If you have found this article, it is because you have heard of Erasmus plus. Three years have already passed since my first project, yet, that period has changed my life so dramatically that it remains deeply ingrained in my mind. Considering my experience with Erasmus+ programme, in this article you will find some helpful tips on what you need to know and what you need to prepare before you go on a project. Well, let’s get started.
The first and most important thing is your travel document.
It all depends on the country you have already chosen, if the country you are traveling to is an EU member you can travel with your ID card, but if it is not in the EU you have to bring your passport with you.
N.B! It is crucial to have all the necessary and valid travel documents with you.
Find here attached a helpful link:
The second important thing is to check the route from the airport to your hotel beforehand, in case the group leader has not done this for you already.
Attached here are some helpful apps:
1. Moovit - Use it for public transit navigation, maps, schedules, real-time arrivals and more!
2. Uber - an American multinational ride-hailing company offering services that include peer-to-peer ride sharing and ride service hailing
The third important thing is to check the weather forecast for the dates of your stay.
After checking what the weather forecast will be, you can pack your luggage with appropriate clothing (usually the organizers of the project mention in the info pack what type of clothes you will need during your stay).
*https://www.accuweather.com/ is a great option to check forecast for the days of your project before you pack.
The fourth important thing is to check which is the currency of the country you are going to and then to exchange money. If the country has a specific currency different than Euro or US dollars, you have 2 options:
you can exchange Euro or US dollars before you leave and later when you arrive to exchange in the local currency.
you can exchange directly into the local currency to avoid having to look for an exchange upon arrival
Note that exchanging BG levas will be almost impossible in any country you go.
Also check your flights, if you have transfers always bring euros with you, which you will use during your stay at the transfer airport.
It is also good to check the amount of money you will be charged for paying with debit/credit card or withdraw money from an ATM.
Find herewith attached several links with the most favorable exchange offices in Bulgaria:
The fifth important thing is the insurance and the student card.
· What is the European Health Insurance Card?
A free card that gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, under the same conditions and at the same cost (free in some countries) as people insured in that country.
Cards are issued by your national health insurance provider.
What is the ISIC card?
If you’re a full-time student at school, college or university and aged 12 or over, you can apply for a student card with ISIC. ISIC offers both virtual and plastic cards, allowing students around the world to instantly prove their official student status and access over 150,000 student discounts and offers worldwide.
The sixth important thing is the roaming.
European Union roaming regulations apply to the 31 members of the European Economic Area; the 27 members of the EU and their outermost regions plus three EFTA member states Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, and finally the United Kingdom. To make sure you won't be charged, check your carrier's subscription plan. Here are some useful links:
The last but not the least important thing is the preparation for the intercultural night.
Intercultural Night is a long-standing tradition in Erasmus+ projects, and it is a favorite event among participants.
You can bring some traditional food, beverages, music, a flag, etc. from your home country. Also, you can prepare some quizzes, dances, games, bring small presents for the participants.
Here are some examples of what you can bring:
· Beverages: Rakia, Mint, Red/white wine;
· Banitsa – bring the products and prepare it there;
· Loukoum, jam of roses;
· Waffles – traditional ones;
· Lyutenitsa;
· White cheese and red pepper;
· Meat;
· Kashkaval.
Find herewith attached helpful links:
If you’re eager to know more in details don’t hesitate to contact us, we’ll be more than glad to help you.
by Todor Kotev
Commentaires