Erasmus Nearby: Discover the World in Neighboring Countries

When students hear “Erasmus,” many imagine sunny Spain, the Nordic countries, or distant corners of Europe. But did you know that an unforgettable study experience can happen much closer to home – in Austria, Poland, Germany, or Slovakia?

Close ≠ Less Experience

Studying in neighboring countries offers many advantages:

• Shorter distance – easier travel, lower costs, and the possibility of more frequent visits from home.
• Cultural similarity and diversity – you’ll discover new customs, languages, and academic approaches, while still feeling comfortable.
• Strong Erasmus student communities – even in smaller cities, vibrant international groups form, bringing together students from all over the world.

Prestigious Universities Within Reach

Did you know that some of Europe’s top-rated universities are located in countries bordering the Czech Republic?

  Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien (Austria) – The largest economics university in Europe, with over 20,000 students. Its modern campus, designed by world-renowned architects (e.g. Zaha Hadid), is an experience in itself. The university holds the prestigious “Triple Crown” accreditations – AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA – a distinction held by only about 1% of business schools worldwide.

  Kozminski University (Poland) – A truly international environment with students from over 75 countries. Students regularly attend lectures by experts from top institutions like MIT, Harvard, and Northeastern University, as well as professionals from companies such as Goldman Sachs, Citi, and Oracle.

  Universität zu Köln (Germany) – One of the largest and oldest universities in Germany, offering top-tier economics education and strong support for international students. Located in Cologne, the third most popular student city in Germany, it provides a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

  University of Economics in Bratislava (Slovakia) – The oldest economics university in Slovakia, with notable alumni including presidents and finance ministers. Bratislava’s location on the border with Austria and Hungary makes it a perfect starting point for travel and exploration.

Erasmus Is About People and Experiences, Not Distance

It doesn’t matter whether you travel 500 or 2,000 kilometers – what matters is what you take away from the experience. Erasmus is about exchanging ideas, building friendships, and growing personally. Even a short journey can lead to a big transformation – in how you think, study, and communicate. And all of that can happen just “around the corner.” Erasmus is not about distance – it’s about openness. And that begins the moment you decide to go.

	Adam Grym (FIR, Uniwersytet Warszawski – PL)   „I spent the summer semester 2023/24 at the University of Warsaw through the Erasmus+ program. From the very beginning, Warsaw exceeded my expectations – it’s a modern and clean city full of neon lights and vibrant nightlife. Every day you can witness a unique contrast between post-war architecture and glass skyscrapers. At the university, I especially appreciated the wide range of courses in international relations – a field not commonly offered at other schools. The Polish people are very friendly and open, especially towards us Czechs, so I quickly found my place and felt ‘at home’ after just two months. Polish is also easy to pick up, and I’ve now added a language to my life that few people speak outside of Poland. Thanks to the low cost of living, I could afford a shared apartment, good food, and plenty of travel – not just locally, but also abroad. In my opinion, Poland is a highly underrated destination, which is a shame. Many international students from Western Europe I met there chose Warsaw as their first choice. I would recommend Poland to anyone who doesn’t see Erasmus as an exotic vacation, but as an opportunity to gain quality education, make new friends, and have an authentic experience in a neighboring country – without financial stress.”