Study abroad with an Erasmus+ scholarship!
Panna Németh, a second-year student of the Eötvös József College's Kindergarten Training and Pedagogy course, majoring in pre-school education, spent the spring semester of the 2023/2024 academic year at the Partium Christian University in Oradea, Romania.
Oradea (Nagyvárad) is incredibly beautiful, with lots to see and a wide range of activities. The university has a high-quality education, the community is welcoming and everyone is helpful from the very first moment. The Erasmus coordinator is very kind, I can contact her with any questions or requests. I did my pre-school placement in a kindergarten for children with special educational needs (SNI) in a small group at the Bonitas special education centre.
My pre-school placement was not just a compulsory part of the curriculum, but an incredibly formative experience that gave me a lot both professionally and personally. From day one, I felt the warm and welcoming atmosphere at Bonitas. I developed an excellent relationship with my mentor and the kindergarten teachers who worked there, all of whom supported and encouraged me. The children were open, curious and welcoming.
I gained a lot of new knowledge and experience during the placement. I learned about the basics of kindergarten education, how to organize and run daily activities, how to communicate effectively with children and how to deal with conflicts. I also had the opportunity to hold independent sessions, which contributed greatly to my confidence and teaching skills.
I am grateful to the Bonitás nursery team for their kindness, support and patience. I am sure that I will continue to benefit from everything I have learned from them in the future.
I also encourage my fellow students to dare to embark on a study abroad trip! It will be a great adventure, an experience of a lifetime!
Csenge Égi, a second-year student of the Eötvös József College's Teacher Training and Pedagogy course spent the previous semester in Guarda, Portugal, as part of the Erasmus+ program, and it was one of the most formative experiences of her life.
Guarda is a picturesque town at the foot of the Serra da Estrela mountain range, where the closeness to nature is fascinating. The fresh mountain air, the wonderful panoramic views and the hiking experiences all contributed to my total recharging. This period also gave me the opportunity to visit places I had only dreamed of before. I travelled through the beautiful countryside of Portugal, visiting the cities of Porto, Lisbon, Coimbra and exploring the stunning coastline of the Nazaré. A special experience was visiting the enchanting castles of Sintra, where the historical and cultural heritage left me completely enchanted.
One of the greatest gifts of the Erasmus+ program was the many international friends I made. I met students from different countries and made friendships for life. Dinners in the evenings, weekend excursions and studying together have given me a taste of other cultures and customs that have broadened my horizons greatly.
University life was also very inspiring. The professors were supportive and helpful and the classes were exciting and interactive. I learnt a lot, not only about my field but also about different teaching methods and approaches.
All in all, Guarda was not just a place where I learned, but a place where I gained a lot of experiences and friendships. During my time here, I not only gained professional knowledge but also developed as a person. The Erasmus semester in Guarda was one of the best times of my life and I will never forget it.
