Trip reports
„"Funded by the EU. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the European Union or the Gdańsk Academy of Medical Sciences. Neither the European Union nor the grant provider is responsible for them.".
Veronica, Barcelona
During my Erasmus+ English language course as an administrative assistant at the Gdańsk Medical Academy of Applied Sciences, I experienced not only intensive language development—which was the main goal of the trip—but also learned about different cultures. Through daily classes and language practice, I had the opportunity to hone my communication skills. Collaborating with participants from different countries was incredibly valuable, allowing me to gain a broader cultural perspective and compare linguistic differences.
However, beyond the educational aspect, the trip also provided me with rich socio-cultural experiences. Interacting with people from different parts of the world allowed me to learn about their cultures, traditions, and customs. Social gatherings, outings, and group projects were not only a way to bond but also an excellent opportunity to better understand cultural diversity. Furthermore, the opportunity to explore and learn about the area was incredibly inspiring. Visits to local sites, sampling regional cuisine, and visiting historical monuments allowed me to better understand the historical and social context of Barcelona. Integrating work with studies and cultural exploration had a positive impact not only on my professional but also personal development, opening new horizons and perspectives.
Ewa Grymel-Kulesza, MD, PhD, Cyprus
The Erasmus+ trip was intended to provide lectures combining physiotherapy and cosmetology. The topics covered during the classes included the concept of urogynecological physiotherapy, which I introduced to students at Limassol College. Specifically, I introduced the use of TENS in physiotherapy, specifically targeting female ailments, and a physiotherapy approach to scars.
The trip allowed me to visit the university in Limassol and learn about the opportunities available to students at other universities. I was warmly welcomed by the university's lecturers, who spoke about the challenges of teaching and continuing my education in Cyprus. Although my lectures deviated from the mainstream of the university, they generated enormous interest among the students and sparked hours of discussion about the level of physiotherapy, not just urogynecology, in various parts of the world. It was an extraordinary experience, all set against the backdrop of beautiful nature and magnificent monuments, which significantly enhanced the value of the trip.
Dorota Sołdacka, MD, PhD, Cyprus
As a lecturer at the University of Health in Gdańsk, I had the opportunity to teach at The Limassol College in Cyprus. Thanks to my participation in the Erasmus+ program, I learned about the cosmetology curriculum offered at another university. Thanks to the kindness of the faculty at the partner university, I saw the facility I was visiting, including the treatment rooms, lecture halls, and library. I also had the opportunity to exchange experiences with lecturers who teach courses on topics similar to those I cover in my classes at the University of Health in Gdańsk.
The opportunity to use English in practice during classes at The Limassol College was a huge added value.
Olga, Barcelona
Going abroad as part of the Erasmus program helped me overcome language barriers that significantly hindered my ability to communicate in English. These benefits would not have been achieved through a traditional, in-person course. The change of environment allowed me to fully focus on the course objectives, and the need to communicate in a foreign language after class reinforced the results I achieved in class. Informal conversations with people working at universities in various European countries were an equally important added value, allowing for the free exchange of ideas, sharing best practices, and mutual inspiration.
I consider this trip a significant experience in my professional career. I believe it's one of the best ways to learn a foreign language, but it also allows me to gain a new perspective and evaluate my own work, and motivates me to continue developing myself.
Justyna, Barcelona
Even though I am not a student at the University of Health in Gdańsk, but an employee of the Internship Office, I had the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus+ program, within which I attended a week-long language course in Barcelona.
My group consisted of 10 people – employees of other universities in Finland, Slovenia, Lithuania, and Poland. During classes, we learned specialized vocabulary related to higher education, and in our free time, we exchanged best practices from different universities. The scholarship helped me overcome language barriers, boosted my confidence in English conversations, and allowed me to look at language learning from a different perspective.
I highly recommend participating in the Erasmus+ Program to all students and staff! It allows you to improve your skills, which is great, but it also gives you the opportunity to visit new places, experience new cultures and flavors, and experience a wonderful adventure!
Dariusz, dietetics student, Seville (Spain)
My Erasmus started at the beginning of September in Seville – the capital of Andalusia in southern Spain.
Even though I'd already missed the warmest days, practically all of September and October felt like the hottest days of the Polish summer. So much so that, to avoid sunburn and gallons of sweat, I tried to go out after sunset. However, this wasn't always possible, as classes started at 3:00 PM! Which also had its advantages.
The entire Pablo de Olvide University campus is a few metro stops from the city center and can be reached by getting off at the station of the same name.
