By Ahmad Azrul Afeze Ahmad Rosdi and Assoc Prof Dr Nor Aniza Ahmad

Studying abroad is not just about education. It is about transformation. A transformation that changes the way one views new cultures, ideas, and perspectives.

Through the ERASMUS+ Programme, two postgraduate students from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) were given the invaluable opportunity to spend three months at the University of Seville, Spain.

The ERASMUS+ Programme is the European Union’s flagship programme for education, training, youth, and sport. It aims to support the mobility of students, staff, and educators, and to promote international collaboration and intercultural understanding.

Guided by two dedicated supervisors, this journey from May to July was filled with learning, discovery, and personal growth. What began as an academic attachment quickly became a transformative chapter, offering lessons that extended far beyond the classroom.

Invaluable European academic experience

The University of Seville, located in the vibrant region of Andalucía, served as the academic home for the UPM students during the programme. Known for its historical legacy and international outlook, the institution provided a nurturing environment for scholarly engagement and development.

Under the guidance of the local professor, Prof Maria Jose Lera Rodriguez, the students were immersed in academic discussions, research activities, and knowledge-sharing sessions that significantly contributed to their academic growth.

Moreover, learning directly from one of the host university’s renowned professors enabled the participants to broaden their theoretical perspectives and strengthen their research methodologies.

The students also had the privilege to participate in an international academic conference such as the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS) Conference where they were able to learn about the research done by fellow scholars from across Europe and beyond. Engaging with academics from various disciplines and backgrounds provided valuable feedback and fostered an appreciation for diverse research approaches.

This experience greatly boosted their confidence and competence in navigating academic discourse at an international level.

Another key highlight of the ERASMUS+ journey was the participation in an international seminar tailored for ERASMUS+ students.

The seminar brought together students from countries such as Sweden, Norway, Spain and Finland, forming a vibrant mosaic of ideas, cultures, and perspectives.

Throughout the sessions, participants explored themes such as intercultural collaboration, sustainable development, and the role of youth in global transformation.

These discussions emphasised shared global challenges while celebrating the uniqueness of each participant’s cultural and academic context. The Malaysian representatives were able to contribute by sharing insights from their own country while learning from the experiences of others.

This multicultural platform fostered friendships, encouraged intellectual exchange, and highlight the importance of open-mindedness in a rapidly globalising world.

It became clear to the participants that beyond academic credentials, the true value of such programmes lies in the relationships built and the mutual understanding achieved.

Learning beyond the classroom

Outside the formal academic setting, Seville offered a rich and dynamic environment for experiential learning. From the moment the students arrived, they were welcomed into a city steeped in history, art and tradition.

Whether wandering through the gothic architecture of Seville Cathedral or experiencing the passion of flamenco music in local plazas, every moment served as a cultural lesson.

Through daily interactions, they gradually adapted to the Spanish way of life, learning not just academic content but also the Spanish language, customs, and social etiquette.

While language barriers initially posed a challenge, perseverance and practice helped them build confidence in basic communication.

The learning extended beyond textbooks, as the students picked up phrases through conversations with locals, market visits, and public transportation experiences.

The ERASMUS+ participants also had the chance to introduce Malaysian culture to their peers, proudly sharing traditional attire, cuisine, and national celebrations.

These moments of cultural exchange were among the most cherished, serving as a bridge that connected diverse backgrounds and fostered a sense of global belonging.

From Seville to self-discovery

Beyond academic growth and cultural appreciation, the ERASMUS+ Programme had a profound impact on the students’ personal development.

Living and studying in a foreign country required them to adapt quickly, communicate effectively, and manage their time independently.

These experiences strengthened their resilience, problem-solving abilities, and emotional intelligence, qualities essential not only for postgraduate success but also for leadership in professional settings.

They returned home with sharpened research skills, better clarity in academic direction, and a broader network of contacts that may benefit their future collaborations and scholarly pursuits.

The exchange also planted seeds of ambition, with some students expressing interest in pursuing further academic opportunities or research fellowships abroad.

This journey empowered them to become more confident, globally aware, and academically competent postgraduate students.

It also inspired them to become ambassadors for internationalisation within their home institution, encouraging peers to seek similar opportunities.

An unforgettable journey

The success of this ERASMUS+ journey would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of UPM and the University of Seville, as well as the dedicated supervisors who supported the students throughout the experience.

Their mentorship, guidance and encouragement were instrumental in ensuring the programme’s impact extended beyond academics. As the students concluded their three-month journey, they expressed deep gratitude for the life-changing opportunity.

What they brought back with them was not just academic knowledge, but a wealth of cross-cultural experiences, international friendships, and a renewed vision for their academic and personal futures.

Their reflections clearly demonstrate that ERASMUS+ is more than just a mobility programme; it is a transformative platform that shapes individuals into global citizens-capable of contributing meaningfully to society, bridging cultural divides, and inspiring others to dream beyond borders.

As Malaysia continues to strengthen its ties with international partners, stories such as these serve as powerful reminders of the value of academic mobility and global education.

While the students’ journey abroad may have concluded, their role as changemakers is only just beginning.

-- BERNAMA

Assoc Prof Dr Nor Aniza Ahmad is the Deputy Dean (Postgraduate Studies and International Affairs), Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Ahmad Azrul Afeze Ahmad Rosdi is a doctoral student in Educational Psychology at the Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, and is currently on the ERASMUS+ Programme at the University of Seville, Spain.