1. What motivated you to join this youth exchange, and what were your expectations before coming?
I wanted to discover how young people from different parts of Europe see the world and learn about their ideas. I have always been interested in social issues, so the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship alongside volunteering felt particularly relevant to me.
One of my main goals was to step outside my comfort zone and test my ability to communicate in an international environment. I also hoped to gain practical tools that I could eventually use to develop a small project of my own.
Before leaving, I expected to meet people with very different backgrounds who shared an interest in helping their communities grow. I was looking forward to exchanging perspectives and discovering what we could learn from one another.
2. How has this experience changed the way you see volunteering, entrepreneurship or your own role in the community?
The exchange broadened my understanding of entrepreneurship. I began to see more clearly how an initiative can address social needs while also considering its financial sustainability. That helped me connect entrepreneurship with my interest in community development.
My view of volunteering changed too. I now recognise it as an opportunity to contribute to a cause while developing skills, building relationships and learning through experience.
I also realised that becoming a changemaker can begin with small, consistent actions in your own village or town. You can start by recognising local resources, bringing people together and finding ways to respond to a shared need.
The experience encouraged me to become more active in promoting the opportunities within my community. It showed me how cooperation between young people can contribute to the social and economic life of a place.
3. What was the most valuable activity, moment or lesson for you during the exchange, and why?
The most valuable activity was the group simulation in which we had to design a sustainable business. It gave me the opportunity to apply what we had discussed to a practical scenario and think about how an idea could work.
Working together also showed me the value of different perspectives. Listening to other people’s opinions helped us consider possibilities that we might have missed individually and develop more creative solutions.
I also loved the intercultural evenings, when we shared our cultures and traditions. They gave us a chance to get to know one another in a different setting and appreciate what each person brought to the group.
The feeling of unity we built is something I will remember. For me, one of the strongest lessons was how diversity can strengthen a project when people are willing to listen and cooperate.
4. What new skills, ideas or confidence did you gain through participating in this project?
I gained confidence in speaking English in front of an audience. Having opportunities to express myself during discussions and activities helped me feel more comfortable contributing.
My teamwork skills also improved. Collaborating with people from different backgrounds encouraged me to listen carefully, adapt my approach and work towards shared decisions.
I now have a clearer understanding of the steps involved in developing a project, from the initial idea through planning and towards implementation. I also discovered digital tools that could help me promote future initiatives.
Personally, I feel more comfortable taking responsibility and stepping into leadership roles during group work. The exchange gave me the courage to pursue my own ideas and accept that making mistakes is part of learning. I feel better prepared to participate in future international experiences.
5. After this youth exchange, what do you want to do differently in your local community or in your own future?
I want to dedicate more time to volunteering for causes that support my local community. I also want to look at rural areas with greater curiosity, paying attention to their resources and the possibilities for developing useful initiatives.
Another goal is to encourage young people in my town to participate in Erasmus+ projects. I would like to share my experience and help them see these exchanges as opportunities to learn, build confidence and discover different perspectives.
I also want to take more initiative in creating opportunities myself. That means being willing to develop an idea, involve others and explore what we could achieve together.
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 the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
