Stavroulla Antoniou
‘Erasmus changes the way you see your life’ Home institution: University of Cyprus, Cyprus Πανεπιστήμιο Κύπρου, Κύπρος Host institution: Roma Tre University, Italy Università Degli Studi Roma Tre, Italia Field of study: English language and comparative studies Duration: 6 months (2004)
Italy is a favoured location for Erasmus students from Cyprus. This gave Stavroulla Antoniou an opportunity to talk to other students and find out more information before her exchange started. ‘I was a bit shocked to discover that courses were mostly taught through the Italian language. However to my surprise, in time I was able to follow the lectures and take notes.’ As well as experiencing different approaches to learning ‘a lot of personal work is required, in order to get acquainted with a new city, its surroundings, the people, classmates, roommates, professors and a new lifestyle.’ She ‘had always wanted to spend some time abroad and Erasmus was the ideal way. It offered academic recognition, a considerable grant, the chance to learn or improve language skills and of course lots of travelling.’ Despite the certainties of taking part in an established exchange programme, ‘to a great extent Erasmus is a leap of faith, a dive into the unfamiliar and a journey to the unknown. I have great respect for all Erasmus students; as they are attempting something that others merely talk about.’ The Erasmus exchange encouraged her to complete her Master’s degree in European Politics, and gain her current position as an Erasmus Coordinator at the Cyprus University of Technology. In this role she advises her students that ‘Erasmus will not change your life, but it will definitely change the way you see it. One can feel at home in almost every corner of Europe, because of Erasmus.’
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