To leave, or not to leave, that is the question!

A double interview about exchange semesters

Choosing to apply for an exchange semester is not an obvious or easy choice, and it is not always only rainbows and butterflies: I have discussed it with two former Erasmus students and friends, Chiara and Francesca, to gain a double perspective on this experience. At the time of their 5th semester abroad, Chiara studied Psychology at Bicocca University, Milan, and left for the Universidad de Murcia; Francesca studied Languages for International Relations at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, and went to Moscow State University.

Why did you decide to leave for an exchange semester?
Chiara: I wanted to experience something new to expand my horizons and to try to live by myself.
Francesca: I mainly wanted to improve my fluency in Russian, as it was the main subject of my degree.

What were your first impressions once you arrived, in terms of culture, people, and university?
Chiara: As a culture, it is very similar to my own, and people were friendly and open. The only thing is that in Spain, when you meet people, even for the first time, they kiss you on your cheeks. And that was a bit strange for me! You would think as Italians we are used to physical contact, but on your first meeting. And they also kiss the other way round than us, first on the right cheek! I risked kissing people on the lips more than once.
Francesca: My first impression of the university was not great. The building, on the outside, looks magnificent, but the inside, with the dorms, was old and run-down. Locals were not very friendly, but the main thing was the language barrier. Even the university staff had difficulties in understanding English, so the beginning was very hard. But it was also my fault, I went there without knowing many basic terms! Luckily, I managed to catch up quickly, and soon it was much better. And Moscow is just beautiful!

Did you miss something of your life in your home country during your stay abroad?
Chiara: I missed my friends and doing something more than just going out to pubs and parties, to get a deeper connection with people. I felt like my friendships there were quite superficial, but I am also not very outgoing, so that probably contributed.
Francesca: The food: Russian food is very different. I know it sounds basic, but I did not have supermarkets nearby, so I had to eat almost all the time at the university canteen. And the weather: it was not that cold, but the sun was just never out!

A common complaint about the Erasmus experience is how international students find it difficult to get to know locals and form a “bubble” with other Erasmus students. Did you experience this?
Francesca: Yes, I think it is a very common problem. Local students do not feel like getting to know Erasmus people, knowing that they are going to leave in a few months, though obviously there are exceptions. And Erasmus students also have a different lifestyle! Also, I did not have the opportunity to meet Russian people in classes, as my courses were for Erasmus students only.
Chiara: I experienced it outside university, in my free time. But not academically: there were only 3 Erasmus students in my psychology classes, so I had to interact with Spanish students for all my academic work. My university buddy also helped me a lot and introduced me to many of her Spanish friends.

Do you have any suggestions to avoid this dynamic?
Francesca: Try to join as many university clubs as you can, attend international meetings. These were probably the best occasion to get to know locals.
Chiara: In class, professors could encourage balanced work groups with no more than 1-2 international students each, and the university could organize events targeted both to international and local students. Also not living in a student house, but in an apartment with locals, really helped.

Do you think exchange semesters should be a priority for the EU youth policy?
Chiara: Yes, definitely. I began to think differently, my way to perceive the world was different: when I talk to people, I now have new elements that influence my thoughts and my opinions.
Francesca: I went to Russia, which is not an EU country. But I definitely think it should be a priority for the EU: it’s a great experience and I wish it would be easier to access this kind of programs for non-EU countries such as Russia too. The bureaucracy was a nightmare.

What were your personal thoughts at the end of the experience? Would you do it again?
Chiara: I think it makes you a better person, as it broadens your horizons. I had a mixed experience: the university part was great, but relationships with people were often superficial. I would do it again, but I would try another country to try something new. Also, I think for languages students Erasmus is quite an obligatory choice, but many of my psychology colleagues viewed Erasmus as a waste of time. But I see it the other way round: it enriches your education! I would recommend it to any student, independently from the degree.
Francesca: Yes, I would do it again. Actually, I was supposed to be in Russia again now, but…you know, Covid! I agree with Chiara, I also started thinking in a different way in my everyday life after my exchange semester. Overall, it was really a great experience, and it is the only way to really get to know a culture and its people.