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“Studying in Austria through Erasmus+ showed me that nothing was impossible. Coming from a family with not a lot of money, receiving the scholarship made me realise that I could achieve my dreams. Now, three years later, it has helped me get a good job.”

— Delvick Pizarro

For Delvick and many others, the Erasmus+ experience proved to be a life-changing journey. At the recent “Global journeys, shared futures” event in Bogotá, alumni from across Latin America gathered to share how Erasmus+ opened doors, built confidence, and inspired them to give back.

Overcoming fears, building independence

“Going away from home, leaving friends, leaving family, speaking a new language, meeting new people… I thought it was impossible. But right now, I can tell the little Eliana we did it!”

— Eliana Quiñonez

Eliana’s story is one of courage and perseverance. Like many participants, she faced the daunting prospect of leaving everything familiar behind. Through Erasmus+, she discovered new strengths and a sense of achievement that continues to shape her life.

Christopher Afú Méndez echoed this transformation:

“It was an amazing experience travelling to different countries in the European Union… I encourage others to apply for these kinds of programmes because it’s an amazing experience. It will change your life!”

Expanding horizons and giving back

“Living in Spain is an experience that truly transformed my life. I didn’t just learn a new language – I learned a new way of seeing life. It gave me confidence, independence and friends from all over the world. After coming back to Brazil I felt the spirit to create opportunities for other students, and now I’m part of an OCEANS and Erasmus+ funded development project to support students from urban centres.”

— Pedro Moreira

Pedro’s journey illustrates how Erasmus+ alumni often become changemakers, using their experiences to support others and strengthen their communities.

Making Erasmus+ accessible to all

“People used to think that Erasmus was just for rich people, for brilliant minds, and it’s really not. There’s something for everyone, for every country, for every kind of practice. So don’t hesitate on searching!”

— Sofia Chaves

Sofia’s words challenge common misconceptions and encourage students from all backgrounds to seize the opportunity. Paula Ocharan highlighted the importance of practical support:

“We are waiting for policymakers to grant small amounts of money so we can support students with visa processes before, during and after their mobility experience.”

Laura Velasco Zapata found support through student networks:

“When I arrived in Sweden I met ESN, and that changed my whole perspective. It made my experience so much better and I ended up going to Sweden again and joining another ESN section.”

Alumni as Ambassadors and Mentors

“For me, the best tool to engage more people in Erasmus+ is to share everything I’ve done in my time in Germany, all the things I learned, the fun I had with my friends and the opportunities that came after I did my Erasmus.”

— Edwin Santiago Laguna Murillo

Many alumni now act as advocates, sharing their stories to inspire others. Elizabeth Pellecer Rivera is helping to form the Association of Alumni for Guatemala:

“Doing my master’s through Erasmus+ was a life-changing experience. Now, as we are in the process of forming the Association of Alumni for Guatemala, our goal is to share these programmes so others can have the opportunity to study, have cultural exchange and also strengthen the bridges between Europe and Latin America.”

Martina Bo, Liaison Officer for the Americas, summed up the collective spirit:

“I am part of the Erasmus generation – united in diversity and not afraid to take a leap into the unknown. We enrich society through international mobility and create bridges between Latin America, the Caribbean and the EU. Join this movement: go on Erasmus, because once Erasmus, always Erasmus!”

Looking forward

Inspired by each other’s journeys, participants left the event determined to expand Erasmus+ opportunities, mentor prospective students and use their voices to reach even more young people. Their stories highlight the role alumni can play in building a more connected and supportive Erasmus+ community across Latin America, as well as the power of international exchange to transform lives and communities.
 

Bogotá, Colombia
Edited by the Erasmus+ Support Service Team