Every Erasmus+ journey begins with a question, where will this experience take me? For some, the answer is written in the quiet mornings of Prague, where the sound of church bells drifts over misty rooftops and trams hum along cobblestoned streets.
For others, it’s found in the lively rhythm of Budapest, where the River Danube sparkles under the sun and students fill open-air cafés with conversation and ideas. Both cities are postcards come to life, but for Erasmus+ trainees, they’re much more. They’re classrooms without walls, workplaces that inspire and homes that shape who you become.
1. Prague, The City That Teaches You Patience and Precision
Prague rewards those who observe, who listen and who take things in slowly. Erasmus+ interns in Prague often find themselves working in design studios, boutique hotels, administrative offices, or digital agencies, where attention to detail matters.
“In Prague, I learned that small steps could lead to big change,” says Emilia, a trainee from Italy. “Every day at my placement taught me something, not just about work, but about myself.”
Outside the office, students find calm in riverside walks, art galleries and weekend trips to Český Krumlov or Karlovy Vary. Prague’s magic isn’t loud, it’s steady, confident, and unforgettable.
2. Budapest, The City That Pushes You to Create and Connect
If Prague whispers, Budapest sings.
The Hungarian capital is all about momentum, perfect for Erasmus+ participants who thrive in movement and collaboration. Internship placements here often involve hospitality, culinary arts, IT support, childcare, or mechanical engineering, where adaptability and teamwork shine. Workplaces are practical and international, giving VET students the chance to develop real skills while gaining confidence in a new cultural setting.
“Budapest taught me how to speak up and take initiative,” shares Dominik, a VET student from Austria. “It’s a city that makes you feel alive and capable.”
When work ends, students turn the city into their classroom — exploring museums, cultural festivals, local markets, and Budapest’s famous thermal baths, where new friendships and shared experiences make every day a lesson in culture and connection.
3. Cost of Living, Living Well Without Spending Much
Erasmus+ participants love Central Europe for one simple reason: you can live well on a student budget.
Budapest is usually the cheaper option. Rent, food, and transportation are incredibly affordable. Prague is slightly more expensive, but its walkability and free cultural life (parks, viewpoints, art galleries) make it equally appealing.
“In both cities, I learned that you don’t need a lot of money to feel rich, you just need the right mindset,” says Lina, an Erasmus+ former student from France.
4. CultureShock? More Like Culture Growth
For many trainees, their first Erasmus+ placement abroad feels exciting and scary all at once. In Prague, mentors and colleagues often become quiet guides, supportive and patient.
In Budapest, you’re swept up in energy, encouraged to try, fail and try again.
That’s the beauty of Erasmus+, you grow in completely different ways, depending on where you land. Prague teaches balance. Budapest teaches courage.
Together, they represent what mobility truly means, which is learning how to adapt to any environment.
Erasmus+ Destination FAQs
Q: Which destination is better for first-time participants?
A: Prague is smaller, calm and structured therefore perfect for those new to living abroad.
Q: Which offers more social life and creative energy?
A: Budapest is full of international events, cultural festivals and student activities that make it easy to meet people from all over Europe.
Q: Are both affordable for Erasmus+ grants?
A: Absolutely. Both cities offer great value, especially for food, housing, and transport.
Final Words
Every Erasmus+ story has a setting. Prague and Budapest are two of the best chapters you could write. Prague teaches you focus and resilience. Budapest teaches you confidence and creativity. Both cities remind us why Erasmus+ exists, to help students not only gain skills, but discover who they are in the process.
Ready to plan your next Erasmus+ mobility in Central Europe? [Contact TravelEdventures today] — we’ll help you design an experience your students will never forget.
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