Often, while in Erasmus, students from different countries tend to either stay friends within their
own nationality, or to make a solid group of friends but only talk in English. While this is fine if
you’re traveling abroad to an English speaking country, it isn't often the case in Europe. So order to
strengthen the relationships between the local students and to further promote integration and
cultural exchange, the next EU budget should fund initiatives that bring local and Erasmus
students together through structured activities. These could include language tandems,
mentorship programs, intercultural events, and collaborative academic projects.
Such initiatives would help break social barriers, combat stereotypes, and encourage mutual
understanding. They would also give local students a taste of international experiences without
leaving their country, inspiring them to participate in Erasmus in the future.
The EU could support universities in developing these integration frameworks by offering
dedicated funds and clear guidelines, encouraging student associations to lead the projects.
Investing in local–Erasmus connections would maximize the social and educational impact of
student mobility, building a stronger, more united Europe.