The worst things that can happen to you on an Erasmus exchange

Listen up, my dear reader. I'm on this site writing this article about... well, about what it says in the title, basically. Do you want to have a laugh? Some of the following situations happened either to me or to someone I know, whilst others are from common sense or experiences of other people that I've read about throughout the years. But they aren't just funny situations or situations you have to be empathetic about, they could all easily happen to you or to someone you know.

1. Arriving and there's no internet in the house that is supposed to have it, according to its advert.

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWaLxFIVX1s

2. Breaking the handle of your suitcase at the airport and cutting your hand on it, and afterways having to carry on with this broken suitcase until you get to your new city. It's not pleasant.

   

3. All play and no work = being behind in your subjects and with your credits…and also losing your grant.

   

4. Being robbed and losing all your documents and your passport.
5. Being robbed again But twice? You have to have bad luck for that to happen?
6. Not knowing the country's language (unless you've already taken language classes) and having to explain your symptoms to a local doctor. This video shows what you probably look like when you try.

   I love Jim Carrey. *ALL OF THE HOMO! *

7. So, getting ill is a bore in itself, but on Erasmus it's even worse because you probably don't have medication with you and you also don't have your parents to look after you.
8. When you're in a restaurant and the menus don't have a translation or pictures of the food - it's like shooting in the dark and hoping that you hit the target. Who needs a menu?

   

9. Not having money for parties or other events because you have to save for, basically, survival and not running out of bread or water.
10. Being unlucky with your accommodation, whether that's household problems (e. g no hot water, uncomfortable bed etc. ) or because your flatmates are horrible. If you're expecting a life like in "Friends" or "How I Met Your Mother", then you're going to be disappointed. Ah, if only life was more like a sitcom...
11. Getting lost in the city when you don't know it, without internet on your phone, or a map. Add to this the fact that you don't know the language well enough to ask for directions. Your day very quickly turns ugly, believe me...

    

12. Maintaining a long distance relationship sometimes isn't possible. It's better to be single here, honestly. But, hey, it can work out if you are truly dedicated!
13. Getting fat. Oh yes, you're going to get fat if you're not careful.

    

14. Not liking the local food, and having everyone look at you like you're crazy.

    

15. Not having classes in English and having to have classes in the host language, since there are universities that don't offer them (that is, since you're in a country whose official language isn't English. But in other countries, for example Germany and the Czech Republic, these classes are necessary for foreign students). After all you don't understand anything. Good luck on the exams.
16. Taking the wrong bus or train because you misread/didn't properly read the times and the lines.
17. You might also receive little or no information about Erasmus events taking place in the city. It depends on the groups in this city and their presence online with communicating about events. But it really does depend on the city and it's rare that there is no information.

    

18. Intolerance towards foreigners that you can experience in some cities, with some inhabitants turning in Rambo when they see you. Ok, so I'm joking, but they can be irritating, especially with drinks.

    

19. When you have to clean the house but you don't have a vacuum cleaner, so you have to use a broom. The problem is that it's never going to be totally clean this way. It's horrible
20. Homesickness can threaten sometimes, but you don't succumb to it, do you? Well it's there anyway. Today with the internet you can get rid of homesickness by talking on Skype. The problem is when homesickness is so strong that it breaks the most emotional people, whether it's a home or when you're drunk. In this last case it's worse because you're going to be crying infront of your classmates, who will definitely consol you there and then, but who will enjoy it later. But it's not a problem, it's natural.

And there you have it. These are the only 20 I can remember at the moment. If you want to continue the list, write another one in the comments. The more the better, especially if they're funny!

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