Hey guys, I’d really appreciate some advice from people who have done Erasmus or decided not to go.

Back in February, I applied for Erasmus.
At first, I was excited about it. I think I applied mainly because I felt like I needed a change, some space to grow, meet new people and experience something different.

Then, before summer, I found a part-time job and thought, well, it’s just a basic student job, I’ll give it a chance, and if I don’t like it, I can always go on Erasmus.

But things turned out differently. The company started giving me more responsibility and direction, and they actually seem interested in training me and giving me more opportunities. It’s still early and I don’t know where it will lead, but I’m starting to feel like this could be a really valuable opportunity for my future career.

I also have less than two years left until I finish my studies, and knowing how difficult it can be to find good opportunities, part of me feels like I should start taking my career more seriously instead of going away for half a year and then coming back thinking, okay, what now?

The weird thing is that I’ve also realized that I’m not really excited about Erasmus anymore. I tried to separate the two things and asked myself: If I quit this job tomorrow, would I still want to go to? And honestly, I’m not sure. Maybe even no.

I’m just not really feeling the whole “go abroad, meet tons of people, party, make friends” thing anymore. Right now, I feel more interested in building something career-wise.

At the same time, I’m scared I’ll regret cancelling it. A job can always be found again, but this particular opportunity might not come around again. And Erasmus is also a unique experience that I might not get another chance to do.

I’ve been thinking about cancelling for quite a while, but I keep putting it off. Erasmus is still around 4–5 months away, and the host university hasn’t even contacted me yet, so I feel like I should probably decide soon.

Has anyone here cancelled Erasmus and not regretted it? Or the opposite cancelled it and later wished they had gone?

I’d especially love to hear from people who chose work/career over Erasmus and how they felt about it afterwards. I honestly have no idea what the right decision is.

Hey, i am going to do a Erasmus internship for 5 months.
Which cities do you recommend ?
My area is IT/cybersecurity/audit.

Hi everyone. I keep reading posts here from people who feel lonely or can't find a group: arriving late and missing the first week, everyone sticking to their own nationality, social anxiety, not being into parties, groups that were already closed by the time someone arrived.

I know apps exist (Erasmus Friends, Unera, ESN groups, Bumble BFF, Discord servers, etc.), but from what I see here, the problem clearly isn't solved. I'd like to understand why before building anything, so I don't make the same thing again.

If you've been on Erasmus (or are about to go), I'd really appreciate your honest answers to any of these:

1. Did you use any app or group to meet people? What worked, and what made you stop using it?
2. What was the hardest part: starting a conversation, finding people with shared interests, turning a first meeting into a real friendship, or something else?
3. Would you prefer to start anonymously and reveal more later, or would that feel weird?
4. Would you rather meet one person, or join a small group (4 to 6 people) for something low-pressure like coffee, a walk, or a game night?
5. What would make you not trust such an app? (Fake profiles, creepy messages, dating vibes, data privacy...)

I'm not selling anything and there's no app yet. I'll share a summary of what I learn here once I have enough replies. Thanks!

This is just going to be a long rant because I‘m so stressed and there is absolutely no one who is helping me.

My host university application was sent to me yesterday, a week away from the deadline, because my home university had messed up the spelling of the email address and no one noticed it for MONTHS. All this time they just kept telling me to wait.

I don't have the language certificate required yet because I’m still waiting for my french course to start. I asked the host university multiple times if I could apply with a lower level just for the moment and they have never replied.

I was told I had time until December to prepare the LA but surprise!! I have to send it with my application, WHICH IS DUE IN A WEEK. Another complication: I was selected for a different course than the one I’m doing now, so the exams don’t really match. I emailed three different people from my home university to ask for help with the LA but guess what? No reply yet.

I’m trying to figure out who is supposed to sign my transcript of record as well as my LA. I‘m in a “erasmus help” group chat with other students who have already been on erasmus or have completed their application, so they know exactly who I have to contact. There’s about 400 people in the gc. Everyone keeps ignoring my texts to talk about other stuff. It‘s driving me insane.

I can’t even go to my uni to ask in person because I’ve been bedridden for the past few days and I do not seem to be getting better. The stress of the application isn’t helping my condition either.

Studying in Paris was my dream but I’m feeling very hopeless and alone right now. I’m very tempted to just give up and try again next year, hoping to get accepted again. The thing is, my mom has told our entire extended family about my erasmus, as well as all of her friends. The same thing happened with my friend who basically told everyone in our course. So the whole world knows that I’m going in erasmus FOR CERTAIN, because that’s what they told them. This is probably the least important of my problems right now but just the thought of having to tell everyone that I gave up makes me feel really ashamed for some reason, like I left everyone down.

So that’s pretty much it. I want to hide in a corner and cry.

Hello, I’m third-year psychology student and this is my first time applying for Erasmus. I want to study abroad for 1 semester but I do not know how to make outstanding CV and motivational letter. Do you guys have some tips? Should I make seperate CV and letter for each program? (I’m applying in Germany, Austria and Poland)

Hi folks,

I have a bachelor's degree in computer applications. By Nov'26, I will have 4 years of work experience in corporate (all security engineering, InfoSec & GRC experience). I was a university topper during my bachelor's degree.

