Erasmus+ Buddy

This school year I am an Erasmus Buddy together with several other students from my department. This means we guide Erasmus students at Fontys Lerarenopleiding Tilburg. Especially during their first couple days in Tilburg we help them get acquainted to the Netherlands, Tilburg and Fontys. On their first day on campus the buddies give all new students a tour around the main building where they will follow their courses and on the day after they get a city tour. The first semester we were also their first line of communications when it came down to COVID-19 regulations.

After the first week of their Erasmus study, most internationals will go their own separate way and so do most buddies. I, however, kept close contact to some of the students to ensure they felt free to still ask their questions about anything. (Such as: “Why do Dutch people eat chocolate for breakfast?” and “What does 013 stand for?”). In November we went to de Efteling with some of the Erasmus students. The pinnacle of my childhood and a whole new experience for them. Allowing them to visit something they might not have thought about before studying in Tilburg.

Why do Dutch people eat chocolate for breakfast?

When the first semester came to an end, a majority of Erasmus+ students returned to their home country and a new group of students came to Tilburg. A new cycle of introducing and getting to know, but still, I enjoy helping them settle. And although there is a new group of Erasmus students, it does not mean the first group I helped has seized to exist. I still keep in touch with a handful and wish to visit them sometime in the future.

I think that’s what Erasmus+ is also all about: meeting people from across the continent to see the diversity and similarities between our cultures. And to build friendships that can possibly aid you in your future career.

Left to right: Me, George (England), Tabitha & Erin (Scotland)