Hungarian Learning Community and Resources

Useful Tips for Erasmus Life Abroad!

It is not easy to stand on your own feet abroad, since you are in a foreign country, surrounded by strangers who speak foreign languages. Nevertheless, it is a huge success among students, because, despite all this, you can gain valuable experiences that you might not get at home. Here are 10 tips that can be useful for your Erasmus experience.

10 tips for those who study abroad

1. FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT: PLAN YOUR TRIP!

The earlier you book your flight ticket, find accommodation, the cheaper it is, and let's face it, cost efficiency won't be at your disadvantage for a while.

2. LOOK AT THE CULTURES AND CUSTOMS OF YOUR FUTURE PLACE OF RESIDENCE!

Before you move there, be sure to learn a little about the country, the culture, and possibly the politics. That way, you won't be left behind if you discuss what you've learned with your future classmates and friends, or simply talk about the current events of the day.

3. LEARN THE LANGUAGE!

Even if you don't speak the language at an advanced level, at least improve it. If you don't know it, you should definitely learn it once you live there! For this OLS is the best platform, because you can learn the language easily with it!

4. THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU NEED TO PURCHASE ABROAD!

And preferably do this before you arrive. For example, will there be bed linen and cooking utensils in your new residence?

5. COPY!

Just to be safe, make photocopies of your important documents: for example, your passport or university admission letter. Hopefully, you won't need the copies, but if you do, you'll be grateful for them.

6. BEWARE OF WHAT YOU PACK!

Pack only the most useful things: clothes, documents, phone charger, etc. You will also be able to buy family-sized shower gel and an umbrella there.

7. GO TO CLASSES!

There will certainly be subjects there that are perhaps less important, or some instructors take a more relaxed approach to assessment, but in the end, you will live outside because of the school, the main goal is to be able to study. So why would you skip your classes?

8 MAKE FRIENDS!

It is advisable for you to get to know students from other countries, so you can get to know a lot of cultures and customs through them. Of course, it is not forbidden to make friends with Hungarians - who know where you came from - if you are homesick.

9. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!

This way you will remember everything, what your home away from home was like. Thank to smartphones, you can not really get lost, but taking photos or notes about important things is always useful. 

10. ENJOY THE MOMENT!

This is perhaps one of the most important, along with planning the trip and other important administrative tasks. After a while, you get used to living outside and you won't look around as much anymore. It will remind you several times that this too will end one day and you have to go home. That's why it's so important to make the most of the time you spend there and remember everything well!

You never know when you will have the next opportunity to study and live abroad. The university years pass sooner than you think: if you can, visit unknown countries during these years.