ERASMUS CHANGING LIVES OPENING MINDS fOR 25 YEARS

Tomás
Sánchez López
‘A new vision of the world’
Home institution:
Polytechnic University of Valencia,
Spain
Host institution:
Helsinki Metropolitan University
of Applied Sciences, Finland
Field of study:
Computer science
Duration:
12 months (2002)
The Erasmus programme formed the final year of Tomás Sánchez López’s master’s
degree. ‘It was easily the best year of my university life, where I exploited
new opportunities that were not available at my home university as well as
making many good friends.’ As well as experiencing new ways of working in
a different culture, the ‘Erasmus year gave me a new vision of the world that
goes beyond my home country and even Europe.’
During the year abroad he applied for a scholarship to complete his PhD in South
Korea. This international experience led to a post-doctoral position at the
University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. Today he has a senior role in the
world-leading engineering and aerospace business EADS. As his work involves
extensive collaboration with universities in Europe, his experience of study in
three countries has been a real advantage. ‘There is no doubt in my mind that
without the initial chance to explore another EU country as an Erasmus student,
I wouldn’t be where I am today, and more importantly, I would not be who I am.’
The Erasmus programme certainly helped him to be more mobile. ‘I think my
international career will continue for some time, but eventually I will want to
return to Spain. In the current financial environment having something on your
curriculum vitae that shows you stand out is a real asset – Erasmus does that.’
26