The Erasmus Programme offers you the amazing opportunity to spend an extended period of time immersed in a culture other than your own. In order to make the most out of this experience, it is important to build a personal Erasmus network.  This network will help you integrate into the academic, social and practical areas of your visit, while enjoying the language and culture of your host country.

The personal Erasmus Programme network encourages you to be aware of cultural and social events, such as trips to various places within the country, film nights, language projects, international food festivals. It also provides you with academic and practical mentoring services.

It is important to remember that, while in your host country, you have the opportunity to establish your international professional network, by making friendships with classmates from around the world, which will outlast the duration of your study programme.

This activity aims to guide you in building and developing your own personal Erasmus network system through few simple steps. It contributes to the development of your participatory literacy skills.

 

Technology required 

• Any mobile device (smartphone, tablet computer) and/or laptop computer, desktop.

• Internet connection is required.

• Accounts with social networks sites or personal blog are needed

 

Material and links

• International Exchange Erasmus Student Network

 

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this activity, you will be able to:

• list the local facilities available in your host country
• participate in academic and social events offered by your host university
• practice written skills by interacting with peers via blogs or social network platforms.

 

Procedure

1. Click on the link to access the International Exchange Erasmus Student Network
2. Find your local International Exchange Erasmus Students Network section
3. Explore the events and activities proposed in this section
4. Join the community through Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, YouTube, Blog and start to build your personal Erasmus network
5. Select an event you would like to participate to (make a note of it on Google calendar)
6. Write a post (200-300 words) on the event you have just attended.
   • You have the option to write your post in English or in your target language.
   • Publish your post on a platform of your choice (i.e. blog, forum).
   • Please keep in mind the following while writing your post:
     –  First impressions (i.e. people, city, university)
     –  Description of the event you just attended (i.e venue, type of event, people attending)
     –  Cultural differences
     –  Positives/negatives
     –  Possible questions/curiosities
   • Comment also on at least one blog post of your choice available here or on your local International Exchange Erasmus Students Network blog (e.g. http://www.esnitalia.org/en)
7. Write posts, comments and share information/questions/pictures on the social media platforms of the International  Exchange Erasmus Students Network Community in relation to your Erasmus experience so far (concerns, expectations, first impressions, possible questions etc.).
8. Keep writing, commenting, sharing information while expanding your network.

 

Some tips

Please refer to the following activity for support on writing using a blog:

• Writing strategies: using blogs