The rooms intended for practical classes are fully equipped, allowing you to feel like a real scientist while conducting research related to food quality.
I quickly caught the attraction of the ever-smiling Spaniards and have more cheerfulness.
The teachers conducting the classes were open and willing to help me so that I could pass the subject without any problems.
By the time I had to return to Poland, at the end of January, the weather was beautiful. Daytime temperatures reached 20 degrees Celsius, and that's one of the things I miss most about Seville.
I recommend it to anyone who is considering a similar trip, to Spain or any other country, because I don't regret anything!
Dariusz, dietetics student, Santander (Spain)
Santander is located in northern Spain. Its access to the ocean, known locally as the Cantabrian Sea, makes it an attractive destination for tourists.
The university where the exchange took place is only a few years old, so the entire campus and its facilities are new.
Spain has a slightly different higher education system – there's more practical training, allowing students to develop many skills useful in their future careers. Classes were held in Spanish, but academic lecturers are fluent in English and readily use it to explain incomprehensible material to students. This is a significant feature given the ethnic and cultural diversity of the university community – students can meet not only from Europe but from all over the world, participating in various international exchange programs.
This, in turn, translates into a vibrant social life in this beautiful place – Spain boasts the most bars in the world. In the evenings, they're often packed, regardless of the day of the week.
Such an exchange teaches you things that are hard to imagine without experiencing them firsthand: self-discovery, learning foreign languages, independence, tolerance, and openness to people and so-called "otherness." It's worth stepping outside your comfort zone for this small part of your life, because it's an unforgettable experience!
Agnieszka, dietetics student, Limassol (Cyprus)
The Erasmus+ program is an opportunity to change perspectives and broaden horizons. By immersing ourselves in another culture, we gain a better understanding of the world around us, and of ourselves. Facing the challenges of studying in a new environment, with a different language and culture, results in significant improvement in competence.
And apart from experience, you can bring with you new acquaintances and a golden tan. 
Olga, Madrid
In April 2017, I had the opportunity to participate in Staff Week, dedicated to administrative staff, organized by the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos in Madrid. It is one of the largest universities in Europe, with several campuses. The training week's program was incredibly engaging. We had the opportunity to tour this state-of-the-art university, meet with university authorities, exchange experiences, and discuss issues related to international cooperation. Courtesy of the Alicia Alonso Dance Institute, we also attended a dance performance organized by professional dancers. We also explored the beautiful, historic city of Madrid. Staff Week was an excellent opportunity to broaden our professional horizons and improve our language skills.
Anna, Patras:
I am glad that even though I am no longer a student, I had the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus Plus program.
I was able to learn not only about the functioning of the University Library in Patras, which hosted the 3rd Erasmus Mobility Staff Week, but also exchange experiences with 13 participants from 9 different countries.
The beauty of the Greek landscape, both sea and sun, and the company of very nice and interesting people made me return full of enthusiasm for work and new ideas.
I know I can discuss any professional concerns I may have with a group of friends from various academic centers in Europe (and Turkey). Our interests, ideas, goals, and concerns are similar regardless of the country we live in. I also hope I'll have the opportunity to meet them again in private.
I will definitely come back for Erasmus!
Oliwia, 3rd year cosmetology student, Thessaloniki:
Many people associate going abroad with vacation or work. I went abroad to study. I spent four incredible months in Greece, participating in the Erasmus+ program. My adventure began on the very first day – I met many foreign and local students, including people from the ESN organization. I explored not only Greece but also a glimpse of neighboring Macedonia.
I discovered a new culture, smells, and flavors. I gained the experience of studying in a different country and speaking a language other than my native one. At my foreign university, not only people studied, but also dogs.
I learned basic Greek phrases. I went to wild parties with new friends, and we exchanged experiences from living in other countries.
I am in constant contact with some of them and we plan to visit each other.
I even have experience from a Greek hospital
These are just a few of the million benefits of going on Erasmus that I could list. These experiences can't be described; they have to be experienced. Thanks to the support of our university, as well as the school I attended during my stay, all of this was easy to achieve and went smoothly, without any complications or stress. I can only thank you again for this adventure and recommend this program to everyone! I'm attaching a few photos from the trip – you can easily tell by my smile that it was the most wonderful time of my studies so far.
Aleksandra, third-year cosmetology student, Thessaloniki:
My Erasmus experience broadened my horizons. From the very beginning, I knew I was in for an incredible adventure, and I wasn't disappointed! Upon arriving in Greece, renting an apartment required a lot of bureaucracy. After a week, I managed to find an apartment in the city center. Once the organizational matters were sorted out, it was time to get to know my new school and my peers.
