As a trainer in non-formal education for over 15 years, I facilitated both the preparatory training and the on-site workshops in Šabac. My role was to guide youth workers from different countries through reflection and skills-building using innovative and experiential learning methods. The group dynamic was incredibly powerful. You could witness participants evolve from cautious observers into confident facilitators of learning.

Organisation: Association Light

Updated on Friday, 17/07/2026

Breaking barriers, finding my purpose: one of the best experiences I’ve had with Erasmus+ was the training course "Breaking Barriers: Towards a More Inclusive Youth Work," organised by Discovering Opportunities in Estonia.

The project focused on inclusion and diversity, helping us better understand concepts like biases, stereotypes, and prejudice; how they form; and how we can challenge them. This experience truly changed me. It made me realise I want to be part of this exciting world called Erasmus+.

The well-designed workshops pushed me to confront stereotypes and grow, both personally and professionally. I learned how to be more inclusive, how to recognise and respect the feelings of others, and how important it is to accept people regardless of their background. From sharing my own cultures to learning about others, we built a strong, united community, a space where inclusion and diversity were more than just words.

This course also gave me a life-changing opportunity: for the first time, I facilitated a session. Together with our incredible trainers, all participants created and delivered workshops on inclusion to the rest of the participants. I discovered how much I love being a facilitator, and I knew I wanted to keep growing in this role.

My very first session was called, symbolically, “Bridge to Unity”, focused on building cultural bridges. Today, I'm running my own organisation, named “Bridge to Unity”, dedicated to creating intercultural connections and fostering global understanding. What started as a 7-day project became the launchpad for a bigger mission.

I'm incredibly grateful to Discovering Opportunities, and to the trainers Helena Heidemann and David Baldacchino, who inspired me to take this path as a youth worker.

My advice for other youth workers: allow yourself to learn from others, especially through training courses. These experiences will help you grow in ways you might never expect. It’s more than worth it.

Organisation: Bridge To Unity

Updated on Thursday, 16/07/2026

Being part of Dance Fusion was one of the most powerful experiences in my journey as a dance teacher. Together with 13 other inspiring dance educators from 7 different countries, we met twice – once in Stockholm and once in Berlin – to dive deep into our shared passion. What made it so special? It wasn’t just about techniques or choreography; it was about stepping into each other’s shoes, learning through doing, and understanding what truly matters in dance education. We explored so many different styles and teaching methods, and got real about the struggles we all face in our classes. Hearing how others teach, watching them in action, and even becoming a student again – all of it helped me rethink how I approach my own classes. I left with new tools, new friends, and a new sense of purpose. Dance Fusion reminded me that good teaching starts with connection – to ourselves, to our students, and to each other.

Organisation: Informal Group of Tanzclub

Updated on Thursday, 16/07/2026

In 2022, I participated in the Erasmus+ Youth Workers Mobility, "All Equal – But How?" in Salzburg, Austria. The training focused on anti-discrimination in youth work and gave me both new perspectives and practical tools. Through creative and reflective methods, we explored how privilege and exclusion affect young people—and how to respond with awareness and action. I especially valued the open atmosphere, the mix of input and exchange, and the chance to reflect on my own position. I left with concrete ideas for my work and a stronger motivation to promote inclusion and equity in everyday youth work. It was especially enriching to connect with other youth work professionals from similar fields; the exchange was inspiring, and many of those contacts are still active today.

Organisation: aha - Tipps & Infos für junge Leute

Updated on Thursday, 16/07/2026

From the 7-11 of February, I took part in the 'Caring Connections' training course for youth workers in Croatia, organised by the 'Youth in the European Union' association. The course focused on emotional intelligence.

The activity took place in Šibenik, a small coastal town with a nostalgic winter charm: everything was closed and silent, as if waiting for new life.

Our group was very diverse, consisting of social workers and teachers from North Macedonia, Turkey, Lithuania, Spain, and Italy. During the training, we took part in games and non-formal educational activities that helped us explore the vast world of emotions. These activities highlighted the importance of not only knowing emotions, but also accepting them, including negative ones. This is a crucial aspect of working with young people, who often experience emotions intensely and immediately without the coping mechanisms that adults tend to use to analyse and contain them.

Exchanging ideas with the other participants also enabled us to reflect on our own emotions and their influence on our work and lives.

The welcoming and non-judgmental environment was fundamental in facilitating open discussion on such a personal and complex topic. The proximity to the sea added an extra dimension, accompanying us during some exercises on stress and anxiety management, making them even more meaningful.

Despite our age differences, we formed a strong bond as a group. We also enjoyed informal, fun moments together, discovering aspects of each other's cultures through traditional food, music, and dance.

This experience once again confirmed how valuable international training and exchanges are. Not only do they provide us with useful tools for our work, but they also give us life experiences and relationships that leave a lasting impression.

Organisation: InformaGiovani ETS, Palermo

Updated on Thursday, 16/07/2026

In June 2023, through Eurodesk, I had the incredible opportunity to take part in the "Navigating Chaos" Erasmus+ (PDA) – Professional Development Activity for Youth Workers, held in Lozen, surrounded by the breathtaking nature of the Bulgarian forests. This experience was truly transformative and brought new energy to both my personal and professional life.

The project focused on the challenges youth workers face when navigating uncertainty. I learned how important it is to stay focused on our goals, to adapt and reshape situations, and to embrace resilience and conscious decision-making. These lessons were made possible through a non-formal education approach, including group work, role-playing, reflection, embodiment practices, coaching, and synergy training. Every activity gave me new insights and helped me grow both as an educator and as a person.

The project brought together 24 participants from 8 countries: Bulgaria (BFree), Italy (EduMoby), Latvia (Active Rainbow), Poland (INPRO), Romania (Asociatia Prisma), Portugal (Rota Jovem), Greece (Roes Cooperativa), and Iceland (AFS A