Sanya Raeva
Sending Institution: St. Kliment Ohridski, Bulgaria
Hosting Institution: University of Crete, Department of Philosophical & Social Studies
Period: Spring Semester 2017-2018
My Erasmus Experience 

My Erasmus was once in a lifetime experience, it was like living in a parallel universe. One of the greatest things about doing an Erasmus is that there most probably nobody knows you and you are free from fulfilling any expectations. Another thing is that you meet a lot of different people and you interfere with them. This experience was super useful for me also in professional field because it helped me improve both my English and Greek as well as my communication skills. Currently I am working as an event coordinator and I believe Erasmus had an impact on me taking this decision.

About University of Crete.

Lefteris is a great coordinator, super helpful and calm even with stressed out people like me. Maria Poulopoulou– the greatest language teacher I have ever had… and I’ve had a few. For 2 years in Bulgaria I didn’t manage to learn as much Greek as I did in Rethymno. Prof. Panos Theodorou made me read a book which I am still thinking of. Dr. Vafeas gave me an assignment thanks to which now I know a lot more about the Bulgarian sport achievements. I use the possibility to thank them all!

About the place.

First of all I felt home since the very first moment there. Thank you ESN people for this! I come from Bulgaria and I study in Sofia University, Balkan studies. In Bulgaria I was used to live in a dormitory – small room, in Crete – I lived in a big apartment with balcony twice as big as my room in Sofia, with beach and palm trees right in front of the building.

In Rethymno I felt the very Greek spirit and hospitality everyone in the videos and movies is telling you about. We were singing and drinking in taverns almost every night and it was never ever boring. In Crete I was brave enough to hitchhike without any fear and I definitely don’t regret it.

Crete is the only place where I have seen more beautiful views than in my dreams.

There are at least 3 more things that I have never done before going there but I would like to keep them for myself. Go there and discover yours! 

About the people.

Rethymno was the place where I managed to found a girl gang. It was the first time in my life when I was able to communicate with the same girls during more than one week not because I was obliged to but because I wanted to. This feeling, guys, I cannot explain. Other Erasmus people found “The one” there, who knows… So many different people, so many experience, so much fun… I strongly advise you to take this opportunity. These 5 months were the best time of my life.