“My Erasmus+ experience was truly unique”- Rebecca Ruane’s account of Glasgow

We spoke to Rebecca Ruane, a University of Galway student who is pursuing a BA International degree. Rebecca studied at the University of Glasgow and has given us a recap of this wonderful experience:

My Erasmus+ experience was truly unique. I study English and Irish as part of the BA International degree at the University of Galway. My home university decided to place me at the University of Glasgow as it would suit my subjects well. Nobody else in Galway was studying the same combination as me, so I was forced in the position to carry out my Erasmus experience alone.

I studied three different English literature modules, they consisted of Canadian literature, which I enjoyed the most; Radical theory, which I did not have any previous experience of and lastly, a module called ‘Literature: 1945-present’. This consisted of modern poetry, drama and fiction and I found it quite challenging but enjoyable nevertheless. I was the only Erasmus student in two of my classes, and my fellow student peers were in their final year of English literature.

 

 

I was in the position where I had to make friends with other international students, which was exciting, yet daunting. However, it worked out as I made friends with people from all over the world and learned about the countless differences yet similarities between our cultures. Ultimately, it was an eye opening experience which changed my outlook on humanity in a positive manner and certainly gave me more desire to travel more.

I did a lot of travelling around the Scottish highlands which I had only briefly heard of before I travelled to Scotland. We went to Glenfinnan, Glencoe, we saw the highest mountain in Scotland, (Ben Nevis) and we spent a weekend in the Isle of Skye, which was mesmerizingly beautiful indeed. I learned a great deal about the Scottish culture which I honestly would not have looked into were it not for this opportunity to live in Scotland for a period of time.

 

Looking back on my Erasmus+ experience, the one attribute that it has provided me with is more self-confidence, having to find my way in a foreign city alone certainly pulls the mind out of its comfort zone and pushes you to new limits. I would highly recommend anyone in university to do an Erasmus experience if they can, and to even do it alone. I can certainly vouch that it was worth every minute of my time and has set me up both academically and emotionally for the remainder of my years at university and indeed, life after that

 

Thanks for speaking to us, Rebecca- we really enjoyed learning about your experience, and we know other students will, too!