Erasmus programme: how it works – Generali Tranquilidade

Studying abroad is often described by university students as the most transformative experience of their lives. For European students, this dream is made possible by the Erasmus+ Programme.

Created by the European Union, Erasmus+ allows higher education students to live, study, or do an internship in another European country for a semester or a full academic year. It is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, build an international network of friends, and significantly boost your future employability.

However, moving to a new country involves a lot of bureaucracy, planning, and adaptation. If you are thinking about packing your bags, the Folime team has put together this complete guide explaining exactly how to apply, how the scholarships work, and our top tips for making the absolute most of your Erasmus adventure.

How to Apply and Get Financial Support

You cannot simply buy a plane ticket and enroll in a foreign university on your own. Applications for the Erasmus program must be submitted through the International Relations Office (or Erasmus office) of your current educational institution.

Each university has its own internal selection process, usually based on your academic average, language skills, and a motivation letter. Once you are selected by your home university, they will officially nominate you to the destination university, where you will then complete your final registration. Important: Deadlines differ drastically between institutions, so you must proactively consult your university’s official website early in the academic year.

The Erasmus Scholarship (Bolsa)

Studying abroad can be expensive, but you don’t have to bear the financial burden alone. Students who participate in the Erasmus Program are entitled to monthly financial support through an official EU scholarship.

The value of this scholarship is not the same for everyone. It varies based on:

• The difference between the cost of living in your home country and your destination country.
• The total number of applicants at your university.
• Whether you are studying or doing a post-graduate internship (internships usually offer slightly higher grants).

The 34 participating countries are divided into three groups depending on their local cost of living (Group 1 being the most expensive, like Norway or Denmark; Group 3 being the cheapest, like Poland or Romania). The exact monthly monetary amount is updated and defined annually by the National Erasmus+ Agency of your home country.

6 Tips to Make the Most of Your Erasmus+ Experience

Once your application is accepted and the paperwork is signed, the real fun begins. Here is how to prepare for your new adventure in a new city with new colleagues.

1. Pack Smart, Not Heavy

Like any long trip, going on Erasmus involves organizing your luggage. However, living away from home for six months is very different from a two-week vacation. You cannot fit half a year’s worth of clothes into a single suitcase.

The best strategy is to pack a simple suitcase with only the essentials for the first few weeks (versatile clothing, toiletries, and your laptop) until your life in the new city is organized. Once you have a permanent address, you can ask your family to ship a larger box with winter coats, heavier items, or specific things you realize you need.

2. Choose Your Housing Wisely

Your accommodation will dictate a huge part of your social life. You generally have two options: renting a room in a shared private apartment, or living in a university residence (dormitory).

When choosing, consider the location carefully. Do you prefer living in the bustling city center, or do you want to be within a 5-minute walk from your college campus? To make this decision, study the city’s public transport network on Google Maps. Furthermore, always verify what is included in the rent (water, electricity, Wi-Fi) so you don’t face unexpected bills at the end of the month.

3. Commit to Learning a New Language

In a program involving 34 countries, linguistic variety is guaranteed. While English is the international language of the program—and many of your classes may be taught in English—do not miss the opportunity to learn the local language.

Immersing yourself in the local language makes daily tasks like grocery shopping much easier and shows respect for the host culture. Furthermore, returning home with a B1 or B2 level in a new language (like Italian, German, or Spanish) is highly valued by future employers and looks fantastic on your CV.

4. Discover the City and its Culture

Being in a different city for a semester is the ideal opportunity to get to know it in a way that a simple weekend tourist never could. Do not just hang out at the university!

Find the local cafes, visit the non-touristy museums, and understand the history of the region. Because train and bus travel across Europe is incredibly affordable, use your weekends to visit neighboring cities or even cross borders with your new international friends.

5. Say «Yes» to Erasmus Activities

Most host cities have a branch of the ESN (Erasmus Student Network). These dedicated student organizations plan incredible initiatives specifically for exchange students.

From massive welcome parties and international dinners to cultural tours and weekend trips, these events are the absolute best place to meet new people. Push yourself out of your comfort zone, say «yes» to invitations, and get involved in the international community.

6. Prioritize Your Safety and Health

We all want to have a hassle-free experience, but accidents, lost luggage, and sudden illnesses can happen when you are living abroad. Having proper protection makes dealing with these issues infinitely easier.

Before you leave, ensure you have your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives you access to state-provided healthcare in any EU country.

Folime Tip: The EHIC does not cover everything (like private medical care, stolen electronics, or emergency flights home). We highly recommend taking out a specific Student Travel/Personal Accident Insurance policy for the exact duration of your stay (3, 6, or 12 months). A good policy will guarantee the payment of private medical expenses, protect your expensive laptop or tablet in the event of theft, and include Civil Liability coverage. It guarantees a restful experience for you, and peace of mind for your parents back home!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article by Folime is for educational and planning purposes only. Erasmus+ scholarship amounts, rules, and application deadlines vary strictly by university and country. Always consult your university’s International Relations Office for the most accurate and up-to-date information.