An Erasmus mobility scheme is much more than just a work placement abroad. It's a human, cultural and professional adventure that transforms those who take part. It's also an opportunity to enhance your career, acquire new skills and open your mind to other ways of living and working.
But for this experience to be a complete success, it's essential to prepare seriously. Here are a few practical tips to help you prepare for your departure and enjoy this great European adventure with peace of mind.
1. Find out about your destination country beforehand
Each European country has its own customs, culture, rules of life and daily routine. To avoid unpleasant surprises and make it easier for you to settle in, we strongly recommend that you find out all you can about your destination:
- What are your normal working hours?
- How should you behave in the workplace?
- What is the role of the apprentice or trainee within the organisation?
- What are the public holidays?
- What are your eating habits?
Many official websites and travel blogs can give you an initial idea of the local culture. If you have the opportunity, don't hesitate to talk to former interns who have been to the same region, as they will often have valuable advice to share.
Finally, depending on the geopolitical or health situation in your destination country, take the time to consult the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and its travel advice for each country (https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/)
2. Preparing administrative documents
Going abroad requires a certain amount of administrative rigour. Here are the documents you need to check and prepare:
- Valid national identity card or passport (please note expiry date).
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), essential for medical treatment.
- Internship agreement signed by the parties (sending institution, host company and intern).
- Proof of civil liability insurance and any additional health insurance.
It is advisable to scan or photograph all these documents and store them in an online folder (Drive, Dropbox, etc.) in addition to having a hard copy in your luggage.
3. Practising the local language and/or English
One of the biggest obstacles facing young people before they leave is the language barrier. Rest assured: you don't need to be bilingual to do an Erasmus placement. However, knowing the basics of English or the local language will make it much easier for you to communicate on a day-to-day basis and adapt to the company.
There are many free resources to help you progress:
- Mobile applications (Duolingo, Babbel, LingQ, etc.)
- Podcasts or videos on YouTube
- Vocabulary cards focusing on "professional life" (Catering - https://fichesvocabulaire.com/vocabulaire-anglais-restauration-serveur-pdf / Patisserie - https://cours-et-fiches.com/anglais-vocabulaire-patisserie/ - Bakery - https://quizlet.com/fr/281864778/vocabulaire-boulangerie-anglais-flash-cards/ - Hairstyle - https://fichesvocabulaire.com/coiffeur-anglais-vocabulaire
- Online courses for beginners
Even a few simple words and expressions can make all the difference in the first few days! In any case, don't wait until you've set foot in your host country to start making an effort to practise the local language. And above all, once you're there, go for it, don't be afraid to make mistakes and try to speak as much as possible... "Practice makes perfect"! Practice makes perfect!
4. Evaluating your budget and anticipating expenses
Although you will have financial resources to help you through this experience (Erasmus+ grants, France Travail allowances, regional or local grants), these do not always cover all the costs associated with mobility and life on the ground. It is therefore important to plan ahead and draw up a provisional budget.
Here are some items to consider:
- Rent or accommodation
- Food
- Local transport
- Leisure and outings
- Unforeseen expenditure
You should also check whether your bank card works abroad without excessive charges, or whether you need to open a local bank account. Having a small reserve of cash for the first few days can also be useful.
5. Pack intelligently
It's tempting to want to take everything with you... but you need to travel light and efficiently. Adapt your suitcase to :
- The length of your stay
- The region's climate
- Your company's requirements (compulsory business attire, etc.)
- But also the limits imposed by your transport company and what you are allowed to take in the hold or on board.
You'll also need to include some practical items:
- First aid kit
- Socket adapters if necessary
- Basic hygiene products
- A few French specialities to share (your foreign colleagues will be delighted!)
And above all, take something with you that will make you feel good: a book, photos of your loved ones, or any other object that will bring you a little comfort if you feel 'homesick'. As in life, there are always ups and downs during an Erasmus placement. When you're isolated and far from your loved ones, emotions are often heightened tenfold and life's little worries can be seen as much more complicated to manage. But nothing is insurmountable.
6. Preparing mentally to adapt
Living in another country, even temporarily, also means being confronted with differences: in language, in customs, in the way we work or communicate. It's normal to experience a little culture shock.
What counts is your ability to adapt and remain curious:
- Dare to ask questions
- Listen carefully
- Accept that some things work differently
- Treat everything new as a source of learning
Bear in mind that this open-mindedness is one of the greatest benefits of an Erasmus placement. So don't be too quick to judge and take the time to understand why things may be different from what you already know.
Conclusion: essential preparation for an unforgettable experience
An Erasmus mobility experience is often a turning point in the life of a young professional. For this adventure to be rewarding, it must be well prepared. Getting informed, thinking ahead, learning some basic language skills, planning your budget and, above all, maintaining a positive and open attitude are the keys to success.
Do you have an Erasmus mobility project? Let's talk about it!
Whether you are an apprentice, a young graduate or a training establishment wishing to organise mobility for your students, I can support you at every stage of the project:
- Looking for work placements in European companies
- Organisation of accommodation on site
- Practical advice for trainees and teaching teams
- Monitoring and coordinating mobility
📩 Contact us today to discuss your project and receive personalised support. Together, we can make your mobility a success! https://ohlalaplacements.com/contact/
