Erasmus during a pandemic: expectations vs reality

Andrea Bittnerova, former ESN member and International Relations professional 🌍, joins us to reflect on how seven years of Erasmus experiences shaped her life and career. From her first mobility in the 2010s to volunteering within ESN and becoming an expert in the field, Andrea shares insights on growth, resilience, and the lasting impact of international mobility.✨ A thoughtful conversation about why Erasmus continues to change lives.

🌍 One student. Two continents. A world of change.In this episode of the Erasmus Generation Perspective podcast, Stěpán Sakin shares his international journey across two continents, two cultures, and the personal growth that came with it. From the Czech Republic to Peru and South Korea and back home🎙️From battling self-doubt to embracing the unknown, Stěpán’s story is a bold reminder of the power of saying yes to international opportunities. 🌏✨🎧 Tune in for a deep dive into how mobility can transform your mindset, your future — and your life

From ESN's Headquarters to an international career?How can volunteering with ESN shape your future? For Nadja Jovičin, it was the first step towards an international career in communications! 🚀In this episode, Nadja shares how her time in Erasmus Student Network (ESN) equipped her with invaluable skills, expanded her global network, and ultimately led her to a professional role in Brussels. 🌍✨Tune in to hear her insights, lessons, and advice for ESN volunteers and Erasmus Generation members looking to turn their experience into a career advantage.

Patrick Doodt, a video maker for over a decade, began his journey with ESN shortly after returning from his Erasmus exchange in 2011. His passion for filming led him to capture post-Erasmus experiences, gradually becoming involved in organising events. He also gained experience in student organisations, such as Bodensee Consulting, which helped him professionalise his work. Over the years, he remained engaged with ESN and later joined JCI and BNI to connect with young business leaders. Now, as an ESN alumnus, he continues networking and supporting international communities while developing his media career.

Josh from Florida, United States decided to spend a year studying in Europe – six months in Italy and six months in Spain. Three years after meeting for the first time, he sat down with Jessica, a friend he met while in Spain. Cultural differences, how studying abroad changes his life perspective. Find all of this and more in this episode.  Hosted by Jessica Alves. Edited by Nikola Klemes.

Anastasia from Greece challenged her social anxiety when she decided to go on her Erasmus exchange. She sits down with her best friend to narrate her story and raise awareness about the importance of mental health. Is social anxiety an obstacle to Erasmus, or an opportunity? Hosted by Anastasia Ntalamaga.

Erasmus is our last, present and future, and we know the programme is constantly evolving and improving. However, we couldn't help but wonder what the plans for its future are, and how it will need to change to adapt to new challenges.  For this episode, we sat down with Oana Dumitrescu, Policy Officer at the European Commission, to discuss all about our favourite exchange programme. Hosted by Myrto Delkou.

Lina from Croatia never imagined that her Erasmus exchange would take place during a global pandemic. Only a few weeks before moving to Prague, she sits down with Ana to discuss her expectations. Online courses, restrictions, social distancing - how will she handle the new normal? Hosted by Anastasiia Mykytenko

What makes the Erasmus experience different during a global pandemic? Pauline from Germany shares her experience as an exchange student in Portugal and discusses how she had to adapt to the world going on pause for months. Lockdown, masks, Zoom calls - is this the new normal? Hosted by Cláudia Aragão. Edited by Lina Mohorić.

What quality is the most important in a volunteer? What is the Network Committee really about? Get to know it better! Join Michal, the Main Chair of NEC and Carolina, the NEC alumna, in their casual talk about life during & after ESN, Czech beer and unicorn masks. - hosted by Anastasia Mykytenko