Erasmus Dyslexia Project

Hello. My name is Marko and I am a dyslexic student living in France, studying for my Baccalaureate. I am going to study in Norway with Erasmus+ to hopefully gain ideas on how dyslexic students can be better supported.

When I came to France I didn't speak any French and remember feeling so scared on my first day of school. I had an amazing teacher who really supported and encouraged me. I could understand most of the lessons after three months but my reading and writing skills took a lot longer. Eventually I was diagnosed with dyslexia, which was hidden for a long time because French wasn't my first language.

Those who know me well know that it is something I still really struggle with. (I have had to have someone redraft this text for me otherwise there would be many, many mistakes!) It is very difficult working for my Baccalaureate when reading and writing is still difficult for me.

I have been successful in achieving a place on Erasmus+ to study in Norway for a month. The reason I am so keen to experience the Norwegian education system is because they learn in a far more interactive way and their support for dyslexic students is renowned. I want to learn as much as I can about how they improve educational outcomes for dyslexic students so that I can bring those lessons back and share with others. If I can help future students and make their time at school easier, I will be really pleased.

My concern is that while I am studying lessons in a Norwegian school for a month, I will be missing my normal lessons for my Baccalaureate. I will need to take my own equipment to do this work in the evening and so I need to raise funds to buy a tablet. It takes me a lot longer to do my work because of my dyslexia and I cannot afford to fall behind for the month that I am in Norway.

Things have changed a lot and we now realise that dyslexic students can be just as intelligent and achieve just as much as those without dyslexia but we need adaptations and anything that involves reading and writing (so basically most of our schoolwork) is more difficult and takes more time.

Thank you for supporting me. I really hope that I can make a difference for dyslexic students as a result of my time in Norway.

Marko