"For students who are still considering participating in an Erasmus exchange program, I would advise not to be afraid of language skills, as these are the most frequently mentioned concerns that I hear. Neither exchange students nor teachers have English as their mother tongue, so easy-to-understand words and phrases are used in communication to make mutual understanding easier. ”
Ģirts Fridrihsons, FEM (in exchange for West University of Timisoara, Romania)
"For some, Erasmus mobility is the first time in their lives that they have to take care of themselves. During the mobility, I became more independent and confident because I had to deal with everything myself and did not have time to be shy. No one will ask you for help, go to the doctor and so on. Sometimes it is scary to do it all in a foreign country where not all people speak English and if they do not have a high level of knowledge of the language of that country. But by overcoming this fear, it is possible to improve oneself and discover important character traits that help further life. ”
Paula Ivanovaite, FTS (in exchange for the University of Deusto, Spain)
“When I started studying at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, it was the beginning of a new life as an adult. Without the involvement of my classmates, I might never have taken advantage of Erasmus mobility. I am now happy to say that I have taken this opportunity. During my mobility, I developed personally, learned to overcome inevitable difficulties on my own and to communicate across language and cultural barriers, as well as to cope with the feeling of belonging. ”
Santa Catherine Meikalish, FTS (in exchange at the University of Deusto, Spain)
“For those students who are considering participating in Erasmus study mobility, I definitely recommend not to be afraid and give it a try! The exchange program is a great experience, during which the student has the opportunity not only to see how the studies are organized in another country. Studying abroad is definitely a valuable benefit for professional and personal development. It is a great opportunity to promote our country, culture and Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. ”
Laura Kristiāna Šulce, FTS (exchange University of South Bohemia in Češke Budejovice, Czech Republic)
"The biggest academic benefit, in my opinion, was that I now know how to study in a completely different culture, even though we are taught practically the same thing. The personal benefit is daring, because we all had to "get out and think outside the box," which at times was not so easy to do. "
Krista Sustriņa, FEM (in exchange for Technological Educational Institute of Central Macedonia-TEI, Greece)
“I gained a lot not only practically, but also emotionally - new knowledge and practical skills, different impressions, friends, colleagues. Only by learning do we realize that everything is much simpler than it seems at the beginning. Gain confidence that you can and are capable, that you have a future and that there is nothing to fear. I realized that I could overcome fears away from the usual environment, that I could get involved in public life and discuss any issue in a foreign language, that I could listen to others and acquire not only new knowledge, but also the ability to live in an international team. ”
Liene Roze, FEM (in exchange for the Technological Educational Institute of Central Macedonia-TEI, Greece)
"Already when I went to university, it was clear to me that one of my personal tasks is to participate in an Erasmus exchange. In Erasmus practice, I have gained what, in my opinion, I would not have gained in practice in Latvia, so I would like to encourage everyone who is still considering the possibility to go to Erasmus exchanges. I recommend going for both study exchange and study practice, because it is an opportunity to get to know people from all over the world. Maybe they will be the people who will become your best company and you will remain friends for a long time and will be a reason to go to that country not just as a tourist, but as a welcome guest. Carefully choose the country you want to go to, as that country may become your second home. In four months you can manage to create a new life! Courage and good luck! ”
Aivis Girgždis, FEM (in exchange for CLICKATICK OÜ, Estonia)
"For students who are considering an Erasmus exchange program, I would advise them to do so and enjoy the atmosphere in which they will be surrounded by different nationalities and will have the opportunity to learn from other cultures and lifestyles. Besides, not everyone can say that they have at least one friend in every corner of the world you can imagine! ”
Nilufar Jumaeva, FEM (in exchange for Istabul Sehir University, Turkey)
"Some reasons to go to an Erasmus exchange program:
- You enjoy what it means to study abroad;
- You receive financial assistance;
- You can learn new languages;
- This time inspires and motivates you;
- You become more responsible;
- You make friends with people from all over the world.
