Like many of the Language Community Managers, I was once also part of an Erasmus+ exchange.
I went to... Bilbao! The city of pintxos, architecture, and endless energy.
And oh boy, was I excited. Of course, I was romanticising the whole thing, imagining I’d just “pick up” Spanish along the way. That was… let’s say, a bit optimistic.
When I arrived, I couldn’t even order a coffee without pointing at the menu and hoping for the best. But fast forward six months, and there I was, laughing with my Spanish friends over dinner: in their language!
How did that happen?
A little help from the Erasmus+ Online Language Support (OLS) platform, and a lot of patient locals.
OLS became my secret weapon. The short lessons and conversation modules helped me move beyond the classroom and into real life, chatting with my internship mentor, joining a local sustainability group, and making jokes that actually landed.
And that’s what #ErasmusDays 2025 is all about: living our values, inspiring our future.
Because when we learn someone else’s language, we’re doing more than memorizing words. We’re practising respect, freedom, and inclusion every single day.
From 13–18 October, people all across Europe are celebrating Erasmus+ through events, workshops, exhibitions, and stories just like this.
It’s a week to reflect on how mobility shapes not just our careers, but also our sense of belonging in a shared Europe.
So whether you’re studying, training, or volunteering abroad, take a moment to celebrate your journey. Because you’re not just living the Erasmus+ experience; you’re living Europe’s values in action.
Join the celebration: #ErasmusDays