Erasmus+

   I have always followed the principle of catching every opportunity that life gives me. The same happened with Erasmus – I decided to use that chance without missing a beat. For me it was kind of a challenge, because I never know what difficulties wait for me in uncharted waters. Anyway, I am always opened for every new experience, even if it makes me to push my way out of the comfort zone.
   Firstly, I had some expectations and guesses about the place where I go, but who knew that they would be beaten to smithereens. Frankly speaking, I was afraid, that my suitcase would be too small for tons of warm clothes which I bought specifically for Norway, that is why I have bought the largest one. The biggest fair was not to find friends and to stay alone. Also, I checked all of the Internet to make sure, that I know how to communicate with Norwegians: they are so cold and modest. Locked and loaded! But there was no limit to my surprising after I arrived and got wet from the rain on exit from the airport. It appeared that it is very rarely in southern part of Norway when you can see the snow in winter. The next thing, that broke my stereotypes about Norway, was my neighborhood with Norwegians. I must admit they are usually very kind and nice people.
   Undoubtedly, I have got more, than I could even think. The trip gave me a lot of new emotions that I`ve never felt before. New friends, funny parties, improvement of English or other foreign languages – that is the standard set of student`s expectations. But I might say, it gives much more.
   As for me, I`ve changed a lot as a person. First of all, because I got communicative skills. There were many Erasmus students from other countries, it is impossible just to stay away. Talking with them is not only a big cultural exchange experience, but also developing of social ability. Second of all, it made me more independent and responsible in my actions, thoughts and decisions. When we go abroad, there is not family or parents who will help us to solve problems, to do something instead of us. There is no other way than to do everything by ourselves. It might be hard, but that`s the time when we grow up. Of course, an interesting thing that every international student adopted something of Norwegian worldwide.
   What about studies, is that teachers are always understanding and helpful. They know that foreign students have a lot of problems, so they do not load us with tasks more than a student can do. It was interesting to try new educational system. Norwegian universities are more about self-education. Most of time students work in groups with homework or classwork. Also, teachers want students to feel equal with them, that is why they talk in informal way (about life, weather, events). Often we could see teachers in sport outfit or jeans with sweater – they want students to feel more chill and relaxed in front of them.
   Let me proceed to another point called disadvantages. There are no disadvantages for me. Even every difficult situation can become a valuable and important experience in life.
   If I can give an advice to other students who have doubts to go on Erasmus or not to go, I will say inevitably to go! Most of us even does not realize what big possibilities we lose when we fear to use chances to try something new, when we are not self-confident. Maybe, we are not strong enough for challenges, but those challenges will make us stronger.