These are the reasons why I decided to go on an Erasmus exchange! ”
Abdulaziz Sharibkhodjaev, EPF (in exchange for International Balkan University, Macedonia)
"Apart from the obvious benefits for students who have studied abroad (learning and practicing languages, traveling, making new friends and international contacts), there are also benefits that not everyone notices. Because I am a student of the Language and Intercultural Communication Programme, I paid close attention to how students communicate with each other, what their perception of the world is and their identity. Erasmus is a project that breaks stereotypes and challenges all those who are prejudiced. It brings young people from all over the world together and allows them to learn from each other in different situations every day - in lecture halls, bars and even clubs (during Erasmus, an active social life is just as important as an active academic life). ”
Nadejda Butova, FTS (exchange University of Deusto, Spain)
"It was an experience I will never forget. It was fun to communicate with people I didn't speak the same language with. We used sign language and even drew on pieces of paper to find out the answers to our questions. In Greek, "no" means "yes". I knew this before I went to Greece in exchange, but when I spoke English to the Greeks on a daily basis, I often had to think about my answers to short and quick yes or no questions. Two months is enough time to get into misunderstandings because of this language difference! ”
Cynthia Ozolniece, FTS (in exchange for Miraluna Hotel, Greece)
"The advantage of an Erasmus exchange program is the opportunity to practice all the languages you know, because during the exchange you can find at least one person who speaks that language. In my opinion, the best thing you can get during an Erasmus exchange is people. It is surprisingly easy to make a really close friendship with very different people from different cultures and with different experiences, because everyone is very open. It's a little sad because you know that you may never meet them again after the end of Erasmus, but you are still friends for life, because you are bound by an unforgettable experience… ”
Elīza Cimdiņa, FTS (in exchange for the University of Deusto, Spain)
"For personal gain, it's hard for me to focus and write it all down in a small paragraph. But one thing I can say for sure is the best life experience so far. This experience broadens your horizons by 180 and more degrees. There was no lack of bright impressions. From touring Corfu Island, going hiking, meeting your favorite musicians, to jumping off a cliff into turquoise waters and seeing a dolphin in the open water. For those students who are considering participating in Erasmus study mobility, I recommend that they stop considering and simplify their application. If the only problem that tempts you to do so is fear, then throw them aside. Believe me, you will not regret it! ”
Catherine Cannabis, FTS (in exchange for Ionian University, Greece)
"By choosing the Turkish city of Bilecik and its university, you can get a different kind of ERASMUS experience, as is customary in Europe, you can travel, get to know the culture, traditions, understand the country, its people, see everything on a much wider spectrum. In any case, ERASMUS is a great experience, a school of life and an opportunity. ”
Ginta Andersone, FEM (exchange at Bilecik University, Turkey)
"I am very satisfied with the exchange semester. Academically, it was an opportunity to learn aspects that I always lacked at Ventspils University College, but at the same time to appreciate how good education is in Ventspils. I also consider it a significant benefit that the studies in Kassel allowed to look differently at the research at Ventspils University College and gave new ideas. It was undeniably important to understand that this may be a small university in a small country, but the education obtained here is very good and there are many aspects that are even better here - especially the availability of teachers. In my personal life, it allowed me to value myself more, gain a broader view of the world and enjoy the ease of ERASMUS life. ”
Anna Leščinska, TSF (exchange at the University of Kassel, Germany)
"I think the exchange semester is an opportunity for everyone. I had the opportunity to compare my studies in Latvia and Germany, to live in Germany and make sure that it is really a country where living is not bad at all, to meet new, interesting people and make friends from all over the world. ERASMUS is definitely a great program, and I believe that after 5 months of exchange, I am the only winner. ”
Līga Miezīte, FTS (in exchange at the University of Flensburg, Germany)
"To understand and comprehend what ERASMUS is, you have to feel it yourself. It must be enjoyed. Another country, another language in everyday situations, different traditions and culture to live with. In my case, the other country is Germany. New places, new knowledge, new emotions, new friends for life - this is my daily life while studying at the University of Kassel. It doesn't matter if you study at TSF, EPF or ITF - ERASMUS will give you an integral experience that will help you throughout your life! For everything I got, what else will I get from ERASMUS, I say thank you! This stage of life is, was and will be unforgettable!”
