Always do your homework
Erasmus isn’t all about partying, although my first two weeks in Germany have left just that impression. Erasmus students have to take exams and write papers just like their German peers – and pass them, obviously. Once a paper is supposed to be a whole 20 pages in German, though, that task isn’t all that easy.* For that reason, doing your homework regularly, as annoying it might be and as swotty it might sound, is worth it. Of course, a blind eye might be turned to our linguistic errors, but in the end, homework offers a chance of vital feedback to be used for improving our German.
Learn German from natives
As a foreign student of German language and literature, I visit lessons held by native speakers. The great thing about this is that in these classes, many difficult German idioms are explained and I can improve myself continuously. Additionally, attending one of the typical Erasmus classes such as “Stereotypes and Mentalities” offers an opportunity to learn something about cultural differences and local customs. The discussions in an international plenum and the resulting chances to get to know and talk to students from all kinds of countries are especially enjoyable. The beauty of this is that all of us are still prone to errors in German and don’t have to be embarrassed about it. The only drawback is that we occasionally copy each other’s mistakes.
Travel a lot and earn money
During an Erasmus stay, you have to opportunity to visit plenty of beautiful cities and attractions. For trips within Bavaria, the Bayernticket is a sensible choice. Going on journeys is giving me great pleasure. However, my scholarship is not sufficient to fund both living and travelling in Germany, as prices for student residence and train tickets are often considerably higher than in my home country, Poland. Therefore, it is advisable to get a part-time job in Germany. For example, I’ve worked on a Christmas market, not only filling my wallet, but also polishing my language skills.
After all, all these duties should not make you forget to have fun and enjoy the amazing experience because Erasmus is not said to be a semester of partying for no reason.
*In Poland, term papers tend to comprise a mere six pages.
Translated by Jonas Meder
