Start early – it pays to think about all documents, insurance, accommodation and transport at least 3 months in advance
Find out the real cost of living – housing and food prices vary a lot in Europe – try to make a small budget and make a financial reserve accordingly
Agree a work plan – set clear expectations with your mentor – what you will do, what you want to learn and what the outcomes will be
Prepare your CV and portfolio – even if you’ve already been selected by the institution, it’s useful to have them handy – you can show them to other contacts
Get ready for culture – follow the social networks of the institution, city or other cultural institutions – you’ll fit in faster
Check your documents – passport, ID, insurance, visa if applicable – all should be valid for the duration of your stay
Make sure you have insurance – don’t forget health and liability insurance – often compulsory from the host institution
During the internship
Be active – ask questions, offer ideas, get involved in team projects – employers appreciate initiative.
Learn by doing – observe how the operation works, how people communicate and work together – these experiences are also valuable
Get to know your colleagues – networking is one of the biggest benefits of Erasmus – the relationships you build can help you even after you return.
Write down your tasks and skills – this will make it easier for you to complete your final assessment and update your CV.
Don’t be afraid to speak up – language insecurity is natural, but regular contact with colleagues will help you overcome it quickly
Think Green Erasmus – prefer train or shared transport – not just for the planet, but for the grant bonus
After returning
Ask for a reference – a reference from a mentor or host institution can help you greatly in your job search
Write down your experience – writing down what you’ve learned is useful for your portfolio and CV
Share your experience – share your story with other students or at JAMU events – you will inspire others
Stay in touch – keep in touch with your host organisation and colleagues – it could be the start of further collaboration
Bonus
Save copies of all your documents online (Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.)
Prepare a few professional phrases in the language of the country you’re going to – they’re more useful at work than textbook English
