My name is Lisa Reddy, and I am currently in the final year of Commerce International with German here at Cork University Business School (CUBS) at University College Cork (UCC).
In August, I finished up my year-long Erasmus at Universität Konstanz, in Germany. Even as I write this, I cannot believe it is over. I remember visiting the open day at UCC when I was only 16 and speaking with the final years in Commerce International. I knew from that day that this would be the path for me, and I have no regrets.
The Erasmus experience gave me more opportunities than I could have ever imagined. I was able to grow and develop, both academically and personally. The academic facilities in at Universität Konstanz allowed to me to enhance my German skills, through classes such as Deutsch mit Filmen und Deutsch für Wirtschaft. My classes were not only insightful, but it was also incredibly enjoyable to practice my German language skills in this environment.
My time in Konstanz allowed me to broaden my horizons in more ways than one. I met exceptional people that I otherwise may never have crossed paths with. Some I even managed to form life-long friendships with. It was of course challenging being so far from home and away from my family and friends but by the end, Konstanz really did feel like a second home. I know now that no matter where my future career takes me, I will be able to adapt to my surroundings and form meaningful and professional relationships with those around me.
During my Erasmus, I was also fortunate enough to tick a few items off the bucket list, such as visiting Berlin and seeing the Brandenburg Gate, or visiting Oktoberfest with my course friends, along with many other unforgettable trips and exhibitions. Being able to delve into my cultural surroundings like this, has been extremely beneficial to my German language as well as personal development. I finally felt as if all the hard work I had put into learning the language could finally be put to use.
Living abroad has massively improved my self-confidence and independence. I am extremely proud of how I navigated my time there, whilst also handling the challenges that were thrown my way. Although it is daunting, and at times it may feel like you are so far from home, I would not trade my Erasmus experience for anything. I learned so much about myself in the short period of time I was there, whilst also improving my education. This level of not only academic, but cultural education, I know will stay with me for years to come.
My best piece of advice to anyone embarking on Erasmus, is to engage with the Digital Badge that UCC offers. This programme allowed me to reflect on my experiences and stay grounded in my experience, whilst also developing my digital media skills. It allowed me a safe space and somewhere to go when I was feeling homesick. For that I must thank Siobhan Mortell for her support and guidance.
A big thank you to both Cork University Business School at University College Cork and Universität Konstanz for making my Erasmus experience even better than 16 year old me could have ever imagined.
If you'd like to learn more about Commerce International at Cork University Business School (CUBS) at University College Cork (UCC), you can visit the programme page here.