Student Erasmus Stories
Maria Zapounidou - MSc in Bioeconomy Law, Regulation and Management
"At the beginning of my MSc studies I still believed I was too old to participate in the Erasmus Exchange Program and that it would be quite difficult to be trained in new skills. However, a travel to the fascinating country of the Netherlands was rather difficult to ignore. So following my application approval by the IHU Erasmus office, I found myself in Leiden University Medical Center, a partner organization in the MSc in Bioeconomy. There, I met extremely friendly people who were willing to assist me with the research at the University as well as suggest me interesting Dutch sights to see during my free time. I had, also, the chance to access laboratories and facilities concerning biotechnology. Despite the fact that this knowledge was not always easily conceivable by me at that time and I doubted my place in there, I finally realized the importance of such state of the art research in this field. The project was about gene therapy for a disease and cystic fibrosis was my choice. It concerned the development of an appropriate protocol for the genetic treatment of cystic fibrosis whereas taking into consideration all the regulatory issues over patients, carriers and the environment that derived from its implementation. The project is still in progress. However, I consider my two-months staying in Leiden one of a kind experience."
Christos Bentsos - MSc in Energy & Finance Visiting scholar for academic research at Cass Business School, London, (UK) - Erasmus + Traineeship Placement 2019 – 2020 Internship at International Maritime Organization (IMO), London, (UK)
"When I concluded my Economic Studies, I decided to attend the MSc in Energy & Finance in order to apply my financial knowledge from my BSc studies, in the energy sector. During my MSc studies, through the coursework I studied the environmental and energy aspect of the shipping industry, mainly due to the new regulation about the shipping fuels from 1st January 2020. I participated in the Erasmus + Placement Program, in order to acquire the experience of working abroad in the IMO and conducting academic research at one of the best universities in shipping finance. I had the opportunity to collaborate with people from all over the world and different backgrounds. I would say that this experience was unique with both positive and negative aspects, but in any case, it was beneficial, and I think that it boosted my academic, as well as my career aspirations."
Georganta Eleni – MSc in Sustainable Agriculture and Business
"During my studies for an MSc in Sustainable Agriculture and Business at the International Hellenic University, I could not miss the opportunity to spend a semester abroad for an Erasmus internship in a multicultural environment. My traineeship took place at the National Institute of Agriculture Research (INRA) in France, one of the biggest research centers in Europe. There, I had the chance to collaborate with successful researchers, practice, gain new skills and participate in the authorship of a scientific paper. This experience loaded me with so much experience and contacts in my field and made me realize what kind of career I would like to pursue in the future. Despite my demanding placement, during my free time, I got familiar with the French way of life and participated in plenty of Erasmus events and trips. The latter gave me the chance to visit new cities and meet new people from every corner on earth. Regarding the application procedure, IHU’s Erasmus office answered all of my questions timely and efficiently since the very beginning. Looking back I am more than thankful for this opportunity. Erasmus+ program broadens your horizons, forms your character and helps reveal hidden parts of yourself. Do not miss this chance out of fear of leaving home, just step out of your comfort zone and you will be rewarded."
Giorgos Argiantopoulos – MA in Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean Studies Erasmus + Traineeship at Karl Franzens University of Graz (2018)
"When I decided to spent the last academic semester of my post graduate studies on Erasmus+ exchange, I was little aware of the privileges and experiences this program can offer. I always wanted to travel abroad, meet new characters, see different places and learn about their culture. In my opinion, as a student of Humanities it was a great opportunity to explore people from all over the world. I was not mistaken. I decided to move to Austria and live in the beautiful city of Graz for almost four months. There, at Karl Franzens University of Graz, I found a very welcoming academic environment and very friendly colleagues. During my internship, I acquired experience in an interesting research programme about Modern History. The working environment was very inspiring and my knowledge was enriched with data from the University's libraries, where I had full access. Apart from the academic assets, the Erasmus+ programme offers the chance to discover yourself and develop confidence and self-reliance. The constant exploration of new stuff makes you reconsider your previous beliefs. New friendships, and distance from your beloved ones will make you either appreciate more what you left back in the home country, or make you think again of what truly matters to you. All in All, the Erasmus+ programme was an amazing experience and highly recommended for every student, who is willing to abandon for a while his/her comfort zone, and have a look at the world."
