Erasmus+ is a life changing programme. There is no longer any doubt about that in Europe. Erasmus+ has revolutionized European higher education and vocational training by promoting mobility, intercultural understanding, and collaboration. Whether it’s students embarking on once in a lifetime adventures, staff improving their skills, or innovative blended programs, Erasmus+ continues to shape the future of education.
In this article, we will give you some practical tips to make the most of your Erasmus+ experience.
Pre-Departure Preparation
1. Research your destination
Culture shock is always one of the points that many ex-Erasmus students highlight. That shock always ends up having a very positive connotation, that of discovering a new place and learning how to adapt to it. But any change requires time to become familiar. The sooner you start researching your destination country and city and start immersing yourself in its culture, the sooner you will be able to take advantage and enjoy the place. Take advantage of the great tool that is the internet nowadays and search for information about local culture, language and customs.
You can also take advantage of the months before your Erasmus to familiarize yourself with your new routine, search on Google Maps what the city is like, how public transport works, what the supermarkets or the most famous restaurants are like, what people do on weekends, If you live your experience with Mundus you can search for where our office is located.
In addition to search engines and maps, it is a good idea to read real experiences and testimonies. And about Erasmus… there are millions! Read blogs, watch videos, join forums/groups about the city.
2. Set clear goals
You should always leave room for improvisation, which always leads to unforgettable things. But it is a good idea to keep in mind a list of a few key objectives that you want to achieve (learn a new language, network, achieve a certain skill…). It is important so that you can later evaluate the experience and see if you have met those goals.
3. Learn the language
Start learning the basics of the local language to help you navigate daily life. In order to do so, you can download free versions of language learning apps, take courses, or join language exchange groups (there are plenty of them even online!).
Engage Academically and Professionally
1. Participate actively in your classes, workshops, mentorships or in your internship
No matter what type of Erasmus experience you are going to live, they all share a common feature: the importance of the training component. Whether you are a teacher attending a training workshop or a student embarking on your first internship abroad, make the most of your learning opportunities with trainers and managers. The chance to become familiar with a work environment of your professional field in another country is truly unique!
2. Seek Out Extra-Curricular Activities
Go beyond your work experience! In addition to learning, try to socialize and meet people with the same personal and professional interests as you. Join clubs, societies, or groups related to your field of study or interest. That is a perfect place to make new friends. You can also get involved in the daily dynamics of your hosting center or company, participate in events and activities organized by them.
3. Internships and Volunteering
Take advantage of the people you meet to ask for advice and plan what you will do when you return. They will be able to help you and give you some ideas. You might look for future internship or volunteer opportunities to gain more practical experience. Another option is to use the Erasmus+ network to find relevant opportunities.
Embrace Cultural Exchange
1. Immerse yourself
Make an effort to meet and interact with locals and build long-lasting relationships with them. To do that, you can attend local events, festivals, and community gatherings. Besides meeting people, try to discover the culture. Try local foods learn about traditions, and visit cultural landmarks.
2. Travel and Explore
Use your time abroad to travel and explore the surrounding areas. You have to discover the city you are going to live in, but plan weekend trips or join Erasmus+ organized trips to visit other places.
Networking and Building Connections
1. Connect with Fellow Erasmus+ Participants
It is likely that in your destination city you will meet many Erasmus+, check the local networks and get to know them! At Mundus, for example, we will always inform you of all the interesting events that may take place in our city and you will probably be able to meet ther more of our groups.
2. Use social media
Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with fellow Erasmus+, trainers, workers of the company you are doing your internship, etc. You can also showcase your Erasmus experience, share your professional achievements and new skills and build a complete profile. It will be wonderful for your employability!
3. Attend Networking Events
Look for industry-specific conferences, seminars, and networking events. Beforehand, you can prepare your elevator pitch and bring business cards.
Post-Erasmus+ Actions
1. Stay in touch
Sometimes, relationships built during your Erasmus+ last for a lifetime. Try to maintain the connections and friendships you made during the program, whenever you meet or talk you will always remember how you felt during that magical Erasmus+ time. For different purposes, you can also join alumni networks and stay involved in Erasmus+ communities. If you are doing Erasmus+ VET in companies, try to keep in touch with your company mentor. Who knows? Maybe in the future, you can be hired by them and come back! And if not, you will always have someone to ask for professional advice!
2. Leverage Your Experience
Highlight your Erasmus+ experience in your CV and during job interviews. It will always be a plus! When doing so, try to use examples and share real stories of how the experience has shaped your skills and perspectives.
3. Continue Learning and Growing:
Always continue training! Both formal and non-formal education have no end date in a person’s life, there are millions of opportunities that you can enjoy and learn. The Erasmus+ program is very extensive, but there are also many other international mobility options.
Who knows… maybe now you are now one of the Erasmus+ students we welcome and for whom we find a company to do an internship and in a few years you may repeat as a professional doing your job shadowing. Whatever the case, Mundus is here to answer all your questions.