This study offers a more detailed inquiry of the first three topics -language and communication, social contacts, practicalities- identified in the IEREST project as key elements for a prosperous stay abroad experience. Albeit language proficiency was the most often stated element, students attached specific importance to elements of personal development (notably pertaining to receptivity) and social contacts (crucially covering friendship). These findings inspired the evolution of IEREST teaching tools for backing intercultural learning in an Erasmus context.