Issue 158

What is an Erasmus year out?

22nd October 2007

Every year Swansea University plays host to over 100 foriegn students of varying disiplines, Amy Nettley takes us through what it's like to be a foriegn student here in Swansea and the ups and downs of trying to fit into British University life.

Do you know what the Erasmus society is? If you do, you are in the minority. Are you even aware that each year the university takes in approx. 150 students from all parts of Europe who study not only languages, but Business, Physics, English, Geography, Engineering, Psychology and the rest! But for them, unlike us, it is not just about the language, it's about the lifestyle, the British principles, the way we compose ourselves. (The Pornstar Party was a shock to most however the Germans seemed rather unfazed by it!)

Us Brits are notoriously closed minded when it comes to languages. We tend to only go abroad to study if we are learning the language. Are we lacking the desire to adopt a new culture? I very much doubt that. So why is it then, that at Freshers Fayre people walked past the Erasmus stand with blank faces, and it was only possible to tempt them over with the help of a Spanish tortilla at which point they asked "so, what do you actually do?"

We saw fear strike in the hearts of freshers when the words 'foreign students' were mentioned, some people just don't want to know. Why ever not!? Dark skinned romantic Italians, to blonde and beautiful Russians who study physics no less. I guess for many people making conversation with a foreign student is a bit daunting, with various doubts about clashing cultures and that ever present language barrier. Yet, in reality, is it really that big of an issue?

It is only when you imagine yourself in their shoes (or be Erasmus yourself) that you realise it takes intelligence, skill and a positive attitude to get anywhere. Imagine sitting in your first lecture you had at uni, before you knew anyone. Now think about how much more difficult it would be if you didn't speak English as a first language, if you couldn't make a joke to break the ice and get chatting, you were even too shy to ask if you are in the right room because you weren't sure how to say it. Wouldn't you just want one person to make the effort and if the first conversation was difficult, to try again? Patronising as it may sound, it has to be said.

What I really want is to open Swansea Uni's eyes to the world of a foreign student. It would be great if by the end of this year everyone reading this could say they had spoken to a foreign student.

For many Erasmus the cultural divide has been the biggest hurdle. Martin, a biology student from France, commented that "It's very strange, I don't understand the girls. I wear two coats and they wear only a skirt," He went on to add that he was shocked by the student nights out, saying the clubs had a 'horny' atmosphere. However he wasn't negative about his experiences so far saying "all the people I have met have been friendly" - does another shot of Tequila - "in France people are sad and miserable."

Andy, a post-grad student who has little contact with foreign students, felt that the attitude towards them was more of 'indifference,' suggesting "have drinking competitions, that'll bring people together," (he then goes on to explain how the film Beerfest shows camaraderie through drinking.) For some however, this isn't the answer. Sandra, who studies English Literature and who is also French, feels that the reason she hasn't met many non-foreign students is because she feels that "to socialise with people you have to drink."

I am aware that many of you reading this are thinking that you do make the effort, and if you do, well done. By chatting to the Erasmus here it is obvious they are happy to be here: they are in a beautiful place with a lot more student activity than they would see at home. The opportunity is there for them to take and you too if you want it.

So what of the Erasmus who are here this year? Well the Erasmus Society has had two socials so far, and both were an excellent success. Siro's bar on the way into town was overrun by mingling 'culture vultures' and many British students who study languages turned up. In the first week, awkward silences were broken by balloon games and in the spirit of being British (and to be a little hypocritical) 50p shots of an Erasmus cocktail were on offer to those who were interested. The following week, after Casino Royale, the Erasmus social was a more laid back affair, allowing new friends to discuss what they had been up to that week.

At Halloween Siro's bar are organising a Halloween party, with a theme yet to be confirmed. There will be games and fantastic prizes for those with the best costumes.

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