Budget travel for students: The impact of the Erasmus program on affordable student mobility across Europe and global opportunities
Traveling is one of the best ways to experience different cultures and develop new perspectives. A lot of students loves to travel. For some it has always been a big dream to start travelling. But money can play a big role and be a problem. Flights and living can cost a lot and not everyone can afford it, making it hard for students to explore new places. Thanks to the Erasmus+ program, students around the world have the opportunity to study in different countries while travelling on a budget. And that is not all the only benefit it offers. This program not only provides financial support but also allows students to gain new experiences, meet people from different cultures, and even create future career opportunities abroad.
The Erasmus+ program is a European Union initiative that provides funding for students participating in exchange programs, internship or training opportunities. It offers financial support to help cover living costs, allowing students to save money and afford studying in another country. With the support the program provides, students can also save up and travel more, as they now have more additional resources to do so. Many Erasmus students take advantage of their time abroad by visiting nearby countries during weekends and holidays. This is where budget airlines and low-cost buses become particularly useful. In all of Europe and other countries there are various of student discounts that help save money when travelling and exploring. As a result, traveling across Europe becomes much more affordable compared to regular tourism.
Students who are part of this program quickly learn how to travel affordably, because finances are a key factor for them. Here are a few ways to save money while travelling: Many students use budget airlines such as Ryanair, Air Baltic, and Wizz Air, which offer extremely cheap flights between European cities. By planning ahead and being flexible with dates, they can even find tickets as little as 30-40 euros. Another great option travelling by bus. There are various bus services you can choose from but the most popular is FlixBus. Which provides affordable long-distance travel. And if you love looking out the window and seeing new places, while making stops, bus travel can be a great fit. For those who prefer trains, I highly recommend getting an interrail pass. It is a special train ticket that allows European residents to travel across multiple European countries by train for a fixed price. It is perfect for students who want to visit multiple countries. This pass allows unlimited train travel across Europe at a lower price.
Finding affordable accommodation is also important. Instead of staying in expensive hotels, Erasmus students often stay in hostels, or shared Airbnb apartments. Some even use Couchsurfing, a platform where travelers can stay with locals for free. Another great option is volunteering in exchange for free accommodation, using websites like Workaway. These options not only save money but also give students a chance to meet locals and experience different lifestyles.
Erasmus students also save money by using student discounts. Many European cities offer special student cards that provide discounts on public transport, museums, restaurants, and attractions. While traveling is a big part of the Erasmus+ experience, the program offers much more than just cheap trips. One of the biggest benefits is the opportunity to meet people from different cultures. Erasmus+ brings together students from all over the world, creating a unique international community. Many students make friends during their exchange, some of which become lifelong friendships. Having friends from different countries also means there’s always someone to visit in the future.
Besides friendships, Erasmus+ also helps students advance their careers. Studying or doing an internship abroad can significantly improve a student’s resume and make them stand out in the job market. Erasmus+ helps them develop soft skills such as problem-solving, communication, and cultural awareness, which are essential in today’s global workforce. They have the chance to build an international network. Meeting people from different countries, both in academic settings and through travel, can lead to unexpected career opportunities. Many universities offer career fairs, networking events, and internship programs specifically for international students. Connecting with professors, professionals, and fellow students from different backgrounds can open doors to job opportunities in various industries. Some students even find mentors or future employers through these connections, making Erasmus+ a great opportunity for a career abroad.
According to the European Commission, more than 80% of Erasmus+ students get a job within three months after graduating, and they are less likely to experience long-term unemployment. This shows that Erasmus+ is not just a fun experience, it also makes it easier to start a career.
While researching the impact of Erasmus+, I spoke with J.G., a student from Lithuania who recently spent six months studying in Berlin, Germany. He preferred to stay anonymous but shared how the program changed his education, personal growth, and career plans. At first, he was unsure about studying abroad, but now he believes it was one of the best decisions of his life.
One of the biggest differences he noticed was in the education system. In Lithuania, most classes are based on theory and memorization, whereas in Berlin, learning was more interactive, involving real-life case studies and group projects. The transition was challenging at first, but he soon realized that this approach helped him develop critical thinking and teamwork skills. He also attended guest lectures by professionals, which gave him insight into international business.
“The way they teach here is so different, but in a good way. I feel like I’m learning things that will actually help me in real life,” J.G. said.
The language barrier was another challenge. While his university courses were in English, daily life in Germany required some basic German skills. However, he quickly adapted and noticed significant improvements in his English. According to the Erasmus Impact Study, over 60% of Erasmus students improve their language skills, and he confirmed this was true for him. “At first, I struggled even with ordering food, but after a few months, I could hold basic conversations in German. That was a big achievement for me,” J.G. shared.
Beyond academics, the best part of Erasmus+ was the friendships he made. Living in a dormitory with students from different countries, he learned about various cultures and formed strong international connections. Statistics show that over 90% of Erasmus students make lifelong friendships, and he is already planning to visit his friends in Spain and France.
Erasmus+ also boosted his career prospects. While in Berlin, he attended networking events and spoke with professionals, which broadened his perspective on working abroad. Research shows that Erasmus students are twice as likely to work internationally, and now he is seriously considering career opportunities outside Lithuania. Employers also prefer candidates with international experience, which he believes will make him stand out when applying for jobs.
Though the first weeks were challenging, adapting to a new education system and finding accommodation, he feels that these experiences made him more independent and confident. Looking back, he strongly recommends Erasmus+ to students thinking about it. “If you’re unsure,” he said, “just go for it. You won’t regret it.”
The Erasmus+ program is more than just studying abroad, it’s a life-changing opportunity. It allows students to travel affordably, build international friendships, and gain valuable career skills. Beyond academics, it helps students become independent, adapt to new cultures, and stand out in the job market. As shown by the Lithuanian student’s experience in Berlin, Erasmus+ opens doors to global opportunities and personal growth.
Pictures from Vecteezy
