Life After Erasmus: How to Overcome Post-Erasmus Depression

By Renata Ajkai

Participating in an Erasmus exchange program is more than just an academic endeavor; it becomes an entirely new way of life. If you have been an Erasmus student, you know exactly what this means. For those who haven't yet embarked on this life-changing journey of studying abroad, it is an experience you should prioritize at least once during your student years.

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During your Erasmus exchange, you connect with people from across the globe, form lifelong friendships, and perhaps even find love. Beyond the social aspect, you learn to manage your personal finances, live independently, and navigate the cultural nuances of sharing a home with students from diverse backgrounds.

Ultimately, you gain a broader perspective of the world, a truly invaluable asset for your future.

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However, the Erasmus experience has a challenging side: the process of saying goodbye and returning to your previous life. This transition can feel surreal, even when returning to the family and country you missed. Re-adjusting to your old routine after living an international lifestyle is a significant hurdle for many students.

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How to overcome your post-Erasmus depression

Many former Erasmus participants struggle with the feeling that life has come to a standstill, leading to what is often called 'post-Erasmus depression.' Recognizing this, some universities now provide pre-departure psychological counseling to help students transition back to reality.

Returning home was equally difficult for me. Navigating my own city felt strange; I felt disconnected from my former social circle, and everyday life seemed mundane. Nothing felt quite right, and I constantly longed for my Erasmus life.

A few days later, I realized that I couldn't dwell in the past—I had to actively embrace and enjoy life back home again.

1. Do a fun activity or help out other international students!

I decided to keep a piece of my experience alive by continuing to learn Polish, the language of my host country. Finding a teacher was a challenge, but I eventually secured lessons twice a week, which provided a wonderful sense of continuity.

I was fortunate to be in my final year, which kept me occupied with graduation requirements, internships, and my thesis. reconnecting with my local classmates reminded me of the value of my original friendships.

Soon, I discovered an active community of international students in my city. By joining a group that supports foreign students, I found a way to stay connected to the international atmosphere. Sharing my own experiences allowed me to help newcomers settle in, organize events, and even teach them the local language.

We organized frequent social gatherings, cultural trips, and international events, ensuring a vibrant schedule. Stepping into a mentorship role was incredibly rewarding and helped me build a new, meaningful network of friends.

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2. Keep in touch with your Erasmus friends!

Beyond mentoring, I maintained active communication with my friends from Poland. As many of them began their professional journeys, I felt motivated to do the same and started my job hunt.

Eventually, I organized a reunion with my original Erasmus group. We revisited our favorite haunts and relived our best memories together. If you maintain strong ties with your Erasmus friends, I highly recommend hosting them in your home country or planning a visit to theirs.

3. Embark on a new study adventure and apply for a full Master’s degree

You can always consider returning to your Erasmus host university for a full Master’s degree, or even venture to an entirely new international destination.

You might be eligible for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship or various other types of funding.

Check out this curated list of affordable countries to study abroad.

Opting for a two-year Master's degree will allow you to deepen your expertise, and with your previous experience, you will adapt even faster and maximize your study adventure.

Earning an international degree not only boosts your personal well-being but significantly enhances your career prospects. Recruiters consistently value candidates with demonstrated international adaptability.

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Make your experience matter

To conclude my story, I want to share one final piece of advice:

Your study abroad experience should continue to provide value long after you return home. Transform the skills you gained into new networking opportunities. Let your international degree serve as a conversation starter, an inspiration, and the foundation for a global-minded lifestyle.

So remember: while saying goodbye is undeniably difficult, you can carry that lifestyle forward. Even better, you can support new international students, helping them grow into open-minded and capable individuals just as you did.