The Erasmus programme is an EU funded student exchange that allows students from universities all over Europe to spend a few weeks, months or a year studying at a university in another EU Country.<\/p>\n
Many Irish students dream of spending time in an exotic land with a hot climate, gorgeous scenery and a completely new culture. But it\u2019s also interesting to look at Erasmus from a different point of view; the Erasmus students from abroad who spend the year in Ireland. <\/p>\n
What makes each individual person choose Ireland? What do they think of Ireland so far? Do we live up to the party loving, hard drinking but friendly stereotype? <\/p>\n
Some Erasmus students had a variety of ways of saying the same thing; they chose Ireland because they wanted adventure, an English speaking country and a culture that was similar enough to theirs so as not to be too much of a shock, but different enough to be fresh and exciting. <\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted to get to know Irish culture and I wanted to learn more about the history. I wanted an adventure,\u201d English and History student, Kath, from Germany said. <\/p>\n
Economics and Finance student, Maria, from Slovenia said: \u201cI wanted a country where the first language was English and I didn\u2019t want to go to the UK because their culture seemed too similar to mine. Also I love Ireland\u2019s scenery.\u201d <\/p>\n
Many of the Erasmus students expressed an interest in Irish culture and history but they didn\u2019t really seem to know much about modern day life in Ireland. Thankfully, they all have had positive experiences so far but the biggest complaints are the weather and homesickness. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe weather here takes some getting used to,\u201d Communications student, Patrick, from Malta said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn Germany we only have conversations with friends and acquaintances, but here people just come up to you and ask you questions. It\u2019s strange though, because I never know if we are really connecting \u2013 are they just being polite or is this a friendship?\u201d Kath said. <\/p>\n
There are distinct differences in social attitudes too. For example, many of the female interviewees, such as Kath, were quite shocked about the \u2018Repeal The 8th\u2019 debate. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat seems very strange to me. I don\u2019t understand how any girl could not support abortion laws. Especially as this is university, people are away from home for the first time, things happen. Young people here seem very, loose about sex. I wasn\u2019t expecting that. So, to be open about sex but anti-abortion? This I don\u2019t understand.”<\/p>\n