospheres and situations. All of these are...

Capacities acquired on Erasmus

And acquired outside of classes! And beyond the previous capacities, people who venture on Erasmus demonstrate courage and an open mind because they went into the unknown, interacted with a different culture, and faced changes in their lifestyle; capacities which are highly regarded by everyone, including bosses.

International Contacts

Because beyond all this, you probably made contacts with many people from various countries, and these contacts could be useful for your professional future in a company, depending on the circumstances

The objective of Erasmus is to create a more open mind and to broaden your horizons through interacting with different cultures. It's without doubt a unique experience, which you must make the most of, however possible, and limiting yourself just to studying isn't a good way to do this. Of course, you have to know how to balance the two things, but I sincerely think that diversion and socialising are more important on Erasmus than studying. Don't let your studies stop you from going to big parties, principally popular or cultural parties in your city or nearby cities, or from visiting beautiful places, because this would be a waste of Erasmus.

Granada, Spain

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