Riccardo saw Erasmus+ as the opportunity to discover new cultures, meet people, challenge himself and, he admits, to enjoy the experience to the fullest. What he didn't expect was how deeply it would change him. The greatest gift Erasmus+ gave him was the feeling of becoming part of something bigger: understanding that home isn't a fixed place but a feeling created by the people around you. The friendships he built abroad became priceless, forming bonds strong enough that wherever he travels now, he always has someone aways ready to host him.
What Erasmus+ Gave Him: Becoming Part of Something Bigger
His seven Erasmus+ experiences - a semester in Jyväskylä, an internship in Málaga and his projects in Greece, Czech Republic, Spain, Belgium and France - made him develop a personal philosophy:
For him, Finland remained as the most special destination, not only because it was his first Erasmus+, but also because it left an imprint on him.
Through every project and exchange, Riccardo adapted himself quickly to new environments thanks to his outgoing, respectful and open-minded nature. He loves being surrounded by people from different countries and seeing this as the easiest way to understand the world. His mindset allowed him to remain resilient and optimistic through each challenge.
Each culture he experienced shaped him as he is now. From his first experience in Finland to his project experiences across Europe, Erasmus+ helped him to improve his cultural awareness.
Professionnally, Erasmus+ helped him prepare for the football sector, where social confidence, cultural sensitivity and communication skills are essential. Speaking English daily, staying connected with international friends and participating in workshops and courses all contributed to strengthening his CV and shaping his profile.
Personally, Erasmus+ gave him something he treasures: spontaneity. Years spent navigating challenges abroad, building routines in different countries and handling bureaucracy in another language taught him to embrace the unknown without overthinking. After that, doing things in his mother tongue feels surprisingly easy.
Riccardo believes young people should apply for Erasmus+ because a degree alone is no longer enough – experience matters. Life is unpredictable, and even the smallest or silliest moments abroad teach something valuable. Erasmus+ is one of the most accessible and transformative opportunities available, especially for those who are unsure about taking the leap.
His advice to future Erasmus+ students is simple: enjoy the ride. Live every day fully, say yes to opportunities, go to events even alone, try new activities, meet people, worry less about sleep and more about memories. These moments will become stories you look back on with nostalgia. Before saying no to anything, think twice – every ‘yes’ becomes part of your Erasmus+ journey.
From all his experiences, one message rises above everything else: Erasmus+ offers endless opportunities. And when in doubt about whether to leave, Riccardo shares the quote that guided him:
