Author: Veronika Tauberova
When you say Erasmus, most students think of endless parties, new friendships, travel and experiences of a lifetime. On Instagram, everything looks like a fairytale - smiles, cocktails on the beach and sunsets from the balcony of the student flat. But the reality can be quite different. And some countries can turn your dream of an unforgettable study abroad experience into a nightmare. If you're planning to go, you should know which destinations to avoid.
Italy: Chaos, bureaucracy and superficial relationships
On the face of it, Erasmus in Italy can't be a bad choice. After all, who wouldn't want to live among beautiful architecture, eat real pizza and sip espresso in a sunny piazza? But the reality is harsh. Students who have headed to cities like Bologna and Rome agree that they have encountered an incredible bureaucracy that has made their lives hell. Paperwork takes months, officials are unapproachable and speaking English? Forget it.
Another problem is the superficiality of interpersonal relations. The open and friendly mentality of the Italians is just a facade - students often mention that it is almost impossible to make really deep friendships. Everything is about superficial acquaintances and constant parties, but when you need real support, suddenly no one is available.
France: Snobbery, language barrier and lack of local interest
France, especially cities like Paris and Lyon, has often been described as inhospitable for international students. Unless you speak perfect French, you will feel like an outsider. The French refuse to speak English, and even if you try, you will feel that you are not taken seriously. Local universities often don't provide enough support for international students, and if you have a problem, you're on your own.
Another problem is the cost of living. Paris is extremely expensive, housing is a disaster, and unless you find a place on campus (which is almost impossible), you'll be paying astronomical amounts for apartments that often don't even meet basic standards. Students agree that unless you are a lover of French culture and have strong nerves, Paris is not for you.
Spain: Party culture and the feeling of isolation
Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia - sounds like a dream, right? Cheap beer, tapas and a nightlife that never ends. But when you live in Spain for a long time, you'll find that there's a flip side to everything. Many students complain that it's hard to make real relationships - the locals are nice, but they keep their distance and you often fail to break into their circle of friends.
Plus, if you're not a fan of the endless parties, you can feel like the black sheep. If you don't drink, it's like you're not. The academic standard of some universities is also not of the highest standard and many students feel that their Erasmus is more about survival than education.
Poland and Hungary: Cheap but lonely
Poland and Hungary may seem like great choices because of their low cost of living. But the money saved is often paid for in other ways - social isolation and culture shock. Students in Krakow and Warsaw often complain that they feel lonely and that the local community is closed.
Budapest is similar. Although it is beautiful, many students feel cut off because the locals are not very welcoming to international students. If you don't speak the local language, you will often feel like an outsider.
Ireland: A housing nightmare
You might be thinking that Ireland is a great choice - after all, English is spoken here, which eliminates one major obstacle. But the reality is scary. Ireland's housing crisis has hit students too, and if you don't get accommodation well in advance, you could end up sleeping on a stranger's couch.
But even worse is a worrying new trend - “sex for housing”. According to recent surveys, one in 20 students has been approached with an offer of accommodation in exchange for sexual favours. This is frightening and shows how desperate the situation in Ireland is. Furthermore, many students spend most of their income on rent, making their stay more of a struggle to survive than a memorable experience.
What does this imply?
Erasmus can be an amazing experience, but you need to choose your destination well. Forget the cute Instagram pictures and read the real student experiences. Some countries might attract you with cheap costs or beautiful cities, but if you want to avoid frustration, loneliness or existential problems, you'd better be careful where you go.
And above all, don't be tempted by the glitz. The real experience often looks very different from what university brochures or social media tell you.