Erasmus+ and France: The First Stop on a Journey into the Unknown

Anyone who thinks school is just about writing essays and cramming for tests clearly hasn’t discovered the magical world of Erasmus+. This program is not just about working abroad—it’s about adventures, trips, experiences, fun, and feeling like a true world traveler for a while. How did I manage it? Well, let’s dive into it!

Where Did It All Begin?

If I remember correctly, it all started pretty simply. We had one of those presentations at school where they just go over different opportunities. And then, suddenly, the word Erasmus+ came up. A project that allows you to travel abroad. I signed up, kind of curious about what it actually was, but also thinking: ‘This is going to be fun, maybe they’ll pick me!’ What do I have to lose? So, I filled out the application and ticked the countries I’d like to visit – Portugal, Spain, and France.

However, it wasn’t immediately clear. After several weeks of waiting and nerves, we finally got the official confirmation. Over time, our teachers, who were in charge of the program, started mentioning where each of us was likely to go. They generally don’t send students based on their grades or academic performance, but rather on their traits, and whether the school feels comfortable sending that particular student abroad without fearing they’ll call home after a few days, not knowing what to do. So, they tend to choose students who are independent, practical thinkers, and who speak a foreign language.

And then it was clear, I’m going to France too! Yay! But it wouldn’t have been the same without my awesome buddies – Rolo – IG HERE, Luky – IG HERE, and Dany – IG HERE, guys, a shoutout to you! Without you, it wouldn’t have been the same kind of fun, right? Come on, tell them how it was. Honestly, we were like the Fantastic Four! Now imagine this – almost summer, end of May, school has long lost its meaning, and all we had to do was wait for the trip to begin.

So, What is Erasmus+ Anyway?

Erasmus+ is a program focused on exchange stays between schools across Europe, specifically within the EU. Typically, schools partner with foreign institutions where students work (but not for money, as you might think). The idea is that you go to these establishments for free, and in return, you get a grant that covers travel, accommodation, meals, and everything you need. You’ll receive pocket money in advance, and you have to manage your entire stay with it.

Grants are determined based on the distance, so if you’re heading to France, you’ll get a pretty decent amount. For us, it came to about 2,000 euros – for flights, accommodation, and even some extra for trips and meals. Anything beyond that is up to you, whether you want to splurge on something extra, hit the casino, buy new shoes, or save for a hard times. You can find a calculator to estimate your grant here.

Preparations for the Trip and the Journey to France

And once we had everything officially set, it was time to pack. We were flying with the Spanish airline Volotea. For me, it was my first experience with them, and I can say it was top-notch. At the airport, we had a group check-in, so when I had a kilo more in my luggage, no problem—thanks! We flew from Prague to Nantes, but before that, we took the train from Košice to Prague. Over 8 hours on the RegioJet train, which is a classic journey for a university student from eastern Slovakia heading home. Totally normal, right?

When we finally arrived in Prague, we were filled with excitement, knowing we’d be flying out that evening. However, we had to wander around the train station first to figure out where the bus to the airport was departing from. After some confusion, we found it, and then we were on our way. We asked a few police officers and people for directions—oh, that was… well, let’s just say, I’ll leave it at that. Our flight wasn’t until the evening, so we had time for a quick dinner: a pretzel and sausage with a beer, and then we waited for our night flight to Nantes.

After landing in Nantes around midnight, we started our search for the hotel. The airport seemed pretty small, at least at that time. There was some construction going on, and we didn’t see much upon arrival. So, the search for the hotel began. I must say, we really “walked” quite a bit before we finally found our B&B Hotel Nantes Aéroport. We passed all the parking lots before we found our way to the road and a roundabout that led to the mysterious street toward the hotel near the airport. After all, where else would you look for accommodation so late, especially when you’re traveling again the very next day?

The hotel was ideal, perfectly sufficient for one night. Our room was a duplex. We walked in, and the ceiling was about 5 meters high. Then we realized that above the bathroom, there were two more beds, and it was awesome. We couldn’t fall asleep in the evening, so we turned on the TV, and suddenly there was Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw. It was in French dubbing. If you don’t want to lose your hearing, don’t even bother turning it on. Maybe only at your own risk. The language is unbearable to listen to. What was interesting was that the reception was completely automated, and check-in was done through a machine. It gave us a code for the room, and off we went, quickly splitting up.

The Journey to La Roche-sur-Yon

After a hearty and sweet breakfast, as is the custom in France, we took a taxi to the train station in Nantes. It’s a beautiful city with a large park, where we took a short stroll and noticed that even the benches were completely different. You can’t just sit on them; you have to hang off them! It’s surprising what you discover there. After the quick walk, we headed to the train, and when we arrived at the station in the picturesque town of La Roche-sur-Yon, our teacher from the partner school was waiting for us. She drove us twice to the student dormitory – the local student accommodation. And what can I say? It was luxury! Each of us had our own room, bathroom, and even a gym – not everyone had one of those to themselves, though. After the long journey, we could finally breathe easy and began enjoying our time there.

First Night in France: Challenges and Laughs

That night, we set out to explore La Roche-sur-Yon. Everything was new, unfamiliar, and honestly, a little nerve-wracking, but the excitement kept us going. Now, let me tell you, speaking French when you’re not fluent? That’s a whole vibe. Most locals didn’t speak much English, but their kindness and willingness to help were unmatched. Our attempts at French were far from flawless—more like a linguistic roller coaster—but they led to some hilarious and unforgettable moments that still make me laugh.

And just like that, our multi-week adventure officially kicked off! The next day was packed with fun, laughter, and visits to some breathtaking spots I can’t wait to tell you about in the next chapter. Don’t miss out on the juicy details about La Roche-sur-Yon and other must-see destinations—subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on Instagram. That way, you’ll stay in the loop and maybe even find some inspiration for your own travel escapades! Been on a similar project like this? Drop me a message and share your story—I’d love to hear all about it!

Flying Easterner

Cross your boundaries – that’s where the treasure you’re seeking is hidden.