Erasmus in London: The plus points

(Foto: Kris Williams)

Leaving your own country to finish your studies abroad is an incomparable experience which broadens your mind, improves your foreign language skills and likewise subsequently improves your CV. The choice of city and destination determines the dimension of this experience to a great extent, which should maximise your learning and the development of personal skills.

London is, doubtlessly, a cosmopolitan city, and one of the most important capitals in the world: eclectic, vanguard, monumental and full of surprises. In addition to a large variety of museums - the British Museum, the Tate Modern, the National Gallery, the Museum of Natural History and the Science Museum, to name but a few - this momentous city offers all the services and leisure possibilities imaginable, together with historical wonders which leave a lasting impression on visitors: the Tower of London, the largest Ferris wheel in the world, Big Ben and the legendary red double decker buses are all unique experiences.

(Foto: @Doug88888)

The extensive academic benefits of London

The capital of England is a city accustomed to receiving and welcoming international guests, in particular students, who flock to the city from all over the globe. Consequently, a important web of lodgings, residences and student halls have developed which guarantee you an affordable, comfortable and productive stay. London is also a capital full of opportunities where it isn´t at all difficult to find a part-time job to make some extra money to tackle the ´costs of Erasmus´. Initiative, dedication and efficiency are qualities highly valued in London, a reason why it should not be particularly difficult to gain a promotion and quickly climb the professional ladder. In fact, a large number of Erasmus students decide to stay in this city after finishing their studies in order to make a future for themselves here.

In this sense, the enormous educative opportunity offered by the metropolis that is London seems to be a big advantage. Its universities and study centres are among the most renowned in Europe, while also offering a truly extraordinary range of careers.

(Foto: Gianni)

A universal language

Strategically thinking, perfecting your English is a wise decision. As the most widely spoken language on the planet, speaking English allows you to move with ease throughout most of of the world. It´s also the language of business and of commerce, a fact which greatly improves the professional future of English speakers. The English spoken in London is quite a ´pure´ variety of the language, similar to the English we find in the original versions of the British TV series we are so familiar with. As a consequence, your idiomatic immersion in the language will be quick and efficient, facilitating the guaranteed transition from beginner to confident speaker. As London is such a multicultural and inviting city, it´s easy to meet people from a wide variety of different backgrounds and places, which in turn helps your ear to adjust to the diverse accents and idiomatic variants of the English language.

(Foto: Daniele Zanni)

Two additional advantages

Undertaking an Erasmus exchange is first and foremost an experience for you as an individual: a personal adventure which should be enriching and productive. Enjoying this experience in a metropolis such as this, one of the centres of the greatest political, social and cultural influence in the world, multiplies the impact left by this experience.

Finally, it is worth noting that Londoners are incredibly welcoming, especially towards Spaniards, who they view as funny, charming and seductive people. (! )

When your Erasmus placement comes to an end, it´s understandable to feel the need to stay a few days longer in order to bid this city farewell. A sensible idea is to ensure you find cheap and functional accommodation so that this unforgettable final period is not out of the question.

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