When planning Erasmus+ mobilities, most schools focus on the obvious cost elements - we’re talking about flights, accommodation, course fees and logistics. However, beneath the surface, there are those “hidden costs” that don’t appear on a budget sheet! We’re talking about emotional, social and practical challenges that almost every participant faces abroad.
The good news? With the right perspective, these hidden anxieties can be transformed into valuable lessons and lifelong gains. Here are 3 of the most common:
1. The Anxiety of Time
The Fear: “Mobility planning takes up too much time.” Teachers worry about hours of preparation, while students fear they’ll fall behind academically.
The Reality: Yes, mobilities take time but that time builds skills. Planning teaches organisation, deadlines and teamwork. Students return feeling more independent, while teachers refine their project management skills. Those lost hours soon become professional development.
2. Emotional Anxiety
The Fear: “Homesickness and the stress will be too heavy.” Students often hit low points; missing family, struggling with culture shock or doubting themselves.
The Reality: Emotional dips are part of the Erasmus+ journey. With guidance, they transform into resilience. Participants learn coping strategies, stress management and confidence that no classroom alone could provide. What feels like an emotional cost becomes an investment in maturity.
3. Social Anxiety
The Fear: “Leaving friends, routines, or comfort zones is too hard.” Both students and staff may fear losing connections back home.
The Reality: True, social routines change but new ones take root whilst abroad. Erasmus+ participants expand their networks, build international friendships and often find communities that continue long after their placement ends. What starts as a sacrifice becomes an expansion of horizons.
Erasmus+ FAQs
Q: Will students’ grades suffer during a mobility abroad?
A: With proper coordination, credits transfer smoothly and the experience often enhances academic performance.
Q: How do we support students struggling emotionally?
A: Welfare coordinators, peer groups, educational coaching and planned activities provide structured support during tough moments.
Q: Is it worth the extra effort for teachers?
A: Absolutely. Staff report higher job satisfaction and stronger networks after mobilities, outweighing the effort invested.
TravelEdventures Tip!
Don’t hide the “hidden anxieties”, embrace them. Talk openly with students and staff about the challenges and frame them as part of the growth process. The best Erasmus+ outcomes don’t come despite these costs, but because of them.
Every Erasmus+ journey comes with challenges but those challenges are also the greatest opportunities!
Ready to transform hidden anxieties into life-changing gains? [Contact us today].
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