Last year I had the chance to live a volunteering experience in Antwerp, Belgium, and it has without a doubt become one of the most meaningful chapters of my life. It was my first year living away from home, far from everything I knew, in a completely new environment. At first, the uncertainty and the change felt heavy, but that feeling soon turned into a surprise that was as big as it was special.

Belgium, which is often described as a grey place, showed me a completely different reality. I learned that places depend a lot on the people you share them with, and I was lucky enough to be surrounded by incredible people who filled my experience with colour. Thanks to them, I discovered a side of the country that you won't find in guidebooks, one that is closer, warmer and more human.

My volunteering took place at La Strada, an organisation that works with young people who come from difficult backgrounds and who, for various reasons, have fallen outside the education system. There, we took part in activities meant to offer them a safe space to express themselves, share and simply be themselves. Although at first I felt like I didn't have enough experience in this field, I soon understood that what mattered most wasn't knowing everything, but being present, listening and walking alongside them.

The atmosphere within the organisation was key to my growth. Both the team and the young people themselves created an environment where I felt welcome from the very first moment. More than a job, it became a kind of family, where every day was a chance to learn something new, not only professionally but personally too.

One of the greatest gifts of this experience has been the people I met along the way. The friendships that grew during that year are still part of my life today. We stay in touch, visit each other and keep sharing moments, which shows that this kind of experience leaves deep and lasting marks.

This volunteering experience not only allowed me to develop new skills and gain confidence, it also opened my mind and taught me to see the world from other perspectives. It helped me grow, adapt and value the importance of the small things.

For all these reasons, I would encourage anyone to live a similar experience. It's a unique opportunity that opens doors, connects you with different realities and lets you discover both the world and yourself in a way that is hard to achieve any other way, because sometimes all it takes is one step outside your comfort zone to start building the best version of yourself.

Updated on Tuesday, 04/08/2026

In this last part of my adventure, Madrid continued to offer me unforgettable moments.

In a few days, I will go to a holiday camp at the beach with my association and the children. I can’t wait to live this new experience, create new memories with them, and share moments that will remain, I’m sure, etched in our memories. However, I admit to having a few fears, like sleeping very little and living in a community for so long, but it will be a new pace and a new challenge that I hope to manage successfully.

In the end, what I will remember most from these last few months are the extraordinary people I met. Some have marked my life for a long time. I think especially about Angelica, who has become a true friend, but also Lorenzo, with whom I have shared many unforgettable moments. Thanks to them, and all the beautiful people I met along the way, this adventure has become even richer.

Thinking back to everything I’ve been through since I arrived, I realize how much this experience has changed me. I am really proud of the person I have become here in Madrid. I gained confidence and learned to make the most of every moment. In fact, it is this version of myself that I will undoubtedly miss the most when the time comes to leave.

Thank you again for following this adventure by my side, and maybe see you soon!

Updated on Tuesday, 28/07/2026

Looking back and realizing how far I’ve already come is a moment of great personal growth. I want to tell the story of this volunteering experience and of Madrid that didn’t just start in October, but a whole year ago, when I decided to submit my application. Deciding to leave everything behind was a significant act of courage: a way to prune the things I wasn’t happy with, to renew the soil, and to start fresh. Last summer was about packing a suitcase metaphorically before doing it literally: what would I bring with me, and what would I leave behind? It was necessary to place some things inside and others outside. 

In October, the change began. Changing takes time and attention, several steps, and the right ingredients. The first few months, especially November and December, were necessary to discover everything new, while reminding myself not to rush, to respect diversity and the natural pace of every person I met, remembering that every situation has its own rhythm of growth. 

Going home for the first time in December was like stocking up on family; I just let others take care of me. 

In January, I realized how much Madrid already felt a bit like home. I felt I had started to contribute more to the environments around me, and this was essential, because everyone is valuable in their own role. It was also the month where I had to study a lot and keep some focus on my university commitments back in Italy; in February, however, I was able to see the results achieved through dedication, hard work, and perseverance. 

March arrived and allowed me to marvel, teaching me that life transforms and has unexpected endings: I learned to accept what it means to receive much more than you give, in terms of listening, companionship, and love. 

April gave me a beautiful gift; it gave me the time and the opportunity to re-discover beauty, traveling and meeting new people who will hardly ever leave my heart. 

May reminded me of the person I am. It showed me that I am kind, that I know how to care for others, and that I can be patient. It also gave me the courage to imagine myself in Madrid again, in a not-too-distant future, and it started making me envision what it must be like to live in a big city relying solely on oneself. 

June gave me permission to let go of what wasn’t right for me, without making me feel guilty. I admitted the things I was no longer able to do, and I accepted that sometimes, declaring oneself unable is the best thing to do. 

July is leaving me with the melancholy of journeys coming to an end. It is inviting me to share the results of my commitment and to bring the richness of what I’ve learned to others. Now, all that’s left is to wait for the new season, valuing the pause that will sit between this (too short) experience and the next one.

Updated on Tuesday, 28/07/2026

Does volunteering change your life? Well, it's truly an experience where you grow immensely on a personal level. In my case, I'm in a small mountain village, but you also have the option of going to larger cities. You can go to any country participating in the European Solidarity Economy (ESE) program with any kind of project. 

Like me, you don't need any English qualifications or a degree. So, there are no excuses; I highly recommend it. 

I think this is something you should do at least once in your life. If you want to live abroad, this is a fantastic opportunity because the support network is excellent. You have organizations, mentors, tutors, it's subsidized, and you learn languages. Plus, the change in lifestyle is truly quite different and enriching. 

So, I highly recommend it. Hugs to everyone. Do some volunteering!