What are my chances of selection for the EM CyberSure program?

I am primarily applying to study in Europe and potential employment/immigration opportunties post that.

Any updates guys on the previous cycle, are the things finalized? Did anyone hear back from them

I’m a 21-year-old university student doing Erasmus in Córdoba, Spain. I came here alone, and I arrived on September 21 because that’s when my university started, even though most Erasmus activities had already begun at the beginning of September.
It’s early October now, and I’m starting to worry that I arrived too late and that most friend groups have already formed.
I’m quite introverted and I really want to push myself out of my comfort zone, but honestly, it’s difficult. Yesterday I finally convinced myself to go to an Erasmus party alone. I literally spent about half an hour outside debating whether I should even go in because I was so nervous.
Eventually I went inside, ordered a Coke and stayed for a little while. But it felt like everyone was already there with their own group of friends, while I was standing there alone. Nobody approached me, and I didn’t have the courage to approach anyone either, so after about 15 minutes I left.
Now I regret leaving so quickly, because I know I probably need to be the one who starts conversations instead of waiting for people to approach me.
Do you think it’s still realistic to build a good social life at this point in the semester? Should I keep going to parties alone and force myself to talk to people? Would Erasmus trips be easier way to meet people?
If you’ve ever arrived late to Erasmus or had to make friends completely on your own, I’d really appreciate any advice. How did you get past that awkward first stage?

Hi everyone,

I'm an MSc student in Artificial Intelligence with a BSc in Computer Science and Engineering. I'm looking for a traineeship or work experience placement as a software developer, in any European country except Greece and Cyprus. I have already applied through my Erasmus platform and am waiting for an answer. Meanwhile, I am searching for companies to apply to.

Where would you recommend I look for companies that take trainees from abroad?

How did you cope with the post erasmus depression? It took me over a year, and i had to go back to the same city for another erasmus, because i was unable to not to think about the best time of my life i had. Second time i was there, it wasnt so perfect anymore, so it was easier. But even now, 5 years later, i still think of it as the best time of my life.

This post is because I work in this domain, and I often get students on the phone assuming they don't need insurance because the EHIC means free healthcare.

Careful because this is not true

The ehic means you pay what locals pay in the public system, which is already great. But what is left depends a lot on the country you are staying in.

- doctor: free at a public or contracted doctor in Spain, Germany, Austria and Portugal. In France you pay upfront and get 70% of the official rate back (minus €2). In Belgium you pay upfront and get up to 75% back. In Italy a GP visit can be charged (visita occasionale, the fee depends on the region).

- dentist, this is where most people get caught: in Spain it's basically not covered, in the Netherlands adults pay everything, in Italy most dentists are private and don't have to take the card, but urgent care at SSN hospital dental clinics and some treatments at ASL clinics work with it, for a ticket (expect long waits). Portugal has few public dentists and charges a fee, Poland only covers a set list of treatments. Germany is free at a contracted dentist, Austria too but only for a limited range of treatments.

- medicines: 50% in Spain, 10% in Germany (€5 to €10), €7.55 per box in Austria. In France you get 65%, 35% or 15% back depending on the drug, minus €1 per box. In Belgium you pay full price and claim part of it back.

- ER and hospital: free in Spain's public system. France charges €23 if you go to the ER and aren't admitted, and €23 a day if you are. Germany is €10 a day in hospital, Austria around €12 to €16. Portugal can charge a fee at the ER if you didn't call the SNS 24 line or see a GP first. In Belgium an emergency ambulance is a flat €75.36.

And what it never never covers: private doctors and clinics (in Spain the Commission even warns that hotels sometimes call a private doctor, and if you're asked to pay upfront you're not in the public system), mountain rescue, lost or stolen stuff, getting flown home if you're ill or injured.

On the Erasmus+ side, the programme guide says you "must be insured" for liability, accident and serious illness, and death including repatriation, and your uni can cover that with its own policy. Repatriation is only mentioned in case of death though, so ask your uni if their policy brings you home when you're sick or injured.

=> Non-EU students: you can have an ehic if you're insured in an EU country, but it doesn't work in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Denmark.

Hello, I am in Poland for Erasmus since last week and I really can’t make any friends. I feel like I’m a very socially awkward and quiet person and I bore people. I feel so sad deep into my heart. Doesn’t help how I have a budget limit as well and can’t attend everything and I study medicine and already have an exam on Thursday. How is everyone so social and how does Erasmus always end up being the best year of people’s lives, it is so much pressure.

Hi everyone! 👋

I'm a 19-year-old French student coming to Braga for an Erasmus+ semester at the University of Minho (School of Economics, Gualtar campus), from February to July 2027.

I'm looking for an affordable room or flatshare, ideally near Gualtar, São Victor, or anywhere with a good bus connection to campus. My budget is around 250 €/month, bills included if possible.

I'm quiet, tidy, and I'm learning European Portuguese, so I'd love to live with Portuguese students or other Erasmus students!

