Oguz Kaan Kısa · March 25, 2021
The lower the rate, the better. I would say it is useful to choose countries where you will not have financial difficulties. If you go to a country with a high exchange rate, you start to use everything sparingly. We are already used to being a student. So don't worry.
When you become a member of the Erasmus facebook pages of that city or university, you will have the chance to meet new friends and it will be easier for you to find accommodation. Before traveling, some Erasmus students are looking for new friends who can go on a trip together on Erasmus facebook pages. If you are planning to travel on the same days, you will have the chance to meet new people who will go on new trips together, share your experiences and make friends on the Erasmus pages on Facebook.
Before you go, double check the amount of money in your bank account and credit card and make sure that you can use your debit cards in the country you are going to. In some countries, the credit card you intend to take with you may not be recognized, or if accepted, the commission to be charged may be very high. Before you scan your mind for the mistakes you can make while abroad, think carefully about how these errors can be resolved if they occur.
Get the right resources for visas. Some visa procedures are sent to consulates through agencies. Pay attention to visa agencies or centers and search very well. When you have a document you don't understand, don't hesitate to call back and ask again. Collect documents regularly and start your process a little ahead of time. Continue on the road step by step, without rushing, and most importantly, calmly and patiently.
It is cheaper and more convenient to buy flight tickets in advance compared to the end dates of Erasmus mobility. However, some countries take into account the residence permit in the country, not the visa expiry date. Pay attention to this. If your residence permit expires sooner before your visa expires, you have to leave the country. Of course, it may vary from country to country.
Probably the language you will study at university is English. What does this mean? You will inevitably improve the English language. Moreover, you will be speaking in English with your new friends. Of course, your new friends will come from different countries and speak different native languages. Thus, you have the chance to learn another language other than English and our advice is to take advantage of this situation.
If your phone memory is full, start emptying it. Make room for maps that do not require internet roaming on your phone. Because it will be very helpful while traveling. You can also download apps that contain events in your destination country. Ryanair flights, which are indispensable for flight ticket applications, are a magnificent detail. If you want to travel by bus, you can download the Flixbus and Eurolines applications. In addition, if the train lines are used frequently in your country, I would say download its application. Also include language development and translation applications on your phone, just in case.
Even always having a smile on your face is a communication. If your language skills are not very good, still try to speak, make an effort and keep your smile. Not only you but everyone will be worried in the early days. Don't mind it. Who said what, nobody cares. So be as silly as you can. Always join people and talk to them. Value your friendships.
Before you go there, research the ESN groups in the country you are going to. You can even get help from this group for accommodation. This group can be active or passive. Events and parties are regularly prepared for Erasmus students. Make sure you try to participate. You can also ask if you have anything on your mind about something. With distinctive ESN student cards, you have the right to discount in many places.
You may have heard the phrase “I had the best days of my life during the Erasmus period” from your friends who went to Erasmus. Yes, this is absolutely true. Erasmus period is a period full of incredibly beautiful memories. But when you return to your home, only these memories will remain from Erasmus. Get gifts to remind you of the Erasmus period so that these memories do not stay there. With the symbol of your city or something that makes you remember your times there, such as t-shirts and souvenirs, but if you have a little money at the end of the Erasmus period, bring a gift to your loved ones.
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