If you’re reading this you are probably one of two types of people: either you have already chosen to do an Erasmus exchange (and simultaneously made one of the best decisions of your life) or you are just about to say YES! (because let’s face it, why wouldn’t you?!)
Whichever category you fall into, congratulations, you are about to embark upon one of the most enriching experiences of your life! Erasmus exchanges are both challenging and incredibly rewarding in equal measure; they are also habitually short, lasting only a semester or two.
It is therefore crucial that you waste no time in reaping the benefits of the experience. Having just finished a semester long Erasmus placement at Université Paris X Nanterre, here are my top tips for getting the most out of your Erasmus experience from the moment you step off the plane/train/ferry!
Early events…
…are there to be taken advantage of! When I first arrived in Paris I attended a fair few Erasmus picnics. Organised by EIAP (Echanges Internationaux à Paris), not only were these events a great way of meeting other Erasmus students before the lessons began, they were also enjoyed in some pretty amazing surroundings. Think cheese, wine and sunsets under the Eiffel Tower….’Like’ EIAP’s facebook page to get involved.Relax!
As with any new experience, hiccups will occur. Whether it’s a less than helpful secretary refusing to sign an important document or a momentary inability to navigate the university corridors, don’t worry about it! Relax and breeeeaaathe; remember that you’re in another country and trying to organise your life in another language. It’s definitely not the easiest of tasks and everything will settle eventually, so give yourself a break and….
Ask!
The quickest way to put your mind at rest is to just ask for help! This may seem an obvious idea, but the language barrier does make it seem a lot scarier. However, if you don’t ask for help people won’t give it to you because, although you may sometimes feel otherwise, you won’t have a visible sign on your forehead saying ‘I don’t know how things work around here!’Say YES!
One of the major benefits of an Erasmus study placement is the contact you have with native students. Socialising with other French students is the sure fire way to improve your language quickly, especially your ‘Argot’, French slang! Therefore, if you’re asked out for drinks in one of Paris’ many bars and clubs, SAY YES! If you don’t, you may not be invited again, and that would be a major opportunity missed.
Make the first move!
This one is particularly important and relates mostly to in-class scenarios. Depending on your placement type you may find yourself following courses with classes of native French students. Indeed, I found these to be most helpful for my French as the language is not tailored for visiting students. Therefore, if you’re lucky enough to take a class of this nature, you have two main choices: sit at the back of the class, mute, for a whole semester or smile at the first person you see waiting outside the class and ask them whether this is X class, or say something else. Just SAY SOMETHING, it’s up to YOU to do so! Again, it sounds obvious, but until you’ve opened your mouth and said something in the target language, that other student may not know that they can easily converse with you!
Use your status
Being an Erasmus student brings you many other benefits besides language improvement! Signing up for an Erasmus society, such as EIAP in Paris, will allow you to benefit from reduced price trips and demonstrations. I particularly enjoyed a tour and tasting session at a macaron factory, whilst I have friends who spent a wonderful weekend in Belgium!
Study…!
It may seem that all the picnics, outings and socialising won’t leave much time for study and this is true; you certainly won’t be bored. However, whether or not your grades from your Erasmus placement form part of your degree at your home institution, it is worth putting effort into your lessons and study. You may have the opportunity to discover areas which don’t fit into your ‘home degree’ and it is these modules that can spark ideas, the title of your dissertation, for example.
Erasmus Success : the 7 insider tips to Erasmus
This is by no means an exhaustive list of tips; there are of course endless ways of making your Erasmus year rewarding for YOU. However, I hope they give you the inspiration to really get the most out of your time as an exchange student from the off – Allez! Amusez-vous bien!
Thank you Lauren for sharing your Erasmus Experience 