Sabine Rusmane, FTS (exchange at the University of Kassel, Germany)
“In the lectures I learned a lot about the theory of signal processing, the application of various low-level programming tools and theories, various commercially used methods (for example, how to program conveyors) and their mathematical basis. I could say that I have seen a fairly wide range of possibilities that open up the phenomenon of real life with the corresponding mathematical compatibility. The whole year ran like one big day. It's an experience to use! ”
Vairis Caune, FIT (in exchange for NANCY, France)
“Studying German philology at the University of Lower Normandy in Cannes, France, I have gained such knowledge that I would not have acquired while studying in Latvia, as well as a different view of France and the world in general. During the exchange semester, my knowledge of French and, last but not least, German improved rapidly. Erasmus time was not always easy, efforts had to be made to adapt to learning, language and the urban environment, but it proved to be an invaluable experience and made me aware of how much I could actually do. Overall, my exchange semester was interesting and undoubtedly valuable, it was full of adventures, discoveries, new ideas and discoveries. I recommend everyone to enjoy it! ”
Laila Moreina, FTS (exchange at Cannes Lower Normandy University, France)
"ERASMUS is probably the student's greatest opportunity to see the world through different eyes. My semester in ERASMUS in the French city of Lorraine and the University of Southern Brittany has been and still is something really indescribable. Of course, not everything here goes as smoothly as you would sometimes like. The language barrier had to be broken, the feeling of "I don't understand anything" at the beginning did not go unnoticed, the fear of making mistakes and other less friendly conditions had to be overcome. But a person quickly gets used to the environment, so in less than five months I have gained - new international experience, new friends, different experience in the learning process, insight into another culture, indescribable impressions and vivid emotions. Friend, if you have that opportunity, never miss it! ”
You can find out more about Liene's adventures during the exchange on the blog.
Liene Vimere, FTS (in exchange at the University of Southern Brittany, France)
"Overall, the time spent in France was unforgettable, unbeatable and indescribable! Thanks to the Erasmus program, I gained experience in public life, tested and evaluated myself in various problematic life situations, as well as gained a deep insight into other people's cultures and even lives. Initially, my goal in France was to improve my English and French skills and make new friends from different parts of the world, but I definitely gained a lot more! ”
Sigita Ernesta, FTS (in exchange for the Lower Normandy University of Caen, France)
"You have to accept the fact that you are an immigrant and the standard of living in your country is different from the local one. And, most importantly, a comparison must be made. It is important to adjust the mind to the constant weather conditions, as well as to study cultural differences a little. A mixture of completely different personalities, characters and cultures is an integral part of everyday life. Somehow, and imperceptibly, it makes you aware of yourself more and more - who you are, who you want to be, what you like and what you don't. ”
Elīna Aģe, FEM (in exchange at the University of Agder, Norway)
"When you go on an exchange, you will never be alone, because the same scared students meet, whose homes and families are far away, who long for adventures and new impressions. The main thing is to dare to ask for help when needed, because I never received a refusal in exchange, everyone was responsive and happy to help, because it is only normal if something is not understood in a foreign place where they do not speak your native language. I have learned to help people more myself, regardless of their nationality, age or occupation. This semester was really my best year of study, I would not think of such an adventure again. ”
Justine Rača, FEM (in exchange for the Technische Hochshule Deggendorf, Germany)
"Every Erasmus semester is different, one describes it as the best time of my life, one as an opportunity, another as dropping money and losing love. What will be my Erasmus knowledge, I will only be able to say it after returning from this leukutria, I am currently in the Erasmus bubble, absorbing the energy flowing here and exchanging stories. However, one thing is clear, being here, I am constantly out of my comfort zone. And being outside the comfort zone always makes us learn something new, develop and think in a different direction. The further I am in the risk zone, the more I would gain. I wish you to be as far away from the risk zone as possible this week! Take risks and win! ”
Liene Andrēviča, FTS (in exchange for Hochshule Magedburg Stendahl, Germany)
"Sleepless nights, sunrises and sunsets by the ocean, streets filled with the smell of coffee and croissants, the constant chatter of people from early in the morning and the very usual" the same "in a local cafe, where I asked for morning coffee with milk. Lisbon gave me everything - the big football matches and even the far western corner of Europe, including local bananas and mandarins.