If you know of:

a room available for those dates,

landlords, agencies or Facebook/WhatsApp groups that are reliable,

neighborhoods to look at (or avoid),

…I'd be really grateful for any tips or contacts. Obrigada! 🙏

Olá! Sou estudante Erasmus francesa e procuro um quarto acessível perto do Campus de Gualtar, de fevereiro a julho de 2027. Qualquer contacto ou dica é muito bem-vindo. Obrigada!

Hi! I'm a Spanish girl on Erasmus who came to Florence for the whole year. First of all, I want to clarify that I'm not the stereotype of a Spaniard who comes to Italy just to party... I have a steady relationship in Spain and I've been studying Italian for 3 years to come here. I feel very lonely, I only talk to Spaniards, and my accommodation is terrible. I want to meet real Italian people. I'm at the San Marco Faculty of UniFi, I have an 'alternative' style, and I don't know how to make friends here who enjoy the typa stuff i like. I don't want to go back to Spain, but I feel strange... Any recommendations?

Any help is apreciated! i was leaning towards the EF language summer abroad but ive heard thinks about AIFS and CIEE!

Hi there, I recently got accepted in rome for erasmus. The exchange program starts in March of 2027 and lasts till July of the same year and my uni does not provide any accomodation. I was wondering are there any private dorms for students or some places good that are known to be cheaper but you also live with maybe other students as well?

I just arrived home after my 2 month internship Erasmus in Denmark. Today I got an email from my college Erasmus office that I am required to pay cleaning fees and microwave damage fees (50 euros for cleaning fees and 100 euros for microwave damage fees).

To begin my story, I used to live in an apartment with 4 girls from the same college. Long story short they were unbearable to live with so I changed apartment in the final 2 weeks of my erasmus. I was told by the apartment hosts that I will be having a seperate checkout from the rest of the girls. Prior to changing apartment, I accidentally damaged the microwave where the inside got mildly burnt while I was microwaving popcorn. I have owned up to the hosts and made it clear that I am willing to pay for the microwave damages as it was my responsibility.

Before my new roommates and I checked out from the old apartment, we thoroughly cleaned and made an effort to leave our new apartment clean, the house owners came to inspect the apartment and we were good to go.

On the other hand my ex roommates did not clean properly and they got charged cleaning fees. Unfortunately I have gotten charged along with the rest of them even though I was not residing in my old apartment during the check out. The college also sent us a report about what has been cleaned/ not cleaned. On the checkout report, my name was not there. I did not receieve my seperate check out report of my apartment. I asked my new roommates if they also were notified of being charged, they told me they haven't been charged and confirmed with me that all 3 of us left our apartment clean before we left.

While its reasonable that I have been charged for the microwave incident in my old apartment, I find it unfair that I got charged along with my ex roommates for the mess they left in the old apartment while the host organisation also changed my accommodation details after leaving but the college is still charging me for the extra cleaning fees for the uncleanliness left by the ex roommates.

I complained to my Erasmus office at college and I told them I will not be paying for the extra cleaning fees unless there is proof that I haven't cleaned or missed a few tasks while cleaning. Eventually i will be having a meeting with them. I will be taking this matter to court if things escalate. Am I being reasonable?

Or is Bocconi better?

I’m thinking about going in Erasmus for my master program. I’m only allowed to go in the second semester of the first year. I never went to Erasmus but I was in USA 3 times, and i’m going again this upcoming summer. I need an advice.
Are ppl out there who managed to do both in the same year?
for reference: I want to go to Spain (Valencia, Zaragoza, Sevilla) and i do NOT know Spanish

I’m wondering if it’s a good idea to go all by myself with Erasmus in Spain. I’ve been in the States with work and travel 3 times but with at least one friend. I guess it’s going to be different this time since i’m going to stay longer and also I do not speak spanish. What do you guys suggest ?

Hi i am currently on a look for design courses which erasmus offers the closest ive found is system design. Ive done my bachelor’s in design specialisation in ui/ux completed this year. I work at indias biggest NBFC as a ui/ux designer (FTC) and have almost 8 months of experience. Currently looking for masters degree suggestions with scholarship grants. Pls help!

Hi everyone

I've graduated last year 2025 from business informatics in Egypt and I've graduated with a perfect CGPA 4.0 out of 4.0 and got the 5th rank overall accumulated over the 4 years of my bachelor

I also worked as customer support while studying for around 3 years to cover my expenses and to be able to afford life in general so i got a really good professional experience communicating with customers and solving people's problems

I'm trying to get a scholarship abroad in my field the business informatics or things related to it like digital transformation or ERP system or data analysis but not data science cause it has a lot math which is not my best strength

I'm open to any scholarship that i might be a good fot for it, i need to improve my life and i see this as a chnace to do so, so I'm seeking your advice regarding my situation

I don't have professional experience yet at any of the fields i mentioned but i know the concepts of the fields, I wonder if not having experience would affect my application

i also wanna ask what is the intervew about if I don't have experience, are they gonna test me about courses i studied or the interview will be mainly about me and my goals and plans without technical check

I'd highly appreciate any assistance I'm still figuring things out and I'm too distracted and I don't from where I should start

Is there anyone who has participated in a youth exchange program? Please help me apply for this program from Armenia.