Why You Always Want to Return to Your Erasmus or Gap Year City and Work There
You set off on your Erasmus exchange or gap year thinking it would be a short-lived adventure—an exciting chapter of your studies, a chance to travel, meet new people, and experience a different culture. But when the semester, year, or internship comes to an end, something unexpected happens: you don’t want to leave.
For many students and young professionals, Erasmus and gap years are not just temporary experiences but the start of something much bigger. The friendships, cultural immersion, and professional opportunities often lead to one big question: Should I stay and work here? If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone! Let’s explore why so many people end up searching for jobs in their host city—and how you can do the same.
Emotional Connection: When a City Becomes Home
Living abroad, whether through Erasmus, a gap year, an internship, or a working holiday, often creates deep emotional ties to your new environment. Here’s why:
Friendships That Feel Like Family You’ve built strong connections with people from all over the world. Saying goodbye to them (and your favorite coffee spot, local market, or weekend getaway routine) isn’t easy. The city you once saw as “temporary” now feels like home.
The Comfort of a New Routin: From your favorite local café to the park where you studied or worked remotely, you’ve developed a daily routine that feels just right. Returning to your home country can feel like taking a step back into a life that no longer fits.
The Reverse Culture Shock: Many Erasmus students and gap year travelers experience a disconnect when they return home—work culture, social life, and even simple habits feel different. This “reverse culture shock” often pushes them to find a way back to their host city.
Professional Growth: Erasmus & Gap Years as Career Springboards
Did you know that Erasmus alumni and gap year participants are twice as likely to work abroad compared to those who never went abroad? These experiences aren’t just fun—they’re career boosters.
A Stronger, More International CV: Employers love international experience, and Erasmus or a gap year equips you with key skills : Language proficiency in your host country, Cross-cultural communication and adaptability, Networking opportunities in an international job market.
A Head Start in the Local Job Market: Spending months in a foreign country means you naturally immerse yourself in the local culture and job scene. This gives you a unique advantage: You understand the work culture and business environment, you’ve built a local network that can help with job opportunities. Some companies actively look for international profiles like yours.
Erasmus & Gap Year Candidates Stand Out: Many recruiters see these experiences as proof of independence, problem-solving skills, and adaptability—all qualities that make candidates stand out in competitive job markets.
The “Stay Abroad” Effect: Why You Want to Keep Going
After studying, working, or volunteering abroad, many people feel a strong pull toward an international career. But why?
Avoiding the “Post-Abroad Blues”: After months of excitement, travel, and cultural discovery, going back to a “normal” routine feels like a downgrade. Many seek to extend the adventure by staying abroad.
A Different Approach to Work-Life Balance: Maybe the work culture, job flexibility, or professional mindset in your host country aligns better with your career goals. Whether it’s Spain’s siestas, Germany’s efficiency, or Portugal’s remote work opportunities, different countries offer different career benefits.
The Expat Mindset: Once You Start, You Don’t Want to Stop: Once you’ve adapted to one new country, the idea of exploring new career opportunities abroad becomes even more exciting. Many who do Erasmus or a gap year never return to their home country full-time.
How to Find a Job After Erasmus or a Gap Year
If you’re considering staying in your Erasmus or gap year city to work, the best opportunities often come from leveraging your local experience and expanding your network. Here’s how you can increase your chances of landing a job:
Tap into Your Erasmus & Local Network
Keep in touch with professors, classmates, and university career services—they often have direct connections to local companies.
Attend networking events, career fairs, and meetups in your field to meet potential employers.
Stay active in expat communities—many job openings come through word-of-mouth recommendations.
Understand the Legal & Administrative Process
If you’re an EU citizen, you don’t need a visa, but some countries require local registration.
If you’re from outside the EU, research post-study work permits or visa sponsorship options available in your host country.
Adapt Your Application to the Local Market
Make sure your CV and cover letter match local expectations (some countries prefer a photo, others a skills-based format).
Emphasize your international experience—show how your adaptability, language skills, and cultural awareness make you a valuable asset to employers.
If possible, gain some local work experience, even through volunteering or short-term contracts, to strengthen your profile.
Stay Open to Different Paths
Sometimes, the best opportunities aren’t exactly what you expected. Many international professionals start with multilingual roles, internships, or project-based work before moving into their ideal career path. The key is to stay proactive, flexible, and open to new possibilities!
How Blu Selection Helps You Turn Your Erasmus or Gap Year into a Career Opportunity
So, you’ve fallen in love with your Erasmus or gap year destination and want to stay. But where do you start? That’s where Blu Selection comes in. At Blu Selection, we specialize in helping multilingual and international talents find exciting job opportunities in vibrant cities across Europe, many of which are perfect for post-Erasmus and gap year careers.
Jobs in the Best Erasmus & Gap Year Destinations
We work with companies in some of the most dynamic, international, and expat-friendly cities—ideal for those looking to extend their experience abroad: Barcelona – The ultimate mix of sun, sea, and start-ups. Lisbon – A paradise for digital nomads and expats. Berlin – Europe’s tech and creative hub. Valencia – The perfect city for a Mediterranean work-life balance. Athens – A top destination for career growth in global companies.
Entry-Level & International Career Opportunities
Whether you're looking for a first job abroad, an internship, or a career change, we connect you with:
Multilingual customer service & sales roles in global companies.
Tech & digital marketing jobs with international brands.
Remote & hybrid work options in major European cities.
Why Blu Selection? We understand the Erasmus & gap year mindset—we’ve been there too! We offer free career guidance to help you land a job abroad. We work with top employers who value international profiles like yours. So, if you're not ready to say goodbye to your Erasmus or gap year city, why not make it your next career move?
Erasmus and gap years aren’t just study or travel experiences. They’re stepping stones to an international career. If you’ve felt the urge to stay abroad after your experience, you’re not alone. Many young professionals successfully transition from Erasmus, gap years, or internships to full-time jobs abroad, turning their temporary adventure into a long-term life choice.
So, what about you? Would you consider staying in your Erasmus or gap year city to work? Let’s make your post-Erasmus or gap year dream a reality! 🚀
