Erasmus students abroad often stick with their own kind instead of exploring the country they’re in
Erasmus students abroad often stick with their own kind instead of exploring the country they’re in

Thousands of students from all around the world study in the Erasmus programme every year. It’s a brilliant opportunity to get to know a new place like Spain, its culture and its people, but the big mistake everybody makes is only sticking together with the other international students rather than befriending Spanish people. English is no doubt the international language, and instead of speaking Spanish it’s all too easy to fall back on our mother tongue.

Is this really the best way to make the most of your Erasmus experience? While it can provide comfort, you may be limiting yourself and your possibilities in Spain. Use these tips to make sure you don’t fall into the Erasmus trap like everybody else.

What you can do

Before leaving for your year abroad, research on the website of the university you’ll be going to and find out what schemes they’ve got for ensuring Erasmus students’ integration in the local culture. By planning beforehand, you’ll know what’s to come and can start off on the right foot as soon as you get there.

One such scheme they have in many places is the ‘Buddy Programme’. This is basically where each Spanish student is paired up with an Erasmus student to help guide them at first and introduce them to some other Spanish people. While it’s true that you’re not guaranteed to get along with your ‘Buddy’, it’s an excellent way to start off in the country at least.

Although there are some integration programmes, most universities will also put on an orientation week before the school year starts, as well as Erasmus events throughout the year, for the international students to get to know each other. That’s fine, but if you’re looking to socialise more with the Spaniards, you can join a sport’s club or other student society – they can be a great way to widen your social circle.

Also, before you head off, you might want to think carefully about the Uni you’re going to and what courses they have available. Quite a few universities have subjects just for Erasmus students, but as you might imagine, they are full of foreign students. Instead, try looking for a Uni where you can choose what courses you want to take and you can mix more with the Spanish students.

Away from the classroom and campus, where you live also makes a great difference to your experience as an Erasmus student. Lots of international students live in halls of residence, which does make for a lively multicultural atmosphere, but if you’re looking for a more typically Spanish slice of life, it’s a good idea to share a flat. You can search online for a place to live before you go or move there a couple of weeks before term starts and live in a hotel until you find somewhere.

Even after all this, though, the one thing that could still harm your chances of hanging out with more Spanish people is speaking the language. You should try to learn as much Spanish as you can before you go out there because most Spaniards won’t be keen to have someone hanging around who takes five minutes to say a simple sentence. Luckily, your knowledge of English can come in handy here as loads of people are interested in doing language exchanges, teaching you a bit of Spanish in return for an English lesson. It’s another fantastic way to meet people.