"Things I would have liked to know before" - How to enhance the Erasmus experience

.In the context of an ERASMUS+ project (CONNECT –Intercultural Learning Network), focus groups were setup at the University of Limerick. Using quantitative and qualitative research methods such as questionnaires and essays, we analyse students’ perceptions of their own need for specific preparation, when asked prior and subsequent to Erasmus periods abroad. In our paper we look at aspects such as preparation for the study abroad experience, intercultural learning and student perceptions of training needs as well as other aspects they found important or lacking in their preparation or actual experience abroad in the context of a European training project. In order to do so we will introduce the CONNECT project which we are currently developing with partners in eight European countries. This project is a cross-sectoral project, bringing together practitioners and experts from the university and youth sector. It was initiated to create an innovative intercultural learning scenario, consisting of an e-learning platform and curricula for pre-departure and re-entry orientation, to support Erasmus participants in the higher education sector before, during and after their exchange by integrating methods and concepts from non-formal youth education to formal education. In our article, we will report on initial findings and feedback regarding the face-to-face curricula for pre-departure orientation at Limerick University and give a short overview of perceived student needs and ideas for sustainable mentoring programmes from students who had not participated in the programme but had experienced studying abroad.