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Erasmus+

EU programme for education, training, youth and sport
Data di pubblicazione:

Eleni Theodorou

Former Erasmus+ student from Greece.

Eleni Theodorou
Paesi:

I recommend Erasmus+ to everyone, especially young Europeans with disabilities like me. It ignites opportunities for the development and inclusion of the next generation of European leaders ─ leaders with diverse experiences and abilities!

When I began my studies, my friends told me about the opportunity to spend a semester abroad with Erasmus+ and I could not wait to take part. It would be my first time living abroad alone, so I wanted to test myself and explore new adventures and academic environments.

During my undergraduate degree at Athens University of Economics and Business, I applied for an exchange semester in Switzerland at the Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Lausanne. While there, I enrolled on economics and political science courses, joined initiatives, and was active in the Erasmus Student Network. I also had the opportunity to travel across Switzerland and discover Swiss culture while making friends with people around the world.

After my semester abroad, I continued my postgraduate studies at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, and then decided to pursue executive education in impact investing at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. These studies shaped my life personally and professionally.

The Erasmus+ programme sparked a new life full of experiences, friendships and international career opportunities. I recommend it to everyone and especially people with disabilities like myself. It is a catalyst for our transition to an inclusive Europe!

Erasmus+ has inspired me to pay it forward and support communities with fewer opportunities. I have pursued a career in the social impact sector, working in international organisations such as the United Nations in Geneva and one of the world's largest multinationals. Erasmus+ shaped me as a leader. I learnt, experienced and explored. This gave me the confidence to shape, create and pursue leadership roles in global organisations and initiatives across Europe.

All in all, Erasmus+ gave me the confidence to lead. The programme inspired the start of my international career and my success in social finance as Director for Philanthropic Relations and Strategy at the We Share Forward Foundation ─ a philanthropic foundation in the Netherlands supporting social entrepreneurs and students.