Last year I was offered the opportunity of a lifetime – to live and study in a foreign country. My passion for languages was a strong factor in driving me towards the idea of study abroad and when the Erasmus scheme surfaced I snatched the opportunity with both hands. I was offered a place at ESCE Business School, Paris and I began my journey unaware that I was about the have the most exciting adventure of my life.

Looking back now I can honestly say that my period overseas was without a flicker of doubt the best four months of my life. Since returning to life in Scotland I have realised many things about myself, the experience I had and the overwhelming benefits study abroad can provide for a student...

When you first start university the mere thought of searching for a job seems so far away. At that point it’s all about meeting people, going out and having fun with the odd class and piece of coursework thrown in. But in reality, university is setting you up for what the future holds, for your career and for life. Study abroad opens up new opportunities within your studies and enables you to experience a more varied selection of subjects providing a colourful insight into your area of interest. Classes abroad were completely different to home and no two classes were the same meaning each day you awoke to the unknown.

That all important “piece of paper” which lands you an interview (and maybe even the job of your dreams) is enhanced with skills and life experience gained through study abroad. Shortly after returning home I realised just how much Erasmus increased my chances of finding a job. In January 2009 I applied for a year-long industrial placement with the fourth largest oil and gas operator in the world, Total, and on June 1 2009 I began placement as a Buyer in the procurement department based in the Aberdeen affiliate in Scotland. I honestly believe that my study overseas differentiated me from the other applicants due to the wide range of subjects I was exposed to as well as my attempts to undertake a foreign language and the experience I gained whilst living away from home. I believe employers see bravery, enthusiasm and confidence in those who venture further from home.

There are a million and one ways to have fun whilst at university but this truly is the most fun you will ever have. With every corner you turn further excitement awaits you. In Paris I was surrounded by famous monuments: the Eiffel Tower, Arc De Triomphe, Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur. With so many places to see the metro makes for easy travel, not forgetting the short RER travelling distance to Disneyland Paris which makes for a fantastic day out for all you big kids!

Erasmus is all about friendships, fun and experiencing a whole new way of life. It can be a little scary leaving home and jetting off to a country you’ve never been to, where you don’t know anyone or the language or culture but it’s the best adventure available out there. Erasmus offers the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and a chance to mix with a variety of cultures. Some of the best friends I have made in life are those I met in Paris. I believe those I met overseas made my Erasmus experience what it was – totally unforgettable.

Although the university side of things was quite demanding with a considerable amount of coursework, the way of life itself was much slower than here in Scotland meaning there was plenty time to enjoy myself and every opportunity to explore the wonders of the city. With people all over the world I was never short of a choice of friends, my French has improved and I had a truly fulfilled cultural experience. Erasmus may be over for me but the experience will live with me forever.

Download a pdf of the Nicola Jamieson case study