Ania’s Erasmus Journey: From Student to Global Citizen
Interview by Joanna Brylewska
Meet Ania Kowalczyk – a passionate language student, global explorer, and multiple-time Erasmus+ participant. From Freiburg to Mainz to Italy and back again, Ania’s story shows how studying abroad can shape not only academic paths, but also careers, friendships, and life philosophies. In this interview, Joanna Brylewska asks Ania about her experiences, challenges, and advice for future Erasmus students.
JB: You’ve participated in Erasmus more than once—what made you keep coming back?
AK: I studied German Philology so from the start it was obvious for me that I would go for a semester abroad. And so, in 2018 I spent a beautiful summer in Freiburg, Germany. Although it wasn't my first time abroad, as in the past I've participated in shorter mobilities, this time was special. Living independently in a foreign country was definitely a refreshing experience.
After Freiburg, I quickly realised I should strive for more adventures like this. In 2020, just before COVID hit, I came back to Germany, this time to beautiful Mainz. The second time was much easier—I already knew the procedures and we received amazing support from both the host university and local student organisations. After that I went for another mobility to Italy and then returned to Mainz, but this time for an Erasmus internship. Being an intern at the IRO of the university was especially enriching. Seeing the Erasmus programme from the inside made me realise there are always two perspectives, and that IRO employees have their own challenges with Erasmus as well!
JB: What was your very first day like during your first Erasmus exchange?
AK: To be completely honest with you, I don't remember the first day at all. I think the emotions and excitement overwhelmed me! But I do remember the feeling of walking around the beautiful city and trying to comprehend that this will be my new home for the next five months.
JB: How did living abroad change the way you see the world?
AK: I can surely say that I feel more European now, and my interest in EU politics has grown.
JB: Were there any cultural differences that really surprised you?
AK: Yes! It definitely shocked me that at German universities, students knock on the desk at the end of a lecture to show gratitude to the professor. At first, I really thought they were playing a prank on international students.
JB: What was the biggest personal challenge you faced, and how did you overcome it?
AK: Overall, I think I was pretty well prepared for the stay abroad, but integrating with others was a challenge. Thanks to local associations, however, I managed to find friends pretty quickly.
JB: How did Erasmus affect your academic journey or career plans?
AK: After the first two mobilities, I decided to write my Master’s thesis about the intercultural dimensions of life, comparing German and Italian culture. I was excited to write a thesis on something I was truly passionate about!
JB: Do you feel Erasmus made you more competitive in the job market? In what way?
AK: Definitely. After my mobility, I started volunteering for ESN and quickly moved through various levels and responsibilities. I can proudly say that right after my Erasmus internship, I secured a stable job at one of the world-leading corporations. During the interview, recruiters seemed very interested in my mobility experience and volunteering. I believe international mobility really made my CV stand out.
JB: Have any of the skills you gained during Erasmus helped you in your current life/work?
AK: Absolutely. The experience helped me develop intercultural communication, adaptability, and independence—skills that are now part of my everyday work life.
JB: How did your language skills evolve with each exchange?
AK: As a linguistics student, my main motivation to go abroad was to boost my language skills. Even though my level of the local language was already quite high, interacting with native speakers was a priceless lesson. It really helped me perfect my accent, too!
JB: Was it hard to communicate at first, and what helped you get more confident?
AK: It was challenging at first, but constant practice and being surrounded by native speakers helped a lot. Being part of an international community also made it easier to speak freely and gain confidence.
JB: How did you make friends abroad, and are you still in touch with any of them?
AK: The mobility gave me many opportunities to meet people from all over the world. One of the "superpowers" of Erasmus+ is that it can turn strangers into best friends in no time. I met a group of individuals during one ESN activity and we became very close—we’re still in touch to this day!
JB: What role did the local ESN (Erasmus Student Network) play in your experience?
AK: ESN was crucial. They organised so many events and meetups—it made the whole experience more vibrant and helped me integrate quickly.
JB: What advice would you give someone going on Erasmus for the first time?
AK: Just do it and believe in yourself! The hardest part is gathering the courage, but remember—thousands of young people are in the same situation, and you’re never alone!
JB: Any common myths about Erasmus you’d like to debunk?
AK: The biggest myth is that Erasmus is just a party experience. It’s so much more—it’s life-changing and empowering both personally and professionally.
JB: What’s one thing you wish you had known before your first exchange?
AK: I wish I had known how fast the time would fly. You blink, and it's over—so take in every moment!
JB: If you had to sum up your Erasmus experience in one word, what would it be—and why?
AK: Transformative. Because it changed how I view myself, others, and the world.
JB: Do you see yourself living abroad again in the future?
AK: Definitely. After Erasmus, I even decided to volunteer abroad through the European Solidarity Corps in Brussels, which opened up even more opportunities.
JB: What’s your most unforgettable Erasmus memory?
AK: Honestly, just the joy I feel when thinking about it. Even though time has passed, every memory still brings a smile to my face. Going abroad was probably the best decision of my life.
