Cultures that You Can Discover Through the Erasmus+ Program

Andreea BALEA, Sebastian BIRTOC, Mujgan CAGLAR, Ruxandra NICULAE

One of the most important aspects of the Erasmus+ program is the encounter of students with the different European cultures. Are you ready to find out more about the countries that you want to study in?

The countries that are part of the Erasmus+ program have their own intriguing culture which is founded upon:

art
architecture
music
food
literature
traditions

Studying Abroad with the Erasmus+ Program

Erasmus+ offers students the unique opportunity to study abroad and to get in contact with the different types of cultures by experiencing them like a local. Here are five Erasmus+ countries that need to be on your list if you truly want to discover fascinating cultures, while studying abroad:

Discovering Italy

Italy is a wonderful peninsula located in southern Europe. When you hear about Italian culture, it is common to associate it with art, music, and cuisine. It is the main center of the Renaissance, being a country with a rich history. Art can be found in every little corner of Italy. You can admire it by visiting museums and churches, but also by simply walking on the streets. Italians are full of life and they like to celebrate with every occasion that they have. That’s why you won’t have any problems with making friends while studying there. You will also have the opportunity to taste their famous and admired pasta and pizza recipes. What more could one ask for?

Vatican art to visit as an Erasmus student

Discovering Spain

Spain is famous worldwide for its liveliness, Flamenco music, mesmerizing beaches, and beautiful weather. If you do decide to study here, the first thing that will catch your eye will be the gothic architecture, castles, and the fantastic modernist monuments which are representative of Spanish culture. Another thing that is specific to Spain’s culture is its people, who are really open and communicative. They are very enthusiastic people who like to share good vibes with everyone. Having a social life there will never be a problem for you, as a student.

Discovering great architecture through Erasmus+ Program

Discovering Turkey

Turkey’s culture is very complex and has a lot of layers. Because Turkey is located on both the Asian and European continents, it has a unique cultural blend of the east and the west. Religion is one of the most important aspects of Turkish culture, that’s why you need to pay attention to their beliefs and traditions when studying there. One of the best aspects that you will get to experience as an Erasmus+ student will be Turkish food. Turkey’s cuisine is considered one of the best in the world, having a representative richness and flavor in every dish.

Traditional Turkish Dessert that you can try during the Erasmus+ Program

Discovering Germany

Germany is known for its long and rich history that has shaped a powerful culture filled with literature, art, philosophy, and of course beer and sausages. One of the key characteristics of German culture is its people, who are very punctual and organized. Because they are like that, it may look like they are cold and unfriendly, but once you get to know them, they make really good friends. When studying there, you will be amazed by the different activities and traditions that are characteristic of German culture: hiking, going to festivals like Oktoberfest, listening to folk music, and eating delicious traditional food.

Typical Oktoberfest Festival in Germany — Photo by **Brett Sayles**, from **Pexels**

Romania seen through the Erasmus+ Program

And if you are a foreign student who wants to study in our country, you will be amazed by how diverse and impressive our culture and country are. The most important aspect of our culture is the friendliness and warmth with which Romanian people greet you. Because people here are really welcoming and open, it will be easy for you, as an Incoming Student, to make friends and have a beautiful Erasmus+ experience in Romania.

Romania is a country that likes to maintain its old traditions and way of living. That’s why people here still enjoy wearing traditional Romanian clothing, which you can also try. As a country of myths and legends, you will be fascinated by Transylvania, our castles, and their rich history. Don’t be afraid, we don’t have any vampires here :).

Bran Castle at night — Photo by **eberhard grossgasteiger**, from **Pexels**

Studying and Living Differently with the Erasmus+ Program

When you visit a country, you really don’t get to see it fully when you experience it as a tourist, but, by choosing to study abroad for a certain amount of time, you get not only to see but to also feel the true colors of the country’s culture. That is why we encourage you to take this step and enroll as an Erasmus+ student in order to discover as many cultures as possible, but from a native’s perspective.