Ever since I first learned about the Erasmus exchange program, I have been eager to embark on this journey. I believe that participating in the program offers a unique and transformative experience for students. I had the incredible opportunity to pursue a self-organized nursing traineeship at the University of Sassari on the beautiful Mediterranean island of Sardinia, Italy. As an aspiring nurse, my Erasmus traineeship provided me with an invaluable chance to apply my theoretical knowledge in the real world. Not only did I gain hands-on experience, but I also benefited from working in diverse healthcare environments, collaborating with professionals from different backgrounds, and connecting with patients from all walks of life. For those considering an exchange — whether for studies or a traineeship — I will detail my experiences and insights from this journey in the hope of guiding and inspiring other students to step out of their comfort zones and seize the opportunity when it arises.
The University of Pécs has many partnerships with other institutions for students to complete their studies or traineeships. However, these options are not available during the summer. For students who do not want to do an exchange during the academic year, don’t be disheartened. With some hard work, patience, and thorough research, it is still possible to make your study abroad dreams come true. Having participated in a self-organized summer traineeship, I had to find a host institution willing to take me in during the approved period, which, for me, was two months. I won’t sugarcoat the process — it was long and tedious, with many rejection emails from the institutions I contacted. It is crucial to start your search early, months before your planned internship, to give yourself ample time to send inquiries and contact universities or organizations of interest. When exploring opportunities, consider the location carefully, as this will help you plan for finances, transportation, and the lifestyle associated with the move. If your home university provides funding (as was the case here), be sure to mention this in your email, as many institutions are more likely to accept students who can personally cover the costs.
When it comes to affordability, I found that being affiliated with a university, especially for an internship, is far more beneficial than finding an independent company or organization. Many countries offer discounts and deals for students, particularly in areas like transportation and accommodation, which was the case in Sassari. This made moving around the city and its surrounding areas quite affordable. Additionally, there is a wide range of accommodation options available, catering to various budgets, from low to high price ranges depending on preference. Sassari was on the more affordable side, as it is not as popular a destination as major Italian cities like Rome or Milan. Groceries are fairly affordable, with many budget-friendly options like Lidl and Eurospin. One of the aspects I enjoyed most about living by the seaside was the fresh seafood. As for Italian cuisine, it certainly lived up to its reputation; the food was consistently delicious. Furthermore, while the nightlife may not be as bustling as in larger cities, it still has a lot of charm, with many bars and restaurants to choose from.
Working at the university hospital was an incredibly insightful experience. It is important to keep in mind the language requirements of the host institution. Fortunately, I was able to complete my traineeship in English, as there were English-speaking nurse mentors available to support us. Looking back, I would have loved to improve my Italian before making the move, but time was limited since I was only notified of my internship acceptance about a month before the Erasmus application deadline. Despite the language barrier, I was still able to manage with my limited Italian, and my nurse tutor was very kind and accommodating. Since Sardinia is a tourist hotspot, I also had the opportunity to interact with foreign patients and assist in their care. Putting yourself in an unfamiliar situation encourages you to become a confident, compassionate, and adaptable person — qualities that are essential for a nurse to embody. Not only did I hone my technical skills, but I also strengthened my interpersonal abilities.
My favorite part of the mobility was the cultural immersion. I was incredibly fortunate to have my internship in what felt like paradise—both in appearance and ambiance. I am grateful to ESN Sassari for organizing events like the beach potluck and the boat party, which allowed me to connect with other students who had been there over the past two semesters. Moving to a foreign country where you don’t know anyone can be daunting, but it’s the people you meet along the way that make the experience truly worthwhile. Not to mention the beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes the island offered. My nursing traineeship was more than just a step for career growth; it broadened my perspective on the world and on myself. My advice to students considering an exchange is to seize the opportunity despite any fears or doubts. You never know where the path may lead, and you could create memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Roselle Torres
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