For decades, Erasmus+ mobility has been considered one of the most important experiences during a student’s studies. It opens doors to new cultures, enables academic and personal growth, and builds international connections that often last a lifetime. However, behind the enthusiastic photographs and stories of unforgettable experiences, less visible challenges are often hidden: culture shock, loneliness, performance pressure, feelings of disorientation, and uncertainty upon returning home. These psychological challenges can significantly affect the quality of mobility and often remain overlooked.
The project STEP+ (Empowering HEI Staff and Students on Mobility with Positive Psychology Interventions and VR for Enhanced Resilience and Well-Being) was created in response to this gap. Its starting point is clear: mobility should not only be administratively well organised, but also a psychologically safe, supported and empowering experience for every student. STEP+ is the first project to systematically integrate mental health, digital technologies and mobility support into a single, sustainable model that operates before, during and after mobility.
Research shows that a large proportion of Erasmus+ students experience increased levels of stress, anxiety and loneliness during mobility, and upon returning home also feelings of emptiness, misunderstanding and loss of belonging — a phenomenon known as Erasmus Blues. Existing support systems mostly focus on logistics, while psychological preparation and emotional support remain marginal. At the same time, staff at higher education institutions often lack adequate training or tools to recognise and address these challenges.
STEP+ addresses these challenges through a holistic approach based on positive psychological interventions and modern digital solutions. Even before departure, students will be able to prepare for real-life situations they may encounter abroad through VR/360° simulations, enabling safe learning of stress management, cultural adaptation and social challenges. As a result, they will no longer depart into the unknown, but equipped with skills and inner resilience.
During mobility, students will have access to an AI chatbot, which will serve as continuous, discreet and accessible support. It will provide emotional support, calming exercises, guidance in times of distress, and assistance with feelings of loneliness and uncertainty — anytime and anywhere. After returning home, the project introduces structured reintegration support, helping students process their experience, meaningfully connect it with further studies and career goals, and prevent long-term emotional difficulties following mobility.
An important component of the project is also strengthening the competences of staff at higher education institutions. Erasmus coordinators, counsellors and support staff will be trained within STEP+ to use psychological interventions and digital tools, enabling better recognition of distress and more effective support for students.
The STEP+ project is coordinated by DOBA University of Applied Sciences as the lead partner, in collaboration with four renowned European higher education institutions: Arteveldehogeschool (Belgium), FH Münster University of Applied Sciences (Germany), Fundació Universitària Balmes – UVic-UCC (Spain), and Universitatea Vasile Alecsandri din Bacău (Romania).
We are confident that through the use of VR, artificial intelligence and scientifically grounded psychological approaches, the STEP+ project will set a new standard for Erasmus+ mobility support, placing mental health, resilience and well-being of students and staff at its core. The project runs from 31 December 2025 to 30 December 2028. You can read more on the project website.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CMEPIUS. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
