.svg)
Sending higher education institution and its country: Universidade do Mindelo, Cabo Verde
Receiving higher education institution and its country: Daugavpils Universitāte
Field of study: Languages and Business Relationships
Length of mobility period: 5 months
Name and surname: Melissa Linda Scotton
Hi, I’m Melissa and I’m from Cabo Verde. The reason I decided to participate in the Erasmus programme was the desire to learn about another country, acquire new skills, step out of my comfort zone, and become more independent and confident.
My academic gains now are stronger presentation skills, multilingual proficiency, and enhanced critical thinking. As personal gains, I increased my self-confidence, resilience, and adaptability, expanded my mindset, and gained a stronger sense of purpose, and, to be honest, I wasn’t expecting this much as personal gains, but I’m very satisfied with it. The most significant experiences were in the dormitory, it’s my first time and well…living with another person whom you know so little about, but still be able to grow closer and get along well. Sharing the kitchen with 16 other people was something very different and not always so easy to do, as well as trying to get along with all the people in general and to accept that not everyone has to like you and be ok with it.
I can give advice for some situations that I personally experienced; the part of adaptation can be tough – it all depends on how you manage your thoughts – but you can go and explore the city (or cities nearby) and try to feel more connected, try to make friends and participate in all the activities that the university organizes for Erasmus+ students, they were amazing, it can really change your stay and relieve you somewhat from homesickness; for a person who comes from a tropical country, the cold is the real challenge so try to wear warm clothes.
And last but not least, don’t worry if the people are cold toward you at first; that’s their way of being, so don’t take it to heart.
