ERASMUS Experience - Best Time of Your Life
Līna Petrova, a 3rd-year student of Tourism Organization and Management at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, has gone for an exchange study period to sunny and carefree Portugal. She likes to talk about the most exciting adventures, the people who inspired Līna to go for exchange studies, and whether the studies take place on-site at her chosen Viana do Castelo Polytechnic Institute during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What inspired you to go for exchange studies?
LP: There are several reasons why I wanted to go for exchange studies. One of them is definitely a new experience that I can gain while studying abroad. I wanted to challenge myself and overcome all fears, improve my English and get to know people from other countries, as well as get to know the culture of other countries. Of course, I was also inspired by other students of Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences who have already been in exchange studies, I was especially inspired by the exciting stories of students and the phrase “Erasmus is the best time of your life”, which I completely agree with.
What is the length of your exchange period?
LP: Initially, I had planned to go for one semester, but now I have successfully extended my, so to speak, "adventure" for another semester.
Why did you choose this country?
LP: Portugal is one of the most distant options offered by Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, and I wanted to go as far as possible. Other students have already been here and I really enjoyed seeing all the pictures and videos from their experiences. It is very warm in Portugal, and that makes me very happy.
In what format do the studies take place in the chosen university (online, in-person)?
LP: In the beginning, the studies took place both online and in-person, but now all the training takes place online.
What do you think are the biggest benefits of going for exchange studies?
LP: Undoubtedly, independence is the biggest benefit. Language skills, new friends, and new memories. Exchange studies teach everyone to overcome their fears and get out of the comfort zone. While on the exchange program, I have gained contacts that will definitely be useful to me in the future.
Tell us about your best memories or the most fun adventures during the exchange studies!
LP: First of all, given the conditions of COVID-19, I will remember all the parties we organized in our dorm kitchen. We danced to the music, and we even have a disco lamp. There are usually all kinds of interesting incidents at parties, but I don't really know how much I can tell (laughs).
Secondly, here we have a very beautiful attraction "Santa Luzia", but this church is located on a very high hill and you have to climb a very long staircase. In principle, every time we decide to climb, halfway we are already out of breath and sweaty. However, the moment you climb the huge stairs, you are proud of yourself, and the view from the top of the hill is unique. From Santa Luzia, people can have a view of the whole city, see the ocean and enjoy the sunsets.
Thirdly, one of my favorite memories is the trip to Lisbon with Elizabeth and four other students (1 German and 3 Spanish). Together we decided to celebrate the New Year in Lisbon, visited the city, took a lot of beautiful and funny pictures, visited places that were open because a lot of places were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ate one of the most delicious pizzas, and welcomed four different new years. I will definitely remember Lisbon because these people are and will be my closest ones during this exchange study period.
There are a lot of memories, and most of them are only positive. I know I have more to say and I have a lot of pictures to show, but I'm afraid of bursting into tears because most of the people who were close to me here have already left.
What would you say to young people who are not sure if it is worth participating in exchange studies?
LP: Go, go, and go for it! It is worth it, it's really very worth it. Exchange studies are a huge experience. Even despite COVID - it's really worth it. I am the most fearful and reliant person in the world, but I do not regret my choice for a second. It is unwise to miss such an opportunity offered by the university. If there is an opportunity and you even are paid for it – GO! It has never been bad for anyone to get to know the culture and people of other countries. Exchange studies make you more adult. While in another country, you are given the opportunity to look at life from a different perspective. Of course, you can be afraid, of course, there is a chance that you will want to go home, but that is just in the beginning. The moment you get to know other students, you are no longer afraid. You just make unforgettable memories!
What would be your recommendations for young people who will go on exchange studies for the first time next semester? (Tips, experience, etc.)
LP: Perhaps, not to bring so many clothes with you, as most of it you will want to buy on the spot. It must be taken into account that you will miss various food products that are available in Latvia, but not available elsewhere. I wouldn't say that I really miss home, but I miss "Kārums" curd dessert and my mother's dinner.
You definitely have to reckon with the fact that you will not want to go back and must be ready to enjoy the best time of your life.
How would you describe exchange studies in three words?
LP: In three words - the best time of life.
But seriously. Being here makes me feel great. Although I am far from home, from family and friends, I feel like I belong in this country. I have made a lot of new friends, experienced the most interesting events, improved my English skills, found myself and understood what I want to do in the future. The university is very welcoming, and I don't want to brag about it, but the university is located overlooking the ocean and I'm not complaining about it (laughs).