Updated on Thursday, 23/07/2026

My name is Antonio and I’m from Taurisano, a little city located at the end of the heel of the Italian boot-shaped peninsula, in the Apulia region.

In 2024, I had the privilege and the responsibility of accompanying a group of five 18-year-olds for a fantastic adventure discovering the roots of the European community and institutions, thanks to the DiscoverEU Inclusion Action.

 As part of DiscoverEU and promoted by the Fattoria Pugliese Diffusa association, the EURoots project gave my group of young people the opportunity to embark on a 10-day journey through different European cities that helped shape the European democracy we live in today.

This incredible trip allowed us to explore 5 countries by train (Switzerland, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria). As you can imagine it was not easy to reach the beating heart of European democracy from a little city in southern Italy, but I think that this is the real mission of EURoots: building an ideal bridge between the European heart and the peripheral areas of our union.

After some difficulties due to the many trains we had to take departing from Lecce, the experience itself was worth the long travel days. Among other interesting opportunities, we had the chance to visit the European Parliament in Strasbourg as well as make a virtual trip to the origins of the European Union at the Parlamentarium in Brussels!

Overall, I think this experience further reinforced my personal connection with the European Union, but it also allowed me to know other people from different countries involved in the same experience.

Updated on Monday, 20/07/2026

As a 3rd year Animal Science student at University College Dublin, I am required to complete 20 weeks of professional work experience as part of my degree. Eager to gain international experience and broaden my understanding of worldwide agriculture, I applied for an Erasmus+ Traineeship with KI Samen, the largest privately owned artificial insemination station in the Netherlands.

I spent ten weeks living and working in the Netherlands, gaining experience across many areas of the business. From laboratory work and research projects to spending time on the company’s dairy farm, I was exposed to aspects of the livestock industry that I had never encountered before. I travelled throughout the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany to visit customers’ farms, providing an insight into diverse production systems and the technology driving the industry forward.

While the professional experience was invaluable, Erasmus+ offered so much more than just work experience. Living abroad allowed me to immerse myself in a different culture, meet new people and experience a new way of life. I spent weekends exploring Dutch cities, taking part in national celebrations such as King’s Day, and cheering on the Dutch team during the World Cup! These experiences helped me grow in confidence, become more independent and create memories that will stay with me for years to come.

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing! Moving away from home alone and adapting to a full-time role in a busy work environment definitely challenged me. One of the biggest adjustments was transitioning from the flexibility and freedom of student life to a structured work routine. In the end, this became one of the most beneficial parts of the placement, helping me develop responsibility, professionalism and strong time-management skills. I was also pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to settle in, thanks to the friendliness of the people I met and the fact that almost everyone spoke excellent English.

Looking back, Erasmus+ has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my university journey so far. It broadened my perspective, strengthened my confidence and allowed me to view my field of study through an international lens. Most importantly, it showed me the value of stepping outside my comfort zone and embracing new opportunities.

My advice to anyone considering an Erasmus+ experience is simple: just go for it even if you don’t feel ready. Feel the fear and do it anyway. No matter where your interests lie, the experiences you gain through Erasmus+ will teach you far more than any classroom!

Updated on Friday, 17/07/2026

Over the past three years, I’ve had the chance to join several Erasmus+ projects—both as a participant and as a trainer—and every single time, I thought, “Everyone should experience this at least once.”

These projects aren’t just about travelling or meeting people from different cultures (which is already amazing), but they’re powerful opportunities for personal and professional growth. Truly unique. What makes them so impactful is the use of non-formal education. This approach allows you to explore even complex topics interactively and engagingly—way more effective than traditional frontal lessons.

From my perspective, non-formal learning is one of the most inclusive tools in youth work: it encourages peer-to-peer exchange, free expression, and doesn’t leave behind those who might not have an academic background on the topic. One of the most exciting things? There’s a project for everyone. The range of themes is incredible; no matter your interests or goals, you’ll find something that fits you perfectly.

A concrete example is a project I was part of: FrameUp! It focused on creativity, inclusion, and innovation, using photography as a tool for expression, reflection, and connection. We explored the connection between photography and mindfulness, developed creative tools to support emotional awareness, created space for personal reflection and group bonding, fostered peer learning across cultures, and encouraged positive communication through visual language. Photography became much more than an art form; it was a tool for team building, a way to talk about human rights, inclusion, social justice, and global issues.

It helped us open up, connect, and see the world through each other’s eyes. And perhaps the most powerful part? It taught us to slow down. In a world that’s always racing, where hyper-connection rules our days, this project gave us tools to be present again.

To breathe. To focus on “now.” Just imagine how cool that was. And yes, it really was as powerful as it sounds.

Organisation: Asociación Cultural Ingalicia

Updated on Thursday, 16/07/2026

As a youth worker, I had the chance to work closely with young participants in various activities. My role was to support their engagement, provide mentoring, and ensure that every voice was heard, especially those who tend to be overlooked in more formal settings. This project opened a new door for me: watching young people use multimedia to tell their stories, reflect on their paths, and even address personal challenges through collective learning.

Organisation: Association Light

Updated on Thursday, 16/07/2026

Working as a trainer in youth exchanges was a joyful challenge. We designed an experience rooted in curiosity, co-creation, and environmental and social awareness. What struck me most was how participants built deeper connections, not only with each other but also with themselves.

Organisation: Association Light

Updated on Thursday, 16/07/2026

My role as a trainer in both youth exchanges and training sessions brought me close to diverse groups of participants, from confident young leaders to those just discovering their potential. What united them was the space we created together: safe, inclusive and enriched by their creativity and capacities.

Organisation: Association Light

Updated on Thursday, 16/07/2026