A Life-Changing Journey: Erasmus+ Mobility Program Participants Share Insights and Recommendations

4 min read

YEREVAN, Armenia — The Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility (ICM) program has been transformative in the lives of many students of the American University of Armenia (AUA) taking a semester abroad in European universities. Three recent participants recount their time at the University of Murcia in Spain, underscoring the unique opportunity they had to immerse themselves in the local culture, forge lifelong friendships, and gain invaluable experiences. The most recent Erasmus+ students from the Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics share their insights and key takeaways from the program, along with recommendations for other students interested in participating. 

Particularly, the Erasmus+ mobility students interviewed offered advice on pre-departure preparation, openness to new cultures, managing academic responsibilities, and engaging in extracurricular activities to maximize the overall Erasmus experience. Whether it involves discovering the best local hangouts, mastering the Spanish language, or understanding the intricacies of the European education system, they shared key recommendations with future participants to build knowledge and confidence so they would make the most of their Erasmus+ journey.

Aqsa Khan (BAB ’23):

“My academic experience at the University of Murcia was a perfect fit for my business degree. The courses were relevant to my field, though taught differently than what I was accustomed to. Adapting to the new structure, assignments, exams, and grading system was challenging, but with the support of professors, I overcame these difficulties.

The experience improved my knowledge of business management and marketing strategies. I gained valuable insights into Spanish business practices and how culture impacts decisions. On a personal level, I cherished meeting people from diverse backgrounds, learning about their cultures, and understanding their perspectives in both personal and professional exchanges.

In conclusion, my Erasmus+ ICM experience at the University of Murcia was truly transformative, both academically and personally. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to any student considering studying abroad.”

Elen Sargsyan (BAB ’23):

“The Erasmus+ program allows you to immerse yourself in a different culture and experience it in all its aspects — traditions, festivals, cuisine, people, etc. For example, at first, the la siesta local tradition was quite weird to me. In Armenia, the professional culture does not allow people to leave the workplace in the middle of the day to rest and spend time with their families. However, the Spaniards do just that. Walking in the streets and not finding a place to eat because all the restaurants were closed was initially frustrating; however, over time, such observations allow you to widen your worldview and understand the vast differences across cultures. 

The program allowed me to make friends from many countries through informal exchanges. They were eager to talk about their culture and open to learn about ours. We would organize weekly culture sessions where we would make our country’s national dishes and host our peers. Daily conversations included comparisons of different countries and cultures. This helped me understand the importance of spreading awareness of your own culture, as it turns out to be more interesting to others than you expected, and makes you value your country even more. Many of our international friends had not yet heard of Armenia when we met but, in the end, they expressed interest in visiting Armenia and getting to know its people.” 

Gevorg Asatryan (BAB ’23):

“While taking courses at the University of Murcia (UMU), I did not have any specific academic problems related to the required basic knowledge. Some of the difficulties I experienced were in mastering technical concepts, sticking to the course material, and managing time effectively. Nevertheless, I was able to overcome all the difficulties successfully thanks to the enthusiasm and high professionalism of the instructors.

In terms of key learning outcomes, I can confidently say that the courses I took at UMU provided me with a solid foundation in statistical analysis and a comprehensive understanding of financial systems and banking; skills in effective systems design and management; a deep grasp of the social aspects of business; and a global perspective on the economy that can be applied to various industries and careers.

This opportunity was also a chance for me to get acquainted with representatives of many nations with different mentalities and cultures, helping me to further develop my personal communication skills. The first interaction with coursemates was within the academic scope, when we were assigned group work, though I truly believe that extracurricular activities were more influential in shaping personal and friendly ties with fellow scholars.

At first, being unfamiliar with the UMU program caused difficulties in time management and planning, which I was able to overcome in due course. Another challenge was the lack of people who spoke English. This created some difficulties at first, when applying for a bank card or doing everyday grocery shopping, but taking Spanish classes helped acquire the vocabulary necessary for daily activities. 

Overall, I think that the experience allowed me to make new friends of different cultural backgrounds, develop my communication skills, and travel around in one of the most beautiful countries of Europe. I would advise other students who take on study abroad  to be friendly and polite with everyone and remember that you are representing not only yourself, but also your home country and university.”

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.