The Erasmus community was made up of many very open-minded and ambitious people. The diversity of cultures, behaviors, and habits was astonishing. Thanks to the many people from different countries, I was able to learn basic phrases in many different languages, a variety of dishes from around the world, different ways of celebrating holidays, and different views. The most enjoyable part was making many new friends, very different from those I made in my home country.
Thanks to the Erasmus Student Network, I was able to explore many beautiful and famous parts of Greece. This country is the cradle of European civilization. Many of the ancient monuments I saw and visited will remain in my memory forever. I believe this country has an incredible atmosphere worth discovering and experiencing. Visiting beautiful Greek tavernas, drinking famous Greek wine, dancing on the tables and listening to beautiful Greek music, the ritual of drinking iced coffee every afternoon, and enjoying the wonderful Greek food – all of this makes me want to return. I consider my trip a great success and would gladly repeat it!
Agnieszka, third-year physiotherapy student, Porto:
„"The trip provides an incredible opportunity to discover not only yourself but also meet wonderful people from every corner of the world. Porto is beautiful, the Portuguese are very kind and helpful, and the ocean breeze is a wonderful invigoration after a weekend full of excitement. There are many unforgettable memories and the knowledge and experience gained from the exchange. If you want to experience the adventure of a lifetime, Erasmus is a bull's-eye."”
MONIKA, third-year physiotherapy student, Porto:
„"My Erasmus trip turned out to be quite a learning experience. I spent half a year in Porto. A new experience, many challenges... It wasn't always easy, but the people I met and the places I visited made up for it. The Portuguese may not be as friendly and helpful, but all the "Erasmus" are truly amazing. If anyone is looking for excitement and a lesson in independence, I recommend it!"„
MAGDA, third-year sociology student, Paris:
„"My Erasmus trip turned out to be a great lesson in life, independence, and tolerance. During my stay, I met many interesting people from all over the world. I learned about the culture of this country and improved my French. Attending lectures at the University of Paris 7 and an intensive French course at the Sorbonne were great experiences for me. Despite the many obstacles I had to overcome, I recommend this trip to everyone; it's worth it."”
OLA, second-year sociology student, Düsseldorf:
„"The exchange is an interesting experience. Looking at sociological theories from the perspective of German lecturers is very interesting for me, because it's so different from the views of Polish professors. Thanks to Erasmus, I also met students from various parts of the world, such as Colombia, Mexico, Japan, the USA, Ireland, and New Zealand. We meet often and talk about our countries and cultures. I encourage all brave souls to travel, because it's worth it. You won't get such experiences and knowledge from a vacation."”
KAMIL, 3rd year computer science student, Madrid:
”"I went to Madrid on an Erasmus exchange. During my six-month trip, I visited many interesting Spanish cities and also went to Portugal. I also had the unique opportunity to improve my Spanish. Thanks to the contacts I made, I hope to visit the city again in the future."”
JAKUB, second-year computer science student, Odense:
„"My trip to Denmark showed me what a relativized world we live in. The truth in Poland isn't always the same as the truth abroad. I thought the exchange would provide answers to questions I'd been asking myself for a long time, but the opposite happened. The multitude of concepts and worldviews surrounding me forced me to ask myself where I was going, how I wanted to live, and whether what I was doing was leading me anywhere... The best and worst part is that such a trip doesn't provide any ready-made answers; they depend solely on us and how hard we seek them. Despite these doubts, I think that this break from everyday life and clearing the mind is quite appropriate and brings some interesting experiences and memories, at the very least. It allows us to gain some perspective on ourselves and the world. It's also a great way to briefly reflect on our lives and potentially adjust our plans."”
ANDRZEJ, 3rd year computer science student, Odense:
Studying in the Danish town of ODENSE was an amazing experience and a great adventure for me.
My six-month stay abroad allowed me to meet a lot of wonderful people and visit many interesting places.
By taking part in projects in the field of computer science and robotics, I improved my teamwork skills and experienced a completely different approach to the learning process.
If anyone is considering going abroad under the ERASMUS programme, there is nothing to hesitate about!
PIOTR, 3rd year computer science student, Madrid:
I believe that participating in the Erasmus program should be mandatory for every student – you can truly learn a lot, gain a different perspective on the world, and broaden your horizons. It's a valuable lesson in living in unusual circumstances and teaches you a great deal of independence. I recommend it to everyone, despite the many challenges you may encounter along the way.
