My Erasmus Internship Story: How I landed a placement in Croatia – and why it was easier than I thought
A lot of people assume Erasmus internship is complicated and stressful to organise – but honestly, it doesn’t have to be. The hardest part is finding a company willing to take you on. Once you crack that, the rest tends to fall into place.
The good news? There are plenty of opportunities out there, especially if you speak English and can work in an English-speaking environment. And even if your language skills are more basic, hospitality roles – hotels, restaurants – often require only minimal fluency, so don’t let that hold you back.
Beyond the dedicated Erasmus internship platforms, I’d strongly recommend checking Facebook groups and reaching out to companies directly. If there’s a city you’re set on, search for local businesses on Google Maps and just send them a message. You’d be surprised how well that can work.
“Don’t just scroll job boards – write directly to companies. A Google Maps search in your target city can open more doors than you’d expect.”
I found my placement in Zagreb through an agency, which made the whole process much smoother. They sorted both my work placement and accommodation. I paid a flat fee and everything was handled. Finding housing on your own can be tricky, but Airbnb is worth checking, and messaging landlords directly sometimes gets you a better deal. Some companies will also help you find somewhere to stay, so it’s always worth asking.

My internship was at an American language school, where I worked as a Social Media Assistant – creating Instagram content, Reels, TikToks, and helping out with day-to-day tasks. It was a brilliant experience. I met wonderful people, and since it was summer, the weather was absolutely gorgeous.
Why Zagreb works for Erasmus:
📍 Calm, safe, and easy to navigate – not overwhelming for first-timers
📍 Trams run on time and the public transport network is reliable
📍 Direct flights available and cost of living comparable to Poland
📍 The Adriatic coast is just 3 hours away – weekend trips are very doable
Weekends were all mine – I used them to explore the city and take trips to the coast. Three hours from Zagreb and you’re at the sea. That alone made it feel like a holiday on top of a work experience.

Zagreb itself is a fantastic city for Erasmus students. It’s calm, safe, and manageable in size. You can walk around at night without any real concerns, the trams always arrive on time, and there’s an airport with good connections. Best of all, the cost of living is very similar to what you’d spend in Poland, so your Erasmus grant actually goes a long way.
If you’re on the fence about Erasmus – do it. Not for your CV, not for travel, but for yourself. For the experiences, the people you’ll meet, and the version of you that comes back.

🌅 2025/2026 © Lena Pilarek 3 rok, Języki obce w mediach i biznesie, Akademia Nauk Stosowanych w Koninie