Starting your Erasmus+ mobility is exciting! There are new people, new places, new routines to learn about, but even the most confident student can feel overwhelmed sometimes. Homesickness, cultural differences, and the pressure to adapt can quietly build up. The good news? Stress doesn’t have to impact your Erasmus+ journey. In fact, it can help you grow stronger if you learn how to manage it.
Let’s explore how to stay calm, stay balanced, and make your time abroad a true success story.
When the Adventure Feels a Bit Too Big
1. Recognise Stress Before It Grows
The first step to managing stress is knowing when it’s creeping up. You might feel tired, lose focus, or get irritated more easily. These are all normal signs of adjustment. Take a moment every day to check in with yourself. Ask yourself how you’re feeling today or if anything’s worrying you. Simply acknowledging your emotions helps you take back control.
“During my first week in Malta, I felt completely lost,” says Sofia, a VET student from Spain. “Once I started writing down what I was grateful for each day, I noticed my stress slowly fading.”
2. Create a Routine That Feels Like Home
New surroundings can make daily life feel uncertain. Building small routines gives your brain a sense of safety and balance. For example, try to wake up at the same time each day, prepare your meals as you would at home and make space for short breaks or exercise. Even a morning walk or a coffee at your favorite local café can ground you in the moment. Consistency turns chaos into calm.
3. Talk It Out, Don’t Keep It In
You’re not alone. Every Erasmus+ student feels pressure at some point. Talking to your mentor, host organisation, or fellow trainees can make a big difference. Sometimes, sharing your experience aloud helps you see things more clearly and you might even discover that others are feeling the same way as you are.
“Our group meetings in Lisbon helped me so much,” says Daniel, an intern from Germany. “We talked about our struggles, but also what we were proud of. It changed how I saw my time abroad.”
4. Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind
Physical activity is one of the best stress relievers. You don’t need a gym, a simple walk by the beach, yoga in the park or exploring your host city on foot works wonders! Exercise helps release tension, improves mood and keeps your energy balanced. When you’re in beautiful destinations like Prague, Barcelona or Athens for example, even a short stroll feels rewarding !
5. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Remember that your Erasmus+ mobility is about learning not about being perfect. Mistakes, misunderstandings or tough days are part of the process. Try to see each challenge as a lesson rather than a failure. You’re growing in resilience, communication and adaptability. These are skills that matter far beyond your internship.
“At first, I was so afraid of making mistakes,” says Ana, a trainee in Budapest. “But then I realized: I’m here to learn. Every difficult moment taught me something important.”
6. Stay Connected to What Grounds You
Call your family, text your friends or keep a small reminder from home. Staying connected helps you feel supported, even when you’re far away. At the same time, stay open to new friendships. Erasmus+ is full of people who understand exactly what you’re going through — and together, you can turn stress into shared strength.
Erasmus+ Wellbeing FAQs
Q: Is it normal to feel stressed during an Erasmus+ placement?
A: Absolutely. Everyone feels stress at times, it’s part of adapting to new environments. The key is learning to manage it in healthy ways.
Q: What if I feel homesick or anxious?
A: Reach out to your mentor or coordinator. Staying active, socialising and creating daily routines can also help you regain balance.
Q: How can mentors support students under stress?
A: Encourage open communication, provide regular feedback and remind students that progress, not perfection, is the real goal of mobility.
Wrapping Up
It is normal to feel stress at the beginning of your Erasmus+ because it does take time to settle in but remember, stress is a sign that you’re growing, stretching your comfort zone, adapting and becoming more resilient. So when things feel difficult, take a breath. You’re not alone and you’re doing better than you think. Turn stress into strength. Turn challenges into change.
Ready to help your students build confidence through Erasmus+? [Contact TravelEdventures today] — we’ll help you create mobility experiences that empower, inspire and support every participant.
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