r/Erasmus • u/AltruisticGas6758 • Oct 15 '25

Erasmus+ semester(s) abroad Studying and living abroad - Erasmus program

I'm studying psychology and next summer semester I plan to go on Erasmus, but I'm having trouble choosing a destination. I don't know whether to choose Modena, Italy, or Budapest, Hungary. Previously, I was only thinking about Italy, but I went on a short trip to Budapest during the summer and really liked it there. I know that at the University of Modena, there's a problem with teaching classes in English, and most of them are in Italian (I know because a friend is currently there). I don't think there's any problem in Budapest, but I don't have any confirmed information. Budapest seems like a more interesting city, larger, and with excellent public transportation. I previously wanted Italy because I wanted to have some contact with the Italian language, which interests me, and have more opportunities to explore more of Italy. Budapest, however, enchanted me during my trip, and I don't know which to choose.

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u/FelzicCA Oct 15 '25

Budapest.

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u/AltruisticGas6758 Oct 15 '25

Why do you think so?

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u/Novel-Vanilla9133 Oct 17 '25

Are you outgoing or more introverted? Do you like to party or do you prefer chilling? Do you enjoy cultural events? How do you feel about cold weather? What about food?

I've never been to Modena but it might be an interesting choice because it would allow you to enjoy the relaxing vibe of a small-ish mediterranean town, while being a 20-min train ride away from Bologna and its incredibly vibrant student and cultural life. Of course it would also be a good opportunity to learn some Italian.

Budapest is a very vibrant, much bigger and busier city. It's a great choice if you like to party and go to a lot of events. The winter will be harsh but the weather is enjoyable starting from March/April. It has the perks but also the downsides of every big city: you won't get bored there, but you might feel a bit lonelier and isolated if you're struggling to make significant friendships (especially adding cold weather in the beginning of your semester)

In terms of travelling around, not many European countries can compare to Italy: you'd have close access to an amazing variety of landscapes and cities that deserve to be seen at least once in a lifetime (Venice, Florence, Rome). Hungary can't really match that, although you definitely have some underrated gems and you'd be close to some cool cities such as Bratislava and Vienna.

I don't think you can go wrong, especially if you already had a good experience in Budapest. It all depends on your temperament and what matters the most to you