1. What motivated you to join this youth exchange, and what were your expectations before coming?
I joined because I wanted to understand how I could contribute more actively to society and become a changemaker in my own community. I had been curious about the work of NGOs and youth initiatives, especially in disadvantaged rural areas, and wanted to learn through direct experience.
Before coming, I hoped to meet open-minded young people who shared similar values while bringing different experiences and perspectives. I was interested in learning about their communities and the cultural and social realities that shape their lives.
I also wanted to gain practical knowledge about volunteering, communication and teamwork. I expected to learn useful things, but I did not fully anticipate how much the experience would influence my confidence and my understanding of what I could contribute.
2. How has this experience changed the way you see volunteering, entrepreneurship or your own role in the community?
The exchange helped me see volunteering as a form of active participation that involves responsibility, commitment and personal development. By contributing to a shared goal, you can support others while also learning more about yourself and your abilities.
I also developed a greater interest in social entrepreneurship and its potential to address community challenges in a sustainable way. This felt particularly relevant to rural areas, where initiatives need to respond to local needs and consider how their work can continue over time.
My understanding of my own role changed too. I now feel more capable of contributing ideas, bringing people together and taking initiative. The experience encouraged me to think more seriously about how I can use my abilities in ways that are useful to my community.
3. What was the most valuable activity, moment or lesson for you during the exchange, and why?
One of the most valuable activities was the group simulation in which we developed an NGO project from scratch. It pushed me beyond my comfort zone and required me to contribute actively, communicate clearly and collaborate with participants from different countries.
Working through the exercise helped me understand how an initial idea can become a structured initiative. We had to discuss our suggestions, make decisions together and give our proposal a clear direction. That made project development feel more practical and accessible.
The most important lesson for me was that meaningful impact can grow from carefully considered, consistent efforts. An initiative does not have to begin on a large scale to be worthwhile. This gave me confidence to consider starting with something manageable and developing it over time.
4. What new skills, ideas or confidence did you gain through participating in this project?
I developed practical skills in project planning, teamwork and public speaking. Working in an international environment also encouraged me to be more adaptable and attentive to different ways of communicating and approaching a task.
I learned more about expressing ideas clearly and considering how to engage different audiences. Group activities gave me opportunities to practise these skills and learn from the contributions of others.
The project also introduced me to new perspectives on social innovation and the role young people can play in community development. It helped me connect my interest in social issues with possible ways to respond.
Most importantly, I became more confident about sharing my opinions, taking initiative and accepting leadership responsibilities. That is something I want to continue developing in both my personal and professional life.
5. After this youth exchange, what do you want to do differently in your local community or in your own future?
I want to become more active and purposeful in my involvement in the local community. I would like to collaborate with local NGOs, help initiate volunteer activities and use what I learned to raise awareness of social issues, particularly those affecting rural areas.
I also hope to encourage other young people to participate. I want to share the idea that their contributions matter and that they can begin with the skills, interests and opportunities they already have.
In the longer term, I would like to keep developing my knowledge and experience while contributing to stronger, more inclusive communities. The exchange gave me a clearer sense of direction and the motivation to take practical steps towards that goal.
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.
