“Enjoy every second of it because it’s only a short period of time”- Arielle Locke describes an amazing mobility in Montpellier, France
By Aoife Cooney
Posted: 25 October, 2022
Arielle Locke, a medicine student of the University of Galway completed an Erasmus+ mobility at the Université de Montpellier. Read on to find out more!
If Erasmus+ could be summed up in a few words, Arielle would say it is a fantastic yet challenging immersive learning experience. Feelings that come to mind are curiosity, open-mindedness, excitement and adjustment
As a medical student, Arielle was able to take part in 3 clinical placements au centre hospitalier de Montpellier, the largest in the region. The placements were emergency medicine, general surgery and geriatrics. Arielle found this rewarding and loved being able to access the same opportunities as the medical students from Université de Montpellier. “Being exposed to such a variety of patients was extremely interesting. The surgery rotation I was on was specialized in liver transplantations, something you would not be exposed to first hand at my home institution. All the staff were very welcoming and open to teaching” This is exactly what Erasmus+ is all about!
Arielle would advise any students heading off on Erasmus+ to make sure all paperwork is settled before going. Once there make sure to “enjoy every second of it because it’s only a short period of time. Go in with an open-mind, absorb everything you can and jump on every opportunity offered because you’re only there for a few months! Immerse yourself into the culture too! Stay on top of your home institution’s workload because it will creep up on you when you’re back.”
Keep in touch with your home institution and colleagues so that you’re up to speed with what they’re learning, Arielle cautions
Are there any challenges associated with Erasmus+? “A challenge was to try and keep on top of all the hospital work and your teaching back in your home institution, studying for boards exams all while trying to enjoy the city you’re staying in! Time management and juggling were key.” Organisation and persistence are needed to overcome these challenges
Any final thoughts to share? “An unforgettable experience! If anyone is debating going, absolutely take the opportunity.”
Thank you so much for speaking to us, Arielle! We loved hearing about your amazing experience
