I spent a year in France – and even got a job as a nanny
ELIZABETH Maitland spent a year in France as part of her three-year history degree at Cardiff University. This was made affordable by taking part in the Erasmus+ scheme.
The 22-year-old, from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, went to university in Nantes from September 2015 until June 2016.
As this was her second year, she kept her degree to three years. She says: ‘Under the Erasmus+
scheme, I had my tuition fees capped at 15 per cent (around £1,350), and the fees were covered by my tuition loan. In addition, I received a maintenance grant as well as an Erasmus grant of around €300 a month.’
Elizabeth had to complete a lot of paperwork – including opening a French bank account. She says: ‘I needed a local account so my housing benefit – known as CAF – could be paid in. This money really helped as rather than paying €270 a month for my halls of residence, I only had to pay €150.’
Elizabeth took a number of steps to keep down her living costs, such as buying a monthly travel card for the trams and buses, shopping at the local supermarket for food, and only going out once a week. She says: ‘I was sensible with my budgeting and made extra money by working as a nanny for a French family. Indeed, I was able to make savings during my year in France.’
Elizabeth took out a medical insurance policy offered by Cardiff University, and also an EHIC – a free European Health Insurance Card. She bought contents insurance for her belongings, costing around €50 for the year. She adds: ‘During my time abroad, I met people from different backgrounds, experienced student life in France – and became a good French speaker. My confidence has dramatically improved.’
Elizabeth graduated in July this year and is currently based in Colombia, South America, doing a oneyear language assistant programme run by the British Council.