1. What was the most valuable experience or moment for you during this project?
The friendships I built were the most valuable part. We grew up in different places and under different circumstances, yet we discovered how much we had in common. That broadened my perspective and showed me how easily people can connect when they are open-minded and willing to communicate.
During activities and free time, we shared experiences, talked about our lives and learned from one another. Those conversations helped me understand other cultures, but they also encouraged me to reflect on my own. Despite our differences, we often faced similar problems, had similar goals and enjoyed similar things.
I became more comfortable meeting new people and more aware of the importance of listening without judging. Although we spent only a short time together, the friendships felt meaningful. The experience showed me that connections can grow quickly when people treat one another with honesty, respect and curiosity.
2. What new skills, knowledge or perspectives did you gain?
I think my teamwork skills improved the most. Working in groups has not always felt easy for me. At the beginning, I was shy and sometimes unsure about expressing my thoughts or taking initiative.
As the project continued, I became more relaxed and started contributing more actively. The activities gave us regular opportunities to cooperate, share ideas and make decisions together.
I learned to listen more carefully, respect different opinions and look for shared solutions rather than focus only on my own suggestions. Working with people from different backgrounds also helped me recognise different working styles and adapt to them.
By the end, I understood teamwork as something built through trust, communication and mutual support. That made me feel more confident about what I could contribute to a group.
3. How has this experience changed you personally or influenced your future plans?
It made me more curious about other cultures and more interested in experiencing them directly. I promised myself that I would try to visit the cities of the friends I made, one by one.
I did not expect such strong connections to develop in just one week. Spending time together and sharing experiences created a bond that made me want to stay in touch after the project.
Learning about countries and traditions directly from other participants also made me want to explore beyond what I can discover online or in books. Visiting my friends would be an opportunity to understand their everyday lives better and continue learning from them.
My view of cultural exchange has changed. The information you learn matters, but so do the relationships you build and carry into your future.
4. What would you say to other young people who are thinking about joining an Erasmus+ project?
I would encourage them to give it a chance, even if they feel nervous or are unsure what to expect. I understand why meeting new people in an unfamiliar environment can feel intimidating, but my experience helped me work through those feelings.
Once we began getting to know one another, communicating and joining the activities became easier. I felt encouraged to share my thoughts, participate in discussions and become more involved.
The project also gave me the opportunity to share my own culture while learning about others. I enjoyed being able to show something of where I come from and hear what made other participants’ countries special to them.
For me, the friendships and shared memories made the experience particularly valuable. If you are interested in joining, do not assume that you need to feel completely confident before you begin.
5. Before this project, what did youth participation mean to you, and how has your understanding changed?
Before joining, I had only a general understanding of Erasmus+ and knew relatively little about youth participation. Experiencing the project helped me understand both much more clearly.
I learned that participation involves expressing your ideas, contributing to group work and taking an active interest in the world around you. Being present is a starting point, but what you share and contribute also matters.
We explored different ways young people can get involved, including volunteering, discussing social issues, working together and organising activities. This helped me see participation as something accessible through different interests and abilities.
The experience also made me more aware of the responsibility young people can take in shaping their surroundings. I left with a stronger sense that I have something to contribute and can continue developing the skills to do so.
6. What would you say to encourage other young people to participate more actively in society?
Your opinions are worth sharing, even if speaking up feels difficult at first. Confidence can develop gradually through practice, encouragement and working with others.
During the project, contributing to discussions and group activities helped me recognise the value of my own ideas. Listening to other people was equally important because it helped me learn and reconsider my perspective.
I would encourage young people to find opportunities where they can contribute, meet others and try something new. The communication, teamwork and intercultural skills I practised are things I can carry into my studies, work and personal life.
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.
