My Last Week in Erasmus: A Bittersweet Farewell

Back in France, everything feels both familiar… and strangely different. My room, my routines, my native language, everything is here, yet a part of me is still in Liberec. In this mix of nostalgia and gratitude, I look back on my final week at TUL (Technical University of Liberec) and realize just how impactful this Erasmus adventure has been. 

These months spent in the Czech Republic were a unique chapter in my life: from meeting international friends, adapting to a new academic rhythm, exploring unfamiliar landscapes, to simple moments like cooking with friends or sharing laughter in the dorms. All of it transformed me. And that final, very special week deserves a closer look.

Wrapping Up: Administrative Procedures at the End of the Stay

The end of the Erasmus program isn't just emotional; it also requires a bit of organization. At TUL, the departure process is clear and structured:

• Even once classes are over, you officially remain under the responsibility of the host university for up to five days after submitting your final documents.

• These final documents include:

• The Transcript of Records,

• The final Study Program approved by TUL,

• The initial Study Program validated by my home university.

Once all of these documents are submitted, approved, and stamped, it's time to prepare for departure for real.

Leaving Student Housing: A Symbolic Step

At the Koleje TUL dorms, the process is well organized:

1. Notify the Housing Office of your departure,

2. Schedule an appointment for the mandatory check-out inspection,

3. If everything is in order, you get your deposit back and must leave the room that same day.

Handing in my keys was a surprisingly emotional moment. Such a simple act, yet full of meaning, I was leaving behind more than a bed or a desk; I was closing the door on an unforgettable chapter.

My Journey Back with RegioJet: A Gentle Farewell

To return to France, I chose RegioJet, which offered an overnight trip. It was the perfect option: less tiring, more peaceful, and almost meditative. During the night journey, I had time to reflect on everything I had experienced, to watch the landscapes one last time through the window, and to let the intensity of the past few days slowly settle.

In Conclusion

With hindsight, I can fully appreciate what this Erasmus experience brought me. It was more than just a study stay: it was a turning point, a transformation. I left with curiosity, sometimes a bit of apprehension, and I came back with renewed confidence, lasting friendships, and a wider perspective on the world.

Thank you to TUL for the warm welcome, the professionalism, and the support right to the end.

To those getting ready to leave: live the experience to the fullest, stay open, pay attention to the details (yes, even the paperwork!), and let the unexpected guide you.

Victor Tekeu.