To begin with, introduce yourself, what are you studying, what year are you and how would you describe yourself?
Dobro jutro, dobar dan! I am Killian, I am from France and I am a student at the ASPIRA University College in Split, Croatia. I am 22 years old, and I am currently in my last year of Master’s studies in Tourism and Destination Management. If I have to describe myself, I would say that I am a guy full of life (22y is not that old, is it?) who is trying to travel as much as possible to get new experiences and discover new things, I am pretty curious and maybe too much ambitious. I also love falafels, but I don’t know if it is useful for this interview.
Where are you currently on Erasmus and what are your experiences?
I am currently on Erasmus at the Romanian-American University in Bucharest, Romania, for 1 semester. Actually, this is not my first mobility exchange; I had the chance to study in 4 different countries during my education. So first, I was born in France and I stayed there until my second year of Bachelor’s degree in Foreign Languages and Tourism at the University of Rouen-Normandy; then, I decided to do a 1-year mobility at the IRIARTE Centro Universitario in Tenerife, Canary Islands with Erasmus, which was my first experience studying abroad. After that, I had the choice between starting my Master’s degree in France or abroad, and of course I decided to search abroad; I finally landed in Split at the ASPIRA University, and thereafter I decided to repeat my previous Erasmus experience applying for a 1-semester mobility in Romania, and here I am!
What would you point out as the best thing about Erasmus?
Listen, you must try to study abroad at least once in your life! Actually, I know that it can scare people to be far from home, far from mom and dad, etc; but it is the best way to try a new experience, maybe start a new life meeting new people from all over the World, and why not creating durable friendships! Actually, the new friendships from all over the World would be the best thing from the Erasmus experience according to me. To be honest, I am still in touch with some people that I have met during my first mobility already 2 years ago, and I also visited them several times. So, it may also allow you to travel to new places, etc. In other words, I would say that the Erasmus program allows you to fly the nest, become more responsible and more independent, the whole giving you a unique and unforgettable experience. Why are you still hesitating?
Did you make any new friends during your stay on Erasmus? Where are the other students from? How is it on classes?
Of course! Actually, compared to my first Erasmus, there are definitely more students from abroad! During my first mobility, we were around 10/15 of us from abroad, and this year we are definitely more than a hundred! The university where I am offers English programs, so there are students from Europe, but also from countries like Syria, Saudi Arabia, China, Japan or even Turkmenistan (I bet you cannot even locate it on a map ahaha). About the classes, to be honest, I have a lot of courses compared to my first mobility and I have a lot of work to do; not all of my courses are very interesting for me, but they are not bad neither, it is only because 4 hours of the same subject can be boring sometimes, let’s say.
What do you miss from Croatia/Split?
Uff… I think there are two main things that I really miss from Croatia; even though I am not so far from the country; I have to say that the sea and the palms at the Riva miss me a lot… The constant “Summer vibe” is completely ABSENT here; but I have to say that the city is definitely much bigger than Split, so there are plenty of things to do anyways! Bucharest is called “The little Paris”, so I am feeling almost like home. The other thing is pretty much linked: it is the WEATHER! I will not complain because I had the right to a nice weather for the first month and a half; but now since almost 2 weeks the Winter coming step by step with storms and rain, and trust me… Romanian Winter is something different.
What would you say to other colleagues? Why should you choose that destination for Erasmus?
Well, it is simple… If you like to travel, to meet new people, and to discover another way of life with a different culture, Erasmus would be the best option for you! Moreover, your university is having more and more partnerships with other one’s years after years, which is meaning that you have the choice between plenty of destinations: would you prefer a hot destination with the beach and the palms? Okay, you can go to Southern Italy, Spain, or Cyprus for example; or maybe would you prefer a destination with good parties, cheap alcohol (moderately of course…) and nice girls? Then go to Greece, Czechia or Romania! Do not judge or do not be scared about a country just because of the stereotypes that you have already heard about, go wherever you want and see it by yourself to get your own opinion; you will thank me later!