Between Excitement and Anxiety: Behavioral Insights from Czech Erasmus + Participants

This article explores the motivations, experiences, and impacts of Erasmus + study stays based on interviews with 17 Czech students and analysis of publicly available surveys from over 800 students who have completed a study stay abroad. While many were motivated by language learning and exploration, students faced emotional and practical challenges before, during, and after their stay. Despite these, they reported greater self-confidence, independence, and intercultural competence. The study highlights overlooked behavioral and emotional aspects of mobility and suggests ways to strengthen support throughout the process.