The 2 millionth Erasmus student 
Signing up for sign language
Kate's video will appear here
Ms. Kate Samways: Erasmus placement mobility from Cardiff University, United Kingdom, to "2isa" IT Training Centre for Physically Disabled Adults, France, and continued Erasmus study mobility to Ca' Foscari University in Venice, Italy From rural France to the bustling Venice art scene, Kate Samways, a 21-year old undergraduate studying to become a language teacher at Cardiff University, spent a year expanding her horizons with Erasmus.
"I started my Erasmus in Millau, a sleepy town in the South of France, as an English language assistant at 2isa, an IT institute for physically disabled adults. Having never taught before, I found the experience very stimulating. I learnt the importance of patience and of making the class fun. Marking the final English exams of my trainees and noticing the progress they had made was really inspiring. I got to know many of them very well over the six months I worked at the centre and performed some English and French songs with them at the 2isa Christmas meal.
The next six months I spent in Venice, learning Italian and falling in love with the city. I tried out new subjects at the Ca’ Foscari University, including Italian linguistics and Italian sign language - that was taught completely in silence and required a lot of patience. I found three partners, who taught me a lot of Italian and a little about the youth culture in Venice. I also found work as a critic for an internet art magazine and went to see performances, attended after-show parties and interviewed artists – which for a 21-year old student from Cardiff was an exhilarating experience. In my spare time I took singing lessons from a professional opera singer, worked part-time in a lively smoothie bar and sampled the local cuisine.
I think I derived so much from this Erasmus year because I was my own in two places that were so different to my home. I believe the greatest aspect of Erasmus is that it allows you to expand your horizons. The rest just falls into place by itself."
Kate Samways (United Kingdom) was selected as the 2 000 000th Erasmus student because she integrated well in both places she went to, socially, academically and professionally.
