“I would do Erasmus again in a heartbeat!” Sabhbh’s Erasmus+ Experience in Germany

Sabhbh Daunt, a student of Business Studies and German at Trinity College Dublin had a wonderful Erasmus+ experience at the University of Regensburg in Bavaria, Germany.

How would Sabhbh sum up her Erasmus+?
I see Erasmus+ as a unique opportunity to learn more about yourself and your capabilities. Moving to a new country, learning about a different culture, and all the while being supported and guided by a structured Erasmus+ programme. Erasmus+ gives you a flavour of what it could be like to live abroad in the future, it makes you appreciate the comfort of home more, but also opens your eyes to a way of life you might never have thought would spark your interest!

I spent a year on Erasmus+ at the University of Regensburg, Germany, which is located just over an hour outside of Munich, in the beautiful region of Bavaria. Studying in Germany gave me the opportunity to strengthen my language skills both in the classroom and in social situations. I took a variety of business modules through German, and completed group projects with native students. The International Office helped to make the process of settling into a new country seamless and were always there to answer any questions myself or the other exchange students had.

My Erasmus+ programme included several orientation events in the early weeks of college, where you could meet fellow international students. I formed solid friendships with students from across Europe: Spain, Italy, Czech Republic, and some from the United States. Of these I already have plans to visit some of them in their home countries and have them come to stay in Ireland! During the two semesters I spent there, I also had several opportunities to travel. Living in mainland Europe meant that places like Prague, Innsbruck, Vienna, Salzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, and Lake Eibsee were only a short train ride away. If I could go back and do Erasmus+ again, I would in a heartbeat!

Sabhbh has lots of practical advice to give to any students heading off on Erasmus+:
I would tell a student heading off on Erasmus+ to take every opportunity that comes their way. Be open to the different types of people you will meet while away, it can be refreshing to learn about the different cultures that other international students bring with them. Remember that everyone on Erasmus+ is in the same boat – just as excited, nervous, and clueless at the start! Reach out to the international office in your host university and home university if you ever need to, they are very friendly and want you to have the best time! If you are in a class with native students, be sure to get into contact with the lecturer early and make them aware that you are on exchange. This can be very important later when it comes to the exams! And finally, while Erasmus+ might only last one semester for some, and a year for others, I really recommend putting in the effort to making your student accommodation feel like home – be that photo frames, or fairy lights on your wall!

What were the challenges?
Naturally at times I missed my family, friends, and the comfort of my home! Adjusting to foreign surroundings can be challenging at the beginning, especially if you have not lived outside of home before.  During such times reaching out to other exchange students and meeting up with other Irish people over there (it can be nice to hear the accent) can be helpful!

If Sabhbh could describe what her main takeaway from the year is, she would say:
From an academic perspective, I have significantly improved my language skills and my confidence in speaking German amongst an audience of native speakers. Learning the system of another country’s university is important if ever considering doing a master’s outside of Ireland. On a personal level, I learned a great deal of independence, understanding, and responsibility. My time abroad was my first experience living away from home for an extended period. Mainly I am grateful for the friends I have now that I didn’t have this time last year, and who I would never have met if it weren’t for going on Erasmus+.

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