There’s something strange about knowing you’re about to leave a place that once felt so unfamiliar yet somehow became a version of home. When I first arrived in Limerick as an Erasmus student at MIC, everything felt new, uncertain, and a little overwhelming. Now, as I prepare to say goodbye, I realize just how much this experience has quietly, and profoundly, shaped me.
Studying abroad is often described as an adventure – and it is – but not always in the ways you expect. It’s not just about traveling or ticking places off a list. It’s about the small, in-between moments: the nervous first conversations asking everyone where they are from, the laughter over misunderstandings…
Making new friends was, without a doubt, one of the most meaningful parts of this journey. People from different countries, backgrounds, and cultures came together, each carrying their own stories. Somehow, we found common ground. We shared meals, music, traditions, and pieces of ourselves. Discovering new cultures wasn’t just about seeing something different; it was about seeing things differently. See how someone can be so positive about something, what do they do when they feel bad or sick. Everyone is in the same boat, and everyone is becoming part of my “Erasmus Family”.
And yes, there were moments of embarrassment - plenty of them. Mispronounced words, awkward silences, getting lost, or completely misunderstanding situations. But those moments became stories we laughed about later. They taught me something important: it’s okay to not have everything figured out. In fact, that’s where the growth happens.
One of the biggest lessons I’ll take with me is the courage to try. To dare to do the things that once felt intimidating, whether that was speaking up in a new language, joining a group where I knew no one, or simply stepping outside my comfort zone. Erasmus gives you that push, but more importantly, it shows you that you’re capable of more than you think. Think of studying abroad like a bubble. It’s one of the few times in life where you have the freedom to just go for things without too many responsibilities holding you back. If you wake up and decide you want to go on a hike, explore a new city, discover an island, or just take a train somewhere random, you can. No overthinking and no limits. That sense of spontaneity and freedom is
To future Erasmus students: say yes to everything - you’ll never know what you will discover. Talk to people, even when it feels awkward. Travel when you can, but don’t forget to be present where you are. Embrace the uncomfortable moments, they often become the most valuable ones. And most importantly, allow yourself to change, because you will.
Finally, I want to say thank you to all the friends I met here. Thank you for being there, for sharing these moments, and for opening my mind to new perspectives. I won’t forget what we experienced together or the connection we built. As a great philosopher once said – well, a small yellow bear with a love for honey: “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
Blanche Rocher, France