Elisavet Porlida – MSc in Banking & Finance Kühne Logistics University , Hamburg, (Germany ) - Erasmus + Traineeship Placement 2016 – 17"After completing my Studies in Economics, I decided to begin a Master’s Programme in Banking and Finance at International Hellenic University, a leading institution in Greece. During my studies, I attended career workshops and seminars, organized by IHU's Careers Office, which proved very useful for my future career. After finishing the two required semesters at IHU, I grasped the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus + Placement Program, in order to conduct my Master’s thesis abroad. Thanks to the great support from the Careers Office I was offered a placement at Kühne Logistics University in Hamburg. During the whole mobility, whenever I needed guidance, IHU team responded immediately and provided advice and clarifications. From that placement I benefited enormously, as spending time in an international environment gave me the opportunity not only to improve my communication skills, but also to meet people from all over the world. The environment at the host institution was also very friendly, so there was no moment that I felt uncomfortable. I have to admit, that after the mobility I feel more confident and open-minded. Thus I strongly recommend every student to take advantage of this unique experience!"
Sofia Panidou - MA in Art, Law & Economy
Arts and Gallery Intern at Oxford House, London, (UK) - Erasmus + Traineeship Placement 2015 – 16When I concluded my Law Studies, I decided to begin a Master’s Programme in a unique field of Law that could provide me with specialized knowledge and help me stand out from the crowd. That is why I chose the Master in Art, Law and Economy, as it is the only Master’s Programme in Greece that combines Intellectual Property Law with Arts Management.
During my studies, I always participated in career workshops and seminars, organized by IHU's Career Office, to learn how to create an attractive CV, according to the needs of today's job market.
After my graduation, I took the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus + Placement Program, in order to acquire the experience of working abroad. From that placement I benefited enormously, as it gave me the chance to work with people from all over the world, opened new career opportunities related to my studies and helped me reconsider my values in life. I would characterize this experience as life-changing experience, to such an extent that it will definitely contribute to my future career prospects. IHU's staff was always there for me, before, during and after my mobility, providing support for everything I needed. Everyone should enjoy such a meaningful experience!
Theoni Paschou - MSc in Strategic Product Design Research Assistant in Service Design and Testing, Fraunhofer IAO, Stuttgart (Germany) - Erasmus + Traineeship Placement 2015-16"I have experienced all kinds of Erasmus programs during my studies in Italy, Spain and now in Germany. I wouldn't change any of these experiences. Living, studying and working abroad has many advantages and it forms your character. In August 2015, I went to Germany, Stuttgart so as to write my dissertation in Fraunhofer IAO. It's really important to mention that I met my supervisor during my master’s studies at the International Hellenic University. It is without exaggeration one of the highly ranked Universities in Greece and the Balkans and it offers high quality studies with an international orientation. I also had other job offers in Barcelona and London through IHU's career office but I finally chose the above for the kind of traineeship offered even though I didn't speak a word of German. I didn't allow the German language to be an obstacle in my professional development. I worked hard and the results are to remain as an employee in Fraunhofer, the biggest research institute for applied science in Europe, to learn another foreign language, to meet a lot of people and make new friends. IHU's career office was always at my side and helped me in every way. I thank them and appreciate it! I totally recommend to everyone to leave Greece at least for a couple of months so to get an idea about other cultures and mentalities."
"Fascism is cured by reading and racism is cured by traveling" Miguel de Unamuno
Ioanna Georgiou - MSc in Art, Law & Economy Greek Delegation of UNESCO , Paris (France) - Erasmus + Traineeship Placement 2015-16"After receiving my degree from Law School, it seemed important for me to turn to a Master's degree with great value and perspective, this is why I chose the MA in Art, Law and Economy. Although the Master's Programme is not yet complete, I already find myself benefiting from the knowledge gained by under the guidance of prestigious professors with great accomplishments in their fields as well as practical professional experience. Within the framework of the Master's Programme I was given the opportunity to pursue an internship placement under the Erasmus Plus Programme. After several fruitless attempts to get accepted as an intern, it was the IHU Career Office and its specialized seminars that eventually gave me the necessary guidelines regarding the right construction of a CV, a Cover Letter and generally the best possible presentation of myself in the business world. As a result, I was accepted as an intern at the Greek Delegation of UNESCO and I could not have been more satisfied and grateful for this major opportunity for my career. Therefore, I now believein the prospect of a prosperous future and I am confident that IHU will stand by my side as I progress and provide me with advice and support in any in any of my future ventures."
