Students’ experiences with Erasmus+
Erasmus+ in Canada – Student Story
Meet our student who spent four unforgettable weeks in Calgary, Canada as part of their Erasmus+ experience!
Highlights of the trip? “Our day trips to Drumheller and Banff were amazing. And at school, I even got to act as a zombie in a music video!”
What did I learn? “I discovered new software at school and learned so much about Canadian culture, people, and everyday life outside the classroom.”
How did it change me? “This experience opened my eyes to new possibilities. I’m now seriously considering studying abroad—or even moving there someday!”
Final thoughts? “Exploring new cultures and hearing different perspectives really broadened my view of life.”
Laura’s florist dreams were confirmed in France
”I was in France for a two-week Erasmus+ period. The best memory of the trip is from the bee farm and the all activities together with the group!
I learned how different flower arrangements can be in different cultures: in France they are bigger and more impressive than in Finland. The period confirmed that I’m definitely going to become a florist!
Many things were different in France, for example the school canteen and the everyday rhythm were different – but you get used to everything.”
Our student Miro was on Erasmus+ period in France
”I was in France for a two-week Erasmus period. The best part was getting to know the environment with my friends! And I got to weld for the first time – it was pretty nice!
The breaks and schedules were completely different from Finland – I learned that the cultural differences may be quite visible in everyday life.”
Luovi Vocational College student Minttu in Estonia
”I was in Estonia for a two-week Erasmus+ period. I remember how close the group became, even though we didn’t know each other before. I learned that it’s worth asking for help – you can learn a lot from others!
The period increased my desire to do customer service work and try different tasks in the retail sector. Internationality taught me that everyone has their own standards – they shouldn’t be nullified but rather shared openly.”
Elina’s dream to work abroad
”I was in Denmark for a two-week exchange. The best part was riding the school’s horse and visiting the cowshed – I learned a lot about animal care!
In my free time, I learned about the different eating habits of students and made a friend with whom I still keep in touch.
The period strengthened my interest in working abroad in a cowshed as an animal carer. The internationality opened my eyes to cultural differences – and the party bus was amazing!”
Youth Exchange Week – wall climbing and cultural differences in Finland
”I was at a five-day camp in Virrat. The visitors came from Estonia. The most memorable moment was the wall climbing challenge – I reached the top and grabbed a piece of the puzzle!
What I learned, is that Estonians have a different attitude towards Eurovision than Finns.
Even though some of us didn’t speak English much, it was great to be able to communicate and understand each other. The cultural backgrounds were surprisingly similar.”
Melina gained some courage and new perspectives in Kuresaare
”I was in Kuressaare, Estonia, on a three-week exchange. The best part was meeting new people and seeing new places! I learned to look at the world from new perspectives and gained more courage and self-confidence.
The period encouraged me to try new challenges – abroad or in Finland. I learned that there is no one right way to do things.”
Timi’s tech-focused trip to the Netherlands
”I was in the Netherlands for a 10-day Erasmus+ period as part of the BIDS project. The most memorable moment was a boat trip in the national park – the stunning nature and peaceful atmosphere left a lasting impression.
I learned new things about artificial intelligence technology, the use of drones in work tasks, and criminal investigation from a technology perspective. This opened up a whole new perspective on how technology is utilized in different fields!
I received credit for an English course from the period, and the trip was an eye-opener in many ways – I learned a lot about Europe and European citizens.”
Sanni’s Erasmus+ ecperience in France
”I spent two weeks in France on Erasmus+. The most memorable moment was when I put on a protective suit for beekeeping – it was a completely new experience!
I learned a lot about flower arranging: they use a lot of flowers, leaves and other natural materials. This sparked my interest in becoming a florist even more!
The international experience opened my eyes to the differences in cultures – for example, how the building materials vary: in France, stone houses are common, while in Finland, wooden houses are more common.”
Joona had memorable moments in Portugal
Two unforgettable weeks in Portugal through Erasmus+! One of the most memorable moments was the first morning walk to school — seeing the city for the first time and realizing it would be home for the next couple of weeks.
At school, I learned new things about graphic design and animation and got to know the local study methods and curriculum. During free time, I explored the city and discovered Porto’s rich culture.
The exchange had a truly positive impact: it boosted my motivation in my field and sparked interest in studying and working abroad.
It was amazing to be part of another culture — to see both the differences and similarities compared to what I’m used to, and to talk about them with locals. A truly eye-opening and wonderful experience.
Sammy in Germany
”Last fall I was in Mosbach, Germany, for a two-week Erasmus+ period. I remember from the trip the German cleaning style and food culture – and in my free time I got to take a train trip among the castles!
During the Erasmus+ trip I noticed that I do well abroad, even though there is not always a common language. And you can also go far with English!
The period sparked the idea of applying for a job in Sweden after graduation. The cultures are different, but cooperation is successful when there is a will.”
