An escape from the daily routine, the Erasmus experience

Life is a journey, and everything we do, every people we meet, and the place we go to make us grow more, it makes us see the world in a different way, all towards our personal growth.

Five months ago, at the end of winter, I started the Erasmus study program, which has become one of the best experiences I have had and will have in my young life. It has helped me in many ways to see the world differently and to live in unity with people from different cultures and beliefs, but above all things, to discover more of my potential and to grow as a person and future professional.

During this period, I have had the opportunity to learn about the Czech Republic, its people, culture, and the important role it played in European history. I have had also the privilege to meet and have great teachers, who planted the seed of knowledge in every one of my classmates, including myself.

One of the things I'm most grateful for in this experience is the people I have met. Most of them have become like a second family to me, with their support and warm feelings that make one feel at home. I have shared with many people on more than one occasion common ideologies, backgrounds, or aspirations, which has been very interesting for me.

These people whom I can now call friends are like this family that makes you smile a lot and that cheers you on to be a better version of yourself. With them I have enjoyed so many walks, “cook-up” as we say back home; and even shared some travel adventures together.

The wonders and blessings of crossing one border and another, visiting great cities, small villages, and seeing the marvelous architecture that holds all of Europe's history are simply stunning. It connects me with the past and with the people of the old continent. It also makes me understand some of the customs and history of "the Americas", and appreciate more where I come from and what I have.

Erasmus is that dream that you don't want to wake up from, that dream that makes you smile and nostalgic at the same time. With so many important teachings and experiences that will accompany me for the rest of my life.

I can honestly say that I don't regret a single thing about this experience, and even though the European lifestyle, weather, food, and the way some people interact and see the world is different, I have learned to appreciate that; to love diversity, to appreciate languages, other cultures, music, and way of seeing the world.

So now as I am soon to depart to my homeland, where I will once again be surrounded by a chain of volcanos or the crystal waters of the Caribbean, I can proudly say: I'm not the same person I was 6 months ago, I have grown more, I have learned to appreciate more than ever what I have and who I am.
I'm thankful for this, for the people, the places I have visited and that brought on one or two occasions tears of joy and gratitude from my eyes.

So, I leave the "first world" with high hopes and dreams, and with the security that most of the people who were in this dream are now part of my reality, and that we will all see each other someday, at a specific time, place and enjoy once more again each other’s company.

So long...

“Sometimes you need to go far from home to appreciate more what you have”

Check out my Erasmus Friends video :