en

Services

Belgium’s leading employers trust us to deliver fast, efficient hiring solutions that are tailored to their exact requirements. Browse our range of bespoke services and resources

Read more

About Robert Walters Belgium

For us, recruitment is more than just a job. We understand that behind every opportunity is the chance to make a difference to people’s lives

Learn more

Work for us

Our people are the difference. Hear stories from our people to learn more about a career at Robert Walters Belgium

Learn more
Jobs

Our industry specialists will listen to your aspirations and share your story with Belgium’s most prestigious organisations. Together, let’s write the next chapter of your career.

See all jobs
Candidates

Together, we’ll map out career-defining, life-changing pathways to achieve your career ambitions. Browse our range of services, advice, and resources.

Learn more
Services

Belgium’s leading employers trust us to deliver fast, efficient hiring solutions that are tailored to their exact requirements. Browse our range of bespoke services and resources

Read more
About Robert Walters Belgium

For us, recruitment is more than just a job. We understand that behind every opportunity is the chance to make a difference to people’s lives

Learn more

Work for us

Our people are the difference. Hear stories from our people to learn more about a career at Robert Walters Belgium

Learn more

What is the value of an Erasmus experience?

Did you also see fellow students leaving on Erasmus exchange recently with raving enthusiasm? Maybe you regret not going yourself. However, an exchange project abroad offers many advantages that will last you a lifetime, according to Robert Walters. Want to bet that after reading this article you will apply for the next semester?

Your further career

Employers are not consciously looking for candidates who have participated in an Erasmus programme. But when a recruiter comes across a candidate who has, you know he or she might have assets that someone else does not. After all, Erasmus students have been introduced to a very different culture, and have undoubtedly gained additional skills as a result.

Erasmus students find jobs faster

This is also clear from a study by the European Commission, which shows that 80% of students who went on Erasmus found a job within three months. In addition, 70% of Erasmus students say they are better able to orientate themselves and make a better job choice thanks to their Erasmus experience. Moreover, almost three quarters say that they found their first job just because they went on an Erasmus course.

Study abroad opportunities

But there are other benefits to an Erasmus experience. Candidates not only find work faster, it also helps them enrich their CV. Even if you have the same diploma as a fellow candidate, an Erasmus experience provides what the other is missing. You can also learn a lot on a relational and professional level. Moreover, many schools offer the possibility of doing a work placement abroad. That too is an extraordinary opportunity to broaden your mind and train your skills.

Out of your comfort zone

Being an Erasmus student also takes you out of your comfort zone. You do things you wouldn't normally do, which is positive. This way, you automatically get to know new people and cultures, giving you a different and broader view of the world.In addition, you get the opportunity to learn or improve a foreign language and sharpen your own curiosity. These are also skills that fit well on anyone's CV.

In short, it makes you more independent and social. No wonder, then, that a semester is even strongly recommended or compulsory in some schools.

 

Yet there are also some downsides to an Erasmus semester. Some students encounter financial constraints. Surely there are some administrative arrangements involved. Agreements have to be reached between different schools in different countries, and this causes the necessary paperwork.  If you are a real homebody, or very homesick when you travel, an Erasmus semester might not suit you as well.

Freedom of mind

But overall, it is a good idea to move abroad during your student time. It offers so many advantages, and you can feel comfortable using it on your CV or during a job interview. You have a certain freedom of mind. For some jobs, that can be an important asset. 

Have you missed your chance this semester and are still in doubt? Then be sure to ask fellow students who have been on an Erasmus exchange in the past or are currently on one. Who knows, maybe you will be at the top of the list for next semester.

 

Find out more

Visit our graduates page and find out how we can help you get your career off to a flying start. Ever thought about a career in recruitment? We would be happy to explain exactly what the job of recruitment consultant entails.

Share this article

Related Solutions

Sign up for job alerts
Salary Survey
Career Advice
Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialist recruitment consultants

Related content

View All
Combining study and work? This is how to do it!

Combining work and studying is no easy task. Besides performing at work, you also have to make sure you get good grades. However, there are also advantages to combining working and studying, especially when your job is in line with your education. For example, if you study economics, a student job i

Read More
How to create a plan for your career

A succinct, detailed career plan can be used to identify where you currently are, where you want to be and how to get there. No idea how to start? Here are five key steps to follow when creating your own career plan. Step 1: Who am I? Think about what you want to do and how your personality, values,

Read More

I'm Robert Walters Are you?

Come join our global team of creative thinkers, problem solvers and game changers. We offer accelerated career progression, a dynamic culture and expert training.