Mario K. Zerafa, a fourth year student following the B.Ed (Hons.) course specialising in Primary Education, spent an Erasmus experience in Stramillis College at the University of Belfast, Ireland, as part of the Socrates programme.
Three hundred Socrates Erasmus placements of this kind are available for 2002/2003 in different academic disciplines. This is how Mario, who was one of four local students (the others were Mark Azzopardi, Frances Grech and Silvio Sultana) described his Erasmus Exchange experience :
"I applied for the Erasmus exchange as it presented a challenge for my academic curriculum. This took me to the island of Ireland, namely Stranmillis College, Queens University of Belfast."
"Looking back, I can now appreciate what a great experience it was and how much I have learnt from it. Teaching practice is already quite a challenge for B.Ed students who undertake the feat in a local school. However studying and working abroad has encouraged me to tackle professional issues from a different perspective.
"Having taken over a classroom in Carrick Fergus Central in Ireland and managing to achieve my goals as well as obtaining good results and adapting to the Irish system was a unique experience. It made me view the world, especially Europe, from a different point of view.
"As a future teacher, I feel that I am competent enough to be accepted as a professional in different parts of Europe. This experience made me appreciate more the fact that I am studying at the University of Malta, as now I realise, more than ever, that I am receiving an international level of education that could be used in order to earn a living and build a professional career in different parts of the world.
"Moreover the Erasmus life experience is one that I will never forget. The great collaborative relationship between higher education students made me understand the true meaning and the various advantages of teamwork. Discussing and planning your work with fellow teachers is something that I will look forward to doing more often.
"Now that I am back, I am still in contact with the students I met overseas. These contacts will continue to be beneficial to me, as I plan to send samples of my dissertation work to receive feedback and evaluation.
"The same can be said about my collaboration with the professional teaching staff at Stranmillis and at the Carrick Fergus Central. So, really, this experience is one that will continue to feed into my professional life!"
For further information contact the Socrates Office on 2340-2204 or visit the Socrates Website: http://socrates. um.edu.mt.