1. What motivated you to join this youth exchange, and what were your expectations before coming?
I joined because I was honestly tired of doing the same things over and over again. I wanted an experience that would challenge me. I enjoy dynamic environments where I can meet new people, encounter different mindsets and explore ideas that make me think differently, so this exchange felt like the right opportunity.
Before coming, I expected it to be interesting. I thought I would meet people and learn a few useful things, but I imagined a more relaxed programme: listening, taking part in some activities and having time to observe. I did not expect such an intense experience.
Instead, the exchange required energy, participation and a willingness to stay mentally present. It pushed me beyond my comfort zone, especially socially and intellectually. Looking back, I realise I underestimated how much I would learn and how strongly the experience would challenge the way I think and act.
2. How has this experience changed the way you see volunteering, entrepreneurship or your own role in the community?
Before the exchange, I saw volunteering as something positive, but I did not fully recognise its potential. I thought of it mainly as a good thing to do, rather than something that could bring meaningful change to a community.
Now I understand that volunteering can have a real impact when people approach it with purpose, organisation and commitment. Good ideas matter, but so do the people who show up, work together and keep taking action.
My understanding of entrepreneurship changed too. I used to think you needed a perfect idea or extensive experience before you could begin. Now I see it as a process of experimenting, making mistakes, adjusting and learning along the way. I realised that waiting until I feel completely ready can become a reason to keep postponing the first step.
The exchange made me want to take a more active role. I want to contribute to what happens around me and help create something useful.
3. What was the most valuable activity, moment or lesson for you during the exchange, and why?
The group work sessions were the most valuable part for me. They required us to think carefully, communicate clearly and engage with one another. Everyone needed to contribute, explain their ideas and listen to other perspectives.
Working with people from different backgrounds showed me how differently we can approach the same problem. Sometimes it was difficult to find common ground or organise all our ideas. However, working through those moments made the experience meaningful.
Disagreement encouraged me to be more adaptable and open-minded. I had to reconsider my own approach and think about how different suggestions could fit together.
The biggest lesson was learning how to turn an abstract idea into something concrete and structured. Moving from an initial discussion towards a practical proposal helped me understand what it takes to make an idea usable.
4. What new skills, ideas or confidence did you gain through participating in this project?
I became more confident about speaking up and sharing my ideas, even when I was not completely sure of them. I learned that I could contribute while still asking questions and developing my thinking.
I also improved my teamwork skills, especially in situations where people had different working styles or the process was not perfectly organised. I became better at adapting, communicating and staying involved when things felt challenging.
The activities encouraged me to think more creatively, particularly when solving problems or developing solutions under time pressure. They also pushed me to take initiative instead of waiting for someone else to lead or make decisions.
One of the most important things I gained was greater trust in myself. I now feel more confident entering unfamiliar environments, working with new people and making a meaningful contribution. I am more willing to step forward and give my ideas a chance.
5. After this youth exchange, what do you want to do differently in your local community or in your own future?
I want to take more initiative instead of waiting for opportunities to appear. That could mean joining a local project or starting something myself, even if it is small and still needs improvement.
The exchange made me realise how easily overthinking can delay action. An idea can stay in your head for a long time if you keep waiting for the perfect moment. I want to spend more time trying things, seeing what works and learning from the results.
I feel more motivated to get involved in activities with a clear purpose and a positive impact on the community. I also want to carry this attitude into my future: being more involved, taking reasonable risks and accepting that learning includes uncertainty.
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.
