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Howard chose to go to Bibao in Spain and to benefit from an Erasmus experience as had many of the students at Bradford University. He used it as an opportunity to hold discussions with staff there, observe their facilities and to meet students – some of whom had been to Bradford on an Erasmus Exchange. He wanted to discuss further collaboration between staff and students and to arrange joint staff exhibitions in both universities.
"It is very important for staff and students to widen their experience, to counter parochialism and to develop a richer critical framework. Europe is a great opportunity. We can share ideas and compare quality of life and education.
He believes the experience helps to develop a broader and deeper knowledge, understanding and critical value. " It was an excellent opportunity. I made useful contacts and was shown significant respect and hospitality. Overall it was a very enjoyable and productive experience." He recommends other members of staff take part in Erasmus, to plan carefully what they want to achieve and to make sure they reciprocate the hospitality!
Lots of people say it, but it’s true for me – Erasmus DID change my life. 20 years ago, in 1992, I spent a study period at the Universidad de Santiago de Compostela as part of my undergraduate degree, it was one of the best times of my life – not only did I improve my Spanish, but I also learned all about another country, culture and made new Erasmus friends, who are still my friends today.
My study period in Spain was the highlight of my time at university and so, in 1996, when I saw a job advertisement in the local paper for a role working with students on exchange, I thought that it would be the ideal job for me as I knew exactly what it was like to be an exchange student. I applied, and got the job and became an administrative assistant in the Robert Gordon University’s European Office to the European Officer.
I came to realise how important an overseas experience is to students. I saw so many shy, retiring and nervous students leave who came back, transformed into confident individuals brimming with enthusiasm about their time abroad.
Erasmus has had the most massive impact on my own life and given me so many opportunities to learn, to travel, to expand my horizons, to make friends…. and I consider it to be a huge privilege to be able to give similar opportunities to others, both students and fellow staff
Read the full story of Julia Kennedy's experience, in her 2012 Competition Winning Essay
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