Why go on Erasmus?

As you probably know, in most English-speaking countries going to university is the first step to adulthood -students usually leave their parents home and start a new life on their own, hundreds or thousands of miles away. For the first time, they are confronted with adult activities such as doing their own washing, food shopping,cooking and yes, paying for the internet connection! Besides, if you are an English-speaking university student, you apply for a grant provided by the government in order to pay for your studies and expenses. Years later, once you finish your studies and start working, the government keep part of your salary for years until you give back all the money you borrowed from them. In Spain, for most university students, going to university is just an extension of secondary school. According to a recent report (1) Spanish universities are the sixth most expensive in Europe, but Spain is listed 22nd in the money allocated to grants. If we put these data together, we can state that following university studies in Spain without any help from your parents is an arduous journey.

Consequently, a high number of students choose a university in or near their hometowns so you can stay with their parents, who often feel morally obliged to cover the cost of their children's education and living, even if the children in question are far beyond their teen years. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not encouraging your parents to stop helping you! or asking you to move out from your parents’ but… what about the transition to adult life? When are you going to have the chance to experience what it is like to be in control of your life without having to let your parents know about it? Well, here’s an idea! go on Erasmus! I know you also need money and the Erasmus grant does not cover the expenses, but most European universities have fewer weekly teaching hours than in Spain, so it is easier to find a student job that can help you get by. Believe me, I did when I was 22 and had no money at all. When I left Barcelona I left my family, my friends and a job behind...but it was probably the best decision I ever made! and do you know why? because I discovered I was the master of my life...an adult, in other words…

To be continued...

Roger García, English teacher  (1) http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2016/04/14/actualidad/1460659399_006546.html