ERASMUS CHANGING LIVES OPENING MINDS fOR 25 YEARS

Maria
Hadjimatheou
‘Students return more positive, more confident and more independent’
Home institution:
University of Cyprus
Field of study/job title:
Administrative Assistant in the
Life Long Learning International
Programmes Office, Research and
International Relations Service
Year became active in Erasmus:
1999
Over the past 12 years, Maria Hadjimatheou had heard stories from students
about their time on the Erasmus programme. Working in the University of Cyprus’
Erasmus Office, she had only seen other universities through the internet. When
the opportunity came to apply for an Erasmus training visit she was accepted
and travelled abroad for the first time. Her time in Vienna was ‘unique and unforgettable.
It was a chance to get the same sort of experience that the students
described.’ Her experience has helped her to empathise more with the students.
‘Worrying about being away from my family, feeling strange, feeling insecure,
phoning home to say I had arrived – all the things that the students talk about.’
As so many students from the University of Cyprus live at home while they study,
she realised what a huge change is was for them to live by themselves and organise
their own finances. Having seen this for herself, it gave her a much better
insight into the students’ situation. It also explained why so many students
returned to Cyprus ‘more positive, more confident and more independent.’
Back at the University of Cyprus, she has used the knowledge acquired through
her training visit to help students use the Erasmus on-line enrollment systems and
provide a better service to the university. ‘I have also encouraged other staff to
take part in Erasmus training as it is a unique and unforgettable experience.’
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