1. What was the most valuable experience or moment for you during this project?
The most valuable part was exchanging ideas with young people from different countries. Hearing how others experience life in their communities helped me look at familiar issues from new perspectives.
I appreciated the discussions where we could compare our opinions and explore possible solutions together. We did not always agree, but that made listening and asking questions even more important.
Those conversations showed me that international learning happens through the people you meet as much as through the activities themselves.
2. What new skills, knowledge or perspectives did you gain?
I developed my communication and teamwork skills. Working in an international group encouraged me to explain my ideas clearly, listen carefully and make space for others to contribute.
I also gained a broader understanding of youth participation. I began to see how volunteering, community activities and conversations with decision-makers can give young people opportunities to contribute.
One important lesson was that having an opinion and communicating it effectively are different things. Learning to explain why something matters—and listening to other perspectives—can help turn a discussion into a useful starting point for action.
3. How has this experience changed you personally or influenced your future plans?
The experience encouraged me to take my own ideas more seriously. It is easy to assume that someone else has more knowledge or is better prepared to take the initiative. Working with other young people helped me recognise that I can contribute while continuing to learn.
I would like to become more involved in youth activities and keep developing the confidence to speak up. I also want to remain open to international opportunities where I can learn from people with different backgrounds.
For me, the next step is to turn that motivation into something practical, even if I begin with a small commitment.
4. What would you say to other young people who are thinking about joining an Erasmus+ project?
Look for a project that interests you and take time to understand what it involves. If you feel nervous about meeting new people or speaking another language, that does not mean the opportunity is not for you.
An exchange gives you space to practise, ask questions and learn alongside others. You bring your own experiences, too, and those can be valuable to the group.
I would encourage someone to arrive with curiosity and a willingness to participate. You may discover new interests, build friendships and become more comfortable in situations that initially felt unfamiliar.
5. Before this project, what did youth participation mean to you, and how has your understanding changed?
I used to associate participation mainly with attending an activity or joining an organised initiative. My understanding is now broader: participation also involves contributing ideas, helping shape an activity and having a voice in decisions.
It can happen in everyday settings, including schools, youth groups and local communities. Young people can identify a concern, bring others together and explore how to respond.
I also think more carefully about whether people genuinely have opportunities to influence what happens. Being invited into a conversation matters, but so does knowing that your contribution will be considered.
6. What would you say to encourage other young people to participate more actively in society?
Start with an issue or activity that matters to you. You do not need to take on everything at once. Joining a local initiative, volunteering or sharing an idea with a youth organisation can be a manageable first step.
Ask questions and look for people who can support you. Getting involved is also a way to gain experience, so you do not have to know everything before you begin.
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.
