Why Mini-Erasmus?

I decided to write this article about the project MiniErasmus (Euroschool) for a simple reason. I feel, it is needed to make the highest knowledge about this possibility among young studying Slovaks as possible.

I participated in the first round of this project in Banská Bystrica - Matej Bel University. It was absolute beginning of something new, what has never been before here in Slovakia. Because the project was still in its infancy, some things surprised me, some of them disappointed me. Simply, it was not what I hoped-for. And so I told myself: „ They must show me something more and better! “I applied for another opportunity but now to our capital city Bratislava- Comenius University, faculty of social and economic sciences. It was the second round of Mini-Erasmus, where they directly familiarize me with the whole study of that kind of faculty. A dean gave us the info about what majors I can choose from, what entrance criteria are and what chances after the graduation I have, etc...  


The introduction was well organized, short and simple. A student has possibility to feel the atmosphere of lectures, to see how it goes at the university, to ask a lot of precious and needful information right from competent people and undergraduates. Even though, I must say that lectures and short time of the stay do not give a straight answer what to study afterwards, but this stay gives very big view about universities. Moreover, a student gains new perceptions, views, he orientates more easily and it shows him a loads of opportunities such as: study abroad, how to involve in youth projects, start-ups and other events.        
There were 4 full- charged days, where we have never get bored. Amazing people from organizing team prepared many interactive activities for us. We learnt about organizations which work for youth to be better prepared in the future. They showed us in workshop forms and presentations how they operate, what they offer and how we can get involved in. Those are e.g.: ESN Slovakia, AZU, Lead Up, AIESEC...Furthermore, we discussed with very motivating, successful people who told us their interesting life stories. However, what I appreciate mostly is, that I gained good friends, worth contacts and information relating to human resources and got to know another piece of Slovakia- Bratislava. The division to small groups with a tutor was also very effective. The tutor took care of us during the whole period of the project, he was indulgent, friendly, helpful and a student could talk closer with him about everything, what he needed to know.         Mini-Erasmus has opened me another doors, where I can walk and evolve henceforward. It is not the name of the project, but inspiring people from complete organization team who pushed me even more to carry out, be active and do something for our homeland, for what I would like to say thank you. I see that when a person wants, he has a will and is assertive, he can achieve huge things. Matúš Jarolín, very nice founder and president of the project, is a proof of that kind of person.        Mini-Erasmus is still at the beginning, but as I see now, with what enthusiasm the team approaches to that and what quality it reaches already, I am certain that this project will not be just the matter of talk but something bigger and it will achieve great success and exceed our borders of Slovak Republic.        So dear students of high schools, I would just tell you, if you want experience what I have done already, go for it! You will have a great week at minimal cost.

Mária MancováParticipant of Mini-Erasmus, Grammar School, Sučany