Michalis Bais - MSc in Energy Systems, Dipl. Electrical & Computer EngineerMECAL IX - Netherlands Erasmus + Traineeship Placement 2014-15When I concluded my Law Studies, I decided to begin a Master’s Programme in a unique field of Law that could provide me with specialized knowledge and help me stand out from the crowd. That is why I chose the Master in Art, Law and Economy, as it is the only Master’s Programme in Greece that combines Intellectual Property Law with Arts Management.
During my studies, I always participated in career workshops and seminars, organized by IHU's Career Office, to learn how to create an attractive CV, according to the needs of today's job market.
After my graduation, I took the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus + Placement Program, in order to acquire the experience of working abroad. From that placement I benefited enormously, as it gave me the chance to work with people from all over the world, opened new career opportunities related to my studies and helped me reconsider my values in life. I would characterize this experience as life-changing experience, to such an extent that it will definitely contribute to my future career prospects. IHU's staff was always there for me, before, during and after my mobility, providing support for everything I needed. Everyone should enjoy such a meaningful experience!
Eleni Pappa - MSc in Strategic Product Design Silberform AG, Stuttgart (Germany) - Erasmus + Traineeship Placement 2014-15“Being able to gain valuable international work experience in a company abroad, before even finishing my studies in Strategic Product Design at the International Hellenic University, is a crucial first step towards a promising career. The IHU Careers Office helped me with its invaluable insights and tips to prepare all the necessary paperwork and to receive significant financial support, which at first was out of the question. Furthermore, I was thrilled to be given this opportunity to spend several months in a German automotive design company, discovering the secrets of famous designers and dealing with real life situations and problems on a global economy scale. With those vital new skills I that gained throughout this journey, I feel more equipped, now that I am a recent graduate, to start assertively my professional career at either the local or international level”.
Ferenia - Maria Karampelia - LLM in Transnational and European Commercial Law Association for International Arbitration, Brussels (Belgium) - Erasmus + Traineeship Placement 2013-14
“The Erasmus placement in Brussels was a great opportunity to experience real, working conditions in a multinational environment, orientate goals and interests, and develop a range of soft skills that future employers deem necessary. The mobility of young graduates, supported by the Erasmus fund, is a project of high value, since it facilitates the entry of students into the competitive job market.”
Eleni Pappa - MSc in Strategic Product Design Kuehne Logistics University, Hamburg (Germany) - Erasmus for Dissertation 2013-14“Spending time in an international environment, such as the Kuehne Logistics University in Hamburg, not only improves your linguistic capabilities and communication skills, but also gives you the once in a lifetime opportunity to spend time with people from all over the world. Therefore, it gives you the competitive advantage so that you can adapt and survive in any environment needed, boosting significantly your employability. Living abroad and on your own builds up your confidence in a way that makes you feel more able to deal with difficult situations and makes you more comfortable in your own skin. This wouldn’t have been realised though, if it hadn’t been for the help and support of the Careers Office people in every step of the selection process. Whenever I needed guidance or had any queries about the country, the accommodation or even the language they were there for me, clarifying every single detail. I believe that applying for an exchange semester was one of the best decisions of my life and I would recommend it definitely to anyone who is willing to take this chance and grab the Erasmus opportunity with both hands”.
Irakleia Palaska – MSc in Management Kühne Logistics University, The KLU, Hamburg (Germany) - Erasmus for Dissertation 2013-14
“Spending one semester working on my dissertation in a foreign country was one of the most challenging decisions I ever took. The International Hellenic University (IHU) through the Erasmus Programme gave me the opportunity to be an international student at Kühne Logistics University (KLU) in Hamburg. But it was just then that one of the most thrilling periods of my life began. Apart from being greatly honored to have Prof. Dr Alan McKinnon as the supervisor of my dissertation, it was an amazing experience to meet students from the USA to China, and Norway to Latin America and experience countless unforgettable moments. To my surprise, integrating myself into the new environment took me only a short while, mainly due to KLU’s staff supportiveness, dedication, and professionalism and the lifelong friends I made there. Any student should not hesitate to try such a valuable experience when all prerequisites are met.”
