During my third and fourth years of university I have the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus programme. Initially, I had no interest in visiting a foreign country for a semester and studying there. However, it is something I think I might quite like to participate in (I was 17 when I started university and still quite immature and had absolutely no interest in the programme when it was first mentioned when I started my course).
On my course I have the opportunity to go to Italy, Denmark or the Netherlands for a semester and study over there. I’m being drawn to Denmark and the Netherlands and having looked at the institutions where I’d be studying I’m giving it even more thought (Italy is a nice place, but I don’t think I’d want to live there for six months).
I think it would be an awesome experience to go and explore these countries and would look fantastic on my CV. Looking at it from a personal, rather than academic viewpoint, I think it would be a character building experience and might just be what I need for myself.
prout de jure 
Hi Oliver – I work on the Erasmus programme at the British Council and genuinely believe it is a great opportunity for students – having studied abroad myself – albeit a long time ago! Students who take part say it is the best time of the their college years – they say they become more mature, independent and open to challenges. They also say it is great fun, get to travel a lot, make lots of new international friends and have something extra to make their CV stand out. Take a look at some of the case studies we are putting together on our website http://www.britishcouncil.org/erasmus-case-studies-divisional-page.htm and also look at some of the photos on the competition photos page http://www.britishcouncil.org/erasmus-photo-competition.htm Also – don’t forget to speak to your institution’s Erasmus co-ordinator who can put you in touch with former Erasmus students at your university. Hope this helps, Jude
I participated in ERASMUS when I was an undergrad and studied in Sweden for a year. It was a fantastic experience and, though character-building at times, I wouldn’t have changed a thing about it. I think I definitely prospered from my time studying abroad and I would actively encourage you to also give it a go, Oliver.