It’s well known that the spread of Coronavirus has affected (often negatively) the Erasmus+ Program. Many students had to abandon the program while abroad, as well as many others saw their future mobility cancelled until a realistic prevision on the incoming situation is possible.
Are you one of those students? Are you still waiting to know whether or when you will be able to start your Erasmus+ and wondering what you can do meanwhile?
Don’t worry: we have prepared for you some
Tips to enjoy the await period getting prepared for your Erasmus departure.
1. Collect information about the host city.
How are local transports? Is the university/working place easy to reach? Which is the average temperature in the season you go? National holidays, special traditions or celebrations to take into account? Looking for info and curiosities before moving to a new place is very helpful.
2. Learn the language.
Having some basic knowledge of the language spoken at the foreign country is always a big advantage, regardless if you’re going abroad to study or to do a traineeship. Prepare a starting vocabulary for the daily life: in a couple of weeks your abilities will improve by practicing.
3. Search for things to do/to see.
“Don’t waste the time you spend abroad” is one of the biggest suggestion we can give you. Enjoy any moment to discover the host country and let’s your Erasmus+ be the best experience of your life. Make a short list of excursions and activities to do beforehand: you will appreciate it once abroad!
4. Delve into the host culture.
Remember that, even if you’re still in Europe, customs and traditions may significantly differ from one country to another. To avoid cultural shock or misunderstanding with local people, read up about the cultural background of the country you are moving to.
5. List the not-to-miss typical stuffs.
As said, you should enjoy your Erasmus experience at most. Search on the internet (or even ask people once abroad) about local foods and drinks to try, typical objects or clothes to buy, shows to see, places to visit, and so on. Enrich your life with authentic experiences!
6. Join online groups to make friends.
What is Erasmus without lots of new international friends? Making new connections is one the most beautiful aspects of the experience abroad: at the end of your Erasmus you will have expanded your cultural baggage with hundreds of new phone numbers, pictures and foreign words. But above all, with thousands of good memories!!
We hope that you find these tips useful and we wish your Erasmus+ mobility will be scheduled soon: enjoy it!