How to keep doing sport when you're on Erasmus?

It might be tempting to tell yourself:“No worries, I'll take up sport again when I get back from my Erasmus trip”. But if doing sports is what keeps you balanced, we recommend that instead of giving up your sports practice, you simply re-invent it! There are various ways to do this.One of the first things you can do is put your trainers on.If you're already a runner, it's a chance to discover new landscapes, for instance running along the beach if you happen to be at the seaside.For those thinking about taking up running, it's as easy as it gets since you don't need any equipment.

Open-water swimming is something outdoor sports enthusiasts should definitely try. The Mediterranean Sea is particularly good for this, as it's known for being relatively calm and not too cold. 

Other sports, like hiking, are also very accessible, offering various levels of difficulty.Engaging in outdoor sports is not only good for your health but also easy on your wallet, as there's no need to buy an annual license and the equipment is affordable, unlike other organised team sports or racket sports, for example.

Training without equipment could be one of the keys to keeping up sport on your Erasmus trip.There are exercises you can do for every sport, at any level.Practising sports outside the gym means engaging your creativity, but don't fret, we're here to help! You'll find plenty of exercises and training sessions below.

It can be complicated to take your bike or surfboard to your student accommodation.
Instead, consider investing in second-hand equipment on-site, for instance through Decathlon Second Life, and then resell it once your stay is over.The longer your stay, the more worthwhile the investment!

There is another way to keep up your sport during a long Erasmus stay: through the International University Sports Federation (FISU).The federation organises a whole plethora of sports gatherings throughout the year in several countries.However, your host university must be affiliated with FISU in order to participate.To find out more, get in touch with your university's Sports Association.

Sports are a key feature of the Erasmus programme.A variety of events are held every year in all hosting countries.Competitions at international level are also scheduled.The International Erasmus Games (IEG) take place annually.This is a competition for students participating in an Erasmus programme.The idea is to represent your host country (rather than your country of birth).Find out which country is hosting this year's event here.Sport is a way of socially integrating with local communities. It can also be beneficial for students' mental health during their stays abroad, in an enduring way, lasting right up until the end of their experience.