Erasmus Report by Miranda Pursley
I learned about the Erasmus+ program during my first semester at the University of Pécs, in Pécs, Hungary. Our coordinator offered ample information regarding the program, placements, and conditions for Erasmus semesters abroad. I was immediately intrigued. After applying and receiving notification that I had been admitted to the European Studies program at the Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland, I began preparing for the trip. Of the many “student cities” in Europe, Kraków seemed particularly appealing; a strong academic record, low prices, plenty of student support, and a vibrant music and arts scene. I found the transition very easy.
Accommodation options were plentiful. Students advertise low-cost rooms in shared flats year around. Although prices are considerably lower in Kraków than other cities, I would suggest that the Erasmus board factor in the limited availability in student dorms. The majority of students are forced to seek accommodation outside the university. For a shared room, the price can be as low a 150 euro per month, while a single room is consistently upwards of 230 euros per month. I ultimately chose a shared flat near the city center— roughly a 20 min walk from the main square. My rent fluctuated significantly throughout the year as the cost of utilities increase in the winter months. On average, I paid 200 euro per month. In order to make these payments, I chose to take a small part-time job from with an online tutor group. Transportation prices were never a significant consideration for my budget. University classrooms, concert halls, grocery shops, and parks were all well within walking distance. In the winter, a single ticket to anywhere in the city is around 0.65 euro and even less with student ID.
Kraków offers plenty of entertainment opportunities. I spent most of my free evenings enjoying live music at jazz/piano clubs or visiting one of the city’s many old theaters. I found the political life in Kraków very interesting as well, especially the recent focus on women’s issues. I attended many marches, lectures, conferences, and meetings on the subject of gender equality in Poland. This was by far the best and most enriching aspect of my Erasmus experience.
I now work with other foreign and local women in Kraków to offer education and solidarity in the fight against gender inequality, xenophobia, and LGBTQ discrimination. Already, we have arranged several successful student marches! The Erasmus support group in Kraków has also been a wonderful source for information regarding local events and community service projects. Although I did not attend many ESN social gatherings, I found the local ESN office very supportive and welcoming. During my stay in Poland, I made several small trips to nearby cities and towns, including Waliezca, Warsaw, Zakopane, Wroclaw, and one longer trip to Lviv and Kiev, Ukraine.
I feel I have benefitted from the Erasmus experience in many ways. My Erasmus semester has afforded me the opportunity to travel and engage with other cultures. In addition, I am now connected to a circle of incredible people. The friends I have made though the Erasmus+ program have challenged me to grow as an intellectual and a global citizen. Despite our unique backgrounds and skill sets, we are united in our vision for Europe’s future. These relationships have encouraged me to network and increase my sphere of influence, leading to shared projects and the emergence of new, exciting opportunities. Ultimately, I chose to prolong my Erasmus stay. I am excited to be a part of the many incredible changes taking place in Poland and I hope to continue my work with local solidarity groups. I believe our contributions make a difference. Overall, my Erasmus+ semester has been the most important semester of my studies thus far. I feel very satisfied with my experience and I would recommend all students to take advantage of this opportunity!