For those who still have doubts, I definitely recommend to torment yourself less with questions of ignorance and fear about how it will be, what it will be and how it all happens! Uncertainty is our biggest fear! There is no point in beating yourself, because this or that time will pass, and how much emotion and fulfillment it will give depends only on you! ”
Elīna Aģe, FEM (in exchange for ISCAL, Portugal)
"Overall, I am satisfied with Erasmus. The Turkish people, its traditions and norms are much different than ours, so it was very interesting and at the same time a challenge - to try to join. I have had fond memories of looking at Turkey, staying with Turkish students, and at some of the events that have joined Erasmus students at another university. Of course, not everything has always been beautiful and pleasant, but it does belong, doesn't it? Describing your Erasmus in one word, I would say so - unique! ”
Reinis Ozolins, FIT (in exchange for CMO at Karatay University, Turkey)
"I do not regret for a moment that I chose to study at the Technological Educational Institute of Serres-TEI in Greece. It was a great experience that I will remember for a lifetime. I met such kind, helpful and responsive teachers. I made great friends, so I hope to return there again. There is kindness, bright smiles and carefreeness all around. It is a country where pessimism is forgotten and only the most positive can be gained. ”
Herta Galina, FEM (in exchange for the Technological Educational Institute of Serres-TEI, Greece)
"All in all, it was a unique time in my life that has broadened my horizons and given me the opportunity to find a good job, which I got almost immediately after returning home - employers immediately look at you differently if you accept a challenge like living in a foreign country away from home. "Be sure to take this opportunity, you will not regret it!"
Diana Apine, FEM (in exchange for TEI Serres, Greece)
"When going to Erasmus, the most exciting and beautiful adventures will happen if you go abroad with an open mind, try to break your prejudices or stereotypes and stay open to new things. Much of Erasmus mobility - outside of studies - can be gained by spending time with locals, as it can improve their language skills, learn about the culture and the country from a local perspective that is much richer than what tourism has to offer, and make friends outside the university environment more diverse. . ”
Matiss Freimanis, FTS (in exchange at the University of Deusto, Spain)
"Everything seemed so surreal, but at the same time there and now. All this like fresh birch sap for the soul. Another proof that a person needs a change in life. Although a little, but the result is unexpectedly good. ”
Rūta Reknere, FTS (exchange University of Deusto, Spain)
"But Erasmus is not only an opportunity to get to know other cultures, but also to represent one's own. Because being in the distance, I am no longer just Madara, for whom I have become Latvia, and everything it represents. Considering the fact that my new friends have already booked air tickets for trips to Latvia - my work has been done with honor! ”
Madara Grinvalde, FEM (exchange at the University of Pécs, Hungary)
"How have I become after this practice and the four months I have spent in England? More confident, more secure, more flexible to adapt to new circumstances, and even more so convinced that translation is what I want to do in the future. ”
Monika Petrovska, FTS(in exchange for Absolute Interpreting and Translations Ltd., England)
"Having lived outside Latvia for almost half a year, I have gained experience in foreign education, got to know other cultures and met new friends, as well as learned more about myself - about my strengths and weaknesses. I have improved my foreign language and intercultural communication skills, but most importantly - I have learned to look at the world with wide eyes. Probably the only drawback of the student exchange program is that in the end it is very difficult to say goodbye and leave. ”
Santa Stratniece, Professional Master's Study Program "Translation of Legal Texts" (exchange at the University of Tartu, Estonia)
Address
Inženieru 101, LV-3601, Ventspils
Phone
+371 636 296 57
venta@venta.lv
