Erasmus+ Mobility for Studies: The Experience of Sara Krajnc

An Experience That Changed My View of the World

When I decided to go on an Erasmus+ exchange to Portugal, I had no idea how deeply this experience would affect me. I knew that a few months in a new environment, studying at a foreign university, and facing a lot of unknowns awaited me. What I didn’t know was that I would bring home much more than just new knowledge and travel photos. Even though I consider myself a very open and social person, I was scared before leaving. Scared of the unknown, of new beginnings, and of whether I would truly fit into a new environment.

I was incredibly lucky to go on this exchange with my classmate and very close friend. Just the thought of having someone I knew and trusted by my side gave me a sense of security. Her presence significantly shaped my Erasmus experience. Together, we tried Portuguese food for the first time, explored cities, learned how to live away from home, and built a daily routine that quickly became our second home. One of my favorite memories is definitely surfing, which we tried for the first time in Portugal and which quickly became our favorite way to unwind. Difficult days were easier because of her, and beautiful days were even more beautiful because I could share them with someone who was experiencing it all right alongside me.

I spent my semester in the city of Braga, and studied Graphic Design at the IPCA university in Barcelos.

Finding My Own Path Between Rain and Sunshine

During the first few months, Portugal surprised me with rain. I admit that the weather initially had a big impact on my first impression of the country, as I had imagined Portugal quite differently. Over time, however, I realized that this is exactly part of the charm of living abroad—getting to know a country in all its shades, not just through postcards and sunny days. I learned that the weather is not a barrier to beautiful experiences, but merely a part of the story you are living. And then, the sun shone in all its glory. Portugal’s diverse landscape, rich nature, picturesque towns, and laid-back lifestyle completely captivated me. During my exchange, I traveled across a large part of the country, from coastal cities to smaller towns that tourists often overlook.

Madeira holds a very special place in my heart. Its untouched nature, majestic mountains, views from above the clouds, and endless ocean vistas left me speechless. It was one of those places that remind you just how incredibly beautiful the world can be. With every new trip, I rediscovered how diverse and unique Portugal is. It is precisely on such journeys, especially when you are far from home for several months, that you truly begin to shape your values. Being away from your everyday environment allows you to better understand what is important to you in life, who you miss, and what kind of person you want to become. And this self-exploration became one of the most beautiful parts of my exchange.

People and Projects That Leave a Lasting Impression

Even though I saw many wonderful places, today I know that the best part of traveling is not the destinations, but the people you meet along the way. Erasmus gave me the opportunity to meet individuals with different life stories, cultures, and worldviews. It was through these relationships that I began to look at myself differently too. I learned to be more open, more patient, and more present in the moment. I realized that people all over the world want very similar things—a sense of belonging, genuine relationships, and the opportunity to create and live a beautiful life.

One of the projects that left an especially strong mark on me was created in our Editorial Design class. Together, we designed textbooks for children in Ghana who do not have the same access to education as we do. As a design student, I often wondered what kind of impact our work could have on the world around us. This project showed me that design can go beyond aesthetics and become a tool for creating positive change. The feeling of being able to contribute to something that can help children learn and open doors to better opportunities was priceless.

When I left for my exchange, I expected new knowledge and experiences. What I didn’t expect was how much I would grow as a person. Today, I deeply appreciate the people around me, my family, my friends, and all the little things we often take for granted. I learned that courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to take a step forward despite it.

Perhaps the most beautiful realization Portugal gave me is that life is not a competition and that nobody has all the answers. In fact, we are all living life for the very first time. We are all learning, finding our way, making mistakes, and growing through our experiences. And that is exactly why the world can be such a beautiful place—if we stay open to people, to new stories, and to the opportunities that come our way.

The Erasmus+ mobility for studies was one of the best decisions of my life. Not because of the places I visited, but because of the person I became along the way. Portugal gave me much more than just a semester abroad. It gave me memories, friendships, new insights, and the confidence that sometimes, all it takes is one brave step for a whole new world to open up.

If you are also thinking about stepping out of your comfort zone during your studies, gaining invaluable international experience, and shaping your future, we invite you to explore the opportunities offered by the School of Advanced Social Studies (SASS / FUDŠ).

Interested in how you can explore the world while studying? Visit our website, check out the available opportunities, and sign up for the next info day, where we will present all the benefits of international exchanges: Enrollment and Mobility Information