ERASMUS: A new experience for me

At the end of my first year of university we got taken into the Rose Theatre and given a slightly different lecture. They pitched the idea of taking a year out of University to dance in another country. Having already had a gap year I was apprehensive about the age I would graduate at, and if it would benefit me in the long run- not to mention financial implications.

Regardless, I sent through my application and references and was called back for an interview, set for early this month. We spoke through finance, location, the course alongside many other details. The more I spoke about it; the more excited I became thinking about different networking I could attain. With more tutor-contact time my technique would flourish (something I need to develop to be part of the competitive industry). I spent my summer weighing up the pros and cons of an opportunity; before even knowing the result.

Pros

Erasmus pay a non-refundable monthly fee to go towards living costs.

Experience of living on my own in another country for the first time.

Different styles of teaching and culture.

Chance to pick up a new language.

Something different to help my CV stand out

Independence

Travelling opportunities

Extra credits

Cons

Graduating away from my friends

Dissertation with dances you do not know

Graduating older- 23

Extra year of tuition fees

Extra year to wait before my masters

Unsure if I would ever settle in the place

Not being able to understand the students/language barrier

Extra credits are not awarded towards the degree.

The pro and con list will vary from personality to personality. Personally, I love to take a risk and if worst comes to worse I will learn from the experience and continue through life. So I went to the interview.

During the interview one of my lectures asked how I would document the experience I could potentially go through. Here, the idea of a blog came about so I can share with the University and other students in a similar position, as well as having a portfolio to look back at my development. Straight after the interview, I set up my website and started thinking about potential blog posts. My first one being on the outcome.

Yesterday, my friend got an email on her outcome to the ERASMUS programme to her personal email account. I kept checking mine but had none come through. All through my commercial class my mind was somewhere else and it was hard to concentrate. Like I do with everything, I had to dance away my troubles. I tried to forget about the email and focus primarily on my moves and emotion behind them.

This was a moment I realised how much I wanted the opportunity by knowing I probably did not get offered the chance. The only thing I could do was to put all my energy into second year and take all opportunities I could to get a foot into the dance world. Maybe after University I could study in another country. With the BREXIT result we do not know how much longer ERASMUS will be running for. It would be as similar as I could make it.

Between the two classes, I thought to check my University account. I had an email.

I GOT IN. I had been offered either Malta or Bratislava. Both different countries with varying cultures. I was so fortunate to get through and also have the choice of country. Now I felt more confident in the direction of my career and chances of getting into a MA course.

(Further details will be discussed and finalised in January, with a blog post to go with it.)

From this experience I am glad that I have put myself forward for more opportunities no matter how scary. First Year, I played safe and was kicking myself at the end of the year feeling I accomplished nothing. Now I can say I have done something through the University.

Put yourself out there, even if you do not succeed first time you are bound to eventually. What is meant to be will become with the backing of hard, focused work.

I will continue this blog with interview and audition prep, as well as my personal life and tips.

Any requests please get in touch.