Stories

Maura, a student of the Architecture and Design Sciences degree programme at the Deaprtment of Architecture, talks about her Erasmus experience in Greece at the National Technical University of Athens.

Marina, a student in DADU's Master of Architecture program, talks about her Erasmus experience in Sweden at Lulea Technology University

Erasmus in Sweden, why?
Erasmus in Sweden to confront a lifestyle and environments completely different from ours. Not only to have singular experiences such as: seeing the Northern Lights, walking on the (frozen) sea all the way to an island, venturing through endless forests to find yourself admiring breathtaking views, and even taking a nice swim in the Arctic Ocean...and then warming up with a nice sauna. Every moment will be precious: like ordinary bike rides, “fika” breaks and skating on the pond near home. If that is not enough, it is a wonderful opportunity to see what job opportunities Sweden has to offer and start networking should you want to return.

What are the 3 best aspects of your Erasmus?
The welcome and dedication of the ESN of Luleå and the university to make us feel welcome and make our lives easier was crucial. They were able to create through activities a strong bond so it was easy to find friends to share the experience with and it was easy to settle into a university system different from ours. LTU students have a very strong sense of identity and a propensity to help others, the spaces on campus are not only used for lectures and are equipped with amazing labs, but the university offers services and events, often run by the students themselves, so even private life revolves around it. This also creates a bond and “engagement” on the part of the exchange students who feel an active part of the community. I have to say that the spaces and services offered by the city have also made it easier to fit in and adapt to their lifestyle (from bike lanes, to ice roads, to the wood offered by the city for barbecues, to the various events you can take part in).

Have you had any difficulties?
Adapting to a community with a lifestyle, mentality and language so different from what we are used to is never easy.
For me, the biggest difficulty was definitely adapting to large bicycle trips and in any weather condition: rain, wind, ice, snow...it doesn't matter, you go! 
Also, dressing to overcome the extreme conditions you are confronted with every day is quite tiring.

What has this experience brought you?
The desire to have a lifestyle more akin to theirs, more simple and sustainable, the realization that there is no limit that holds if there is the will to overcome it and the ability to enjoy the little things.

If you had to advise a colleague about Erasmus, what would you say?
Don't think too much, just go for it! Take every opportunity even if it scares you, even if you think you won't make it--somehow you will, and if not at least you tried!
P.S.: buy a bike now, participate in field hockey practice from the beginning and travel as much as you can!