1. Start with your university’s Erasmus office
The official Erasmus+ guidance says students begin through the international or Erasmus office of their own institution rather than filing one universal application. Your university determines which partner institutions are available, which study fields fit each agreement and how internal selection is organized.
2. Exchange places depend on institutional agreements
You generally cannot choose any European university simply because it participates in Erasmus+. The relevant partnership must exist for your institution and often for your faculty or subject area. Review the partner list early, because available destinations can be narrower than the program’s overall geographic reach.
3. Academic recognition should be planned before departure
Work with the academic coordinator to map host courses to your home degree. The learning agreement or equivalent process is intended to make expectations explicit before study begins. Save syllabi and assessment records in case course changes require recognition decisions later.
4. Grants help but may not cover the full trip
Erasmus funding is designed to support mobility, not necessarily to pay every living expense. Grant levels and additional support can depend on destination, travel circumstances and participant needs. Build a normal student budget and treat the grant as one funding component rather than the entire plan.
5. Housing is often your responsibility
Some host universities reserve rooms for exchange students; others provide only listings or partner residences. Start housing research as soon as the nomination is accepted, especially in cities with tight rental markets. Confirm deposits, cancellation terms and move-in dates before booking travel.
6. Study exchanges and traineeships are different routes
The current Erasmus+ higher-education framework supports both study periods at partner institutions and traineeships in relevant workplaces. Their application process, academic recognition and daily structure can differ. Choose the route that fits your degree requirements and career goals rather than treating them as interchangeable.
7. Administrative status still matters
Exchange participation does not remove passport, residence or insurance requirements. The steps differ for EU and non-EU nationals and for the country of destination. Ask both institutions what documentation is needed and confirm government rules for the period you will actually stay.
8. Think beyond the obvious capital cities
Smaller partner universities can offer lower living costs, easier housing and closer integration with local students. Compare course availability and transport before choosing only by city reputation. The academic fit of the exchange matters more than collecting a famous destination.
9. Plan the return before you leave
Know how grades will be converted, when transcripts arrive and what happens if a host course is cancelled. Keep contact with the home coordinator during the exchange so changes are documented. A successful semester abroad ends with credits recognized cleanly, not only with a good experience overseas.
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