ERASMUS CHANGING LIVES OPENING MINDS fOR 25 YEARS

Maria
Kaliambou
‘Erasmus changed my life’
Home institution:
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki,
Greece
Host institution:
Ludwig-Maximilians-University of
Munich, Germany
Field of study:
Archaeology/Folklore Studies
Duration:
6 months (1995)
An Erasmus exchange helped Maria Kaliambou to identify the area of study for
her doctoral studies. In Germany ‘I was able to find a department which offered
training that did not exist at home. This led to my return to Germany once I had
completed my first degree in Greece.’ Following her doctorate which was
awarded the Lutz Röhrich prize in 2006 for the best German dissertation in
oral literature, she completed post-doctoral research in France. She subsequently
moved to the USA to complete a Fellowship at Princeton University and
now holds a lectureship position at Yale University. ‘It is no exaggeration to
say Erasmus changed my life.’
In her current role, she has worked with many students who are considering
studying abroad. ‘I am able to convey to the next generation that the personal
and professional benefits from an academic exchange programme can last
a lifetime.’ The Erasmus experience also strengthened her understanding of
European perspectives, an insight that is useful as she is often asked to speak
to students about Europe.
As well as the professional side of the exchange programme, there was a lot
of personal learning. ‘When I returned I felt like a different person. I don’t think
everybody can get through the challenges of being abroad alone, lacking the
safety of the familiar environment. To live and study abroad, and of course be
successful, requires a very conscious decision, even if at the beginning you do
not know where you are heading. During this journey one learns to have faith,
patience and perseverance.’
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