The Most Exotic Erasmus+ Destinations

Many Erasmus + project managers often do not even know that you can get great additional funding for longer journeys for more distant destinations. Since you can get more funding for the flight, exotic Erasmus + destinations are very popular and are therefore very attractive for the candidates. Many Erasmus + project participants often do not even know what great Erasmus + destinations are on offer. So, what are the most exotic Erasmus + destinations?

Curaçao – Travelling Under Palms

Who doesn't dream of walking along the white beach after work and being able to cool off in the sparkling blue sea? The Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao is known for its beach bays and extensive coral reefs with numerous marine animals. The capital Willemstad is the gateway to the beaches to the west, including Blue Bay, a popular spot for keen divers.

From a cultural point of view, this exotic island is something special because the population of Curaçao consists of a large number of ethnic groups. Most of the residents are descendants of formerly enslaved Africans. Around 6% of the population are of Dutch descent. The Dutch language is the official language, but Papiamentu is also an official language and in practice it is spoken predominantly.  The dishes are as exotic as the island, with seafood, Dutch and Creole specialties on the table. The official currency is the Antillean guilder; due to the fixed exchange rate, the US dollar can usually be used to pay. The Euro is also often accepted in the tourism industry.

The best Erasmus internship areas can be found in tourism and childcare. There are a number of great hotels, our partner hotel, the Hilton Hotel in Willemstad, being very special. Who doesn't want to add the Dreams Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino Hotel in Curaçao as an internship on their CV?

Where is the most beautiful place on Curaçao? Blue Bay, also known as Blauwbaai, is the largest beach on the island and one of the most beautiful beaches on Curaçao. This stunning beach is located in the fishing village of Saint-Michel, 15 km from Willemstad.

What vaccinations do you need for Curaçao? A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. The vaccination against hepatitis B should be given for long stays and close contact with the local population as well as for those with children and for adolescents in general. An effective insect repellent is also recommended. It is also good to know that this Caribbean country  is considered as very safe.

Réunion - Working in a Hidden Paradise

Another exotic Erasmus destination is the French island of La Réunion, it is located in the Indian Ocean and is known for its volcanic, rainforest-covered inland, its coral reefs and beaches. The symbol of the island is the Piton de la Fournaise, a 2,632 m high, climbable active volcano. Other popular climbing areas are the Piton des Neiges, a huge extinct volcano, and the 3 volcanic craters of La Réunion.

The island is characterized by a tropical climate. During the summer from December to April, temperatures can rise up to 34 ° C and can be affected by heavy rainfall. The winter is dry and cooler compared to the summer months, but still warm by German standards. Average temperatures are around 23 ° C.

Reunion Island has European, African, Malagasy, Indian and Chinese roots that bring different religions with them. However, the culture  all locals on La Réunion identify with is Creole. In addition to the official language French, Creole is predominantly spoken.

Reunion Island is a paradise for those who love being outdoors. The extraordinary richness of the landscape is evident in the most varied of volcanic landscapes, fairytale beaches and dense, tropical forests. The still active volcano Piton de la Fournaise is particularly worth seeing. On the island there is a mixture between the indigenous vegetation with useful and ornamental plants introduced by the settlers, which now thrive in the wild and ensure an enormous splendor of flowers.

The best internship area is tourism. Here you get to know the different areas of the hotel industry and gain valuable insights into the professional world of tourism in a nice and exotic environment.

Regarding accommodation, a host family is highly recommended, as the people on Reunion Island are really all open and very warm. Life on the island is characterized by the many different cultures, which go back to the diverse origins of the immigrant locals.

If you don't just want to work on this beautiful island, you should know that the beautiful landscape of La Réunion invites you to great hikes. Even those who are not particularly keen on hiking will quickly let themselves be carried away by the landscape. Around the Piton des Neiges, the highest mountain on the island, there are three basins - Mafate, Cilaos and Salazie. The Mafate basin can only be reached on foot and is therefore ideal for longer tours. The hiking trails are well developed and signposted.

In contrast to Mafate, Salazie offers Creole culture and the most beautiful waterfalls on the island. There are thermal baths in Cilaos that are definitely worth a visit.

La Réunion also offers many outdoor sports, such as rafting or paragliding. Who doesn't feel like doing an internship in one of these exotic destinations?

An Erasmus+ internship abroad not only looks great on your CV, you also get to know new cultures and people and you grow with your experiences. Are you looking for a new challenge? Our support will make your internship abroad a unique experience.

Have we piqued your interest with our article? Would you like to give your participants a great Erasmus + stay in an exotic destination? If this is the case, you should include exotic Erasmus + destinations in your next Erasmus + funding application. Under the following link you will find particularly helpful information and step-by-step instructions for the Erasmus + funding application. You can also read our Handbook for Erasmus+ Project Management & Execution.

Are you familiar with the Turing Scheme yet? The Turing Scheme was established by the UK (after the exit of the EU) in order to enable UK students to receive funding for their exchange experience. Browse our blog to find out more about the Turing Scheme or contact us if you have any specific questions.