In the summer of 2024, I was selected by my school for a six-week Erasmus+ program in Munich, Germany. What started as an academic requirement quickly evolved into a transformative life chapter.
I wasn’t alone on this journey; one of my best friends, now a fellow Aerospace Engineering student, was also selected. Together, we stepped far outside our comfort zones to immerse ourselves in German culture, learning that the most important lessons often happen outside the classroom.
The Gateway: 60 Seconds to Define the EU
You might wonder: How does one get selected for such an opportunity? It all started with a challenge. I had to submit a 60-second video answering one massive, broad question:
«What does the European Union mean to you?»
Condensing a philosophy of unity, mobility, and shared history into one minute required careful planning and a clear vision. After days of scripting and recording, that video, paired with my motivation letter and academic transcripts, earned me a spot in a very competitive selection process.
Beyond the Classroom: Living the Experience
Did we spend all our time buried in textbooks? Absolutely not. While the academic side was rigorous and rewarding, the true «Erasmus spirit» lived in the weekends. We used our time to explore the heart of Bavaria and beyond:
- The Munich Grind: Balancing full-time studies with the discipline of living independently for the first time.
- Cultural Expeditions: Visiting historic German towns and crossing the border to Salzburg, Austria.
- Language & Connection: Constantly expanding our English and communication skills by engaging with people from all over the world.
The Impact
This experience radically changed how I approach my life and my career. It proved that I could thrive in a foreign environment and handle the logistics of living abroad. It wasn’t just about the «Aerospace» side of my brain; it was about the «Human» side, learning to be a global citizen.
