Coming home for the holidays is always special! There’s the delicious aroma of home-cooked meals, the sound of laughter from your family and the comfort of your own bed. However, if you’ve just returned from an Erasmus+ trip, you might notice something feels a little off — you feel different. That’s because Erasmus+ doesn’t just change the places you go — it changes who you are.
Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
Erasmus+ is more than just a school trip. It’s an adventure where you boost your education, meet new people, experience new cultures and try things you’ve never done before. You might:
Even small moments, like laughing with classmates from another country or figuring out a challenge together, help you grow.
Everything Feels Familiar… and New
Then when you return home, everything might look the same, but suddenly it feels a little different. You may experience:
Coming home after Erasmus+ is like looking at your world with fresh eyes. You’ve learned to adapt, solve problems and be more confident. You may even have discovered new hobbies, interests, or ideas for your future.
Friendships Without Borders
One of the best parts of Erasmus+ is the friendships you make. These aren’t just classmates — they’re friends from around the world who share a similar experience to that of your own. Even if you’re thousands of kilometres apart, the memories stay with you. You might remember:
These friendships show you the world is bigger than your hometown and connections can happen anywhere.
Reflection and Inspiration
Being home for the holidays isn’t just about relaxing. It’s a chance to reflect on:
Erasmus+ can spark curiosity, confidence and motivation. Many students find themselves dreaming bigger and planning new adventures.
Sharing Your Experience
You also become a bridge between cultures, through sharing stories, foods, songs, or traditions with family and friends you’ll show how much you’ve grown. Even small experiences can teach big lessons about understanding, respect and connection.
A Change That Lasts Forever
Erasmus+ changes students in ways you can’t measure with grades. It teaches:
So, when you’re next home for the holidays, enjoy the celebrations — but also notice the change inside you. You’ve explored, learned and grown. The world will never feel quite the same again!
Final Words
Returning home after an Erasmus+ adventure is a moment to celebrate — not just the upcoming holidays, but your own personal and professional growth. You’ve explored new places, met amazing people and learned lessons that will stay with you forever. Every challenge you faced, every new experience you embraced, has made you stronger, braver and more curious about the world.
Remember, the adventure doesn’t end when you step through your front door. The confidence, friendships and memories you’ve gained are yours to carry into every new opportunity. Share your stories, inspire others and keep exploring — because the world is bigger, brighter and more connected than you ever imagined. There’s no doubt that Erasmus+ will change you, but you’ll still feel at home when back with family and friends – you just might want to think about planning your next big adventure abroad!