Post Erasmus+
Since arriving home, I’ve found myself bringing up my time in Denmark more often than not. If I hold any type of conversation, I will mention it and probably will get annoying. There’s not a day that goes past without a thought of Denmark; the place, the people, my home, the lifestyle, the damn canals that are impossible not to love.
It’s difficult to put into words exactly what I learnt because it was so much more than just studying abroad. Aarhus University itself was amazing, the classes were different and interesting as well as being within such a mixed group of people. They have a HUGE network of International Students so you never really felt like an outsider. Even the cashiers at the grocery stores recognised us so much so it could get a little embarrassing.
The best parts about Erasmus were the people I met — no doubt about it. My housemates especially. Towards the end of our time together we played what we called ‘The Weaknesses Game’. We sat in a circle and humbly went round each individual listing their weaknesses, but the funny thing was, no matter what we said or who we said it to, it could always be turned round into some kind of strength. The biggest impact I found about this game was how despite only knowing this group of people for six months, we knew each other well enough to see these parts of each other and not only be okay with that but discuss it. There were many, many, nights out, but nothing could compare to sitting in that kitchen with those weird and wonderful people.
It’s the strangest feeling to live so closely to people from all around the world for a matter of months and then all of a sudden you’re not and it’s back to normal. There’s time differences, conversations are haphazard, they’re no longer just through the next door or up the stairs, they’re half a world away again. There’s something very unique about the type of person you will meet abroad, despite all the surface differences, deep down you’re all there for the same reason and it creates a bond which I can only hope we’ll always have.
The problem with Erasmus is it shows you this incredible life for six months and there’s no warning for the amount of emotion you’ll feel at the end. It IS the time of your life, I cannot advocate enough that you should go. There is truly no opportunity like it! Just be prepared for endless heartbreaking walks to the coaches in the early hours of the morning as you see your friends off to the airport, because God only knows that I was not.
There is plenty more I could say, there’s plenty more experiences I could share, but I suggest you try it out for yourselves and see what it’s about, it’s the only way you’ll really understand Erasmus.
You will cry tears of happiness and sadness, you will fall in love with a place and a person, you will miss it abundantly, but most importantly you will remember every single last moment as the best moments of your life. Full stop.
Jeg elsker dig Danmark. Indtil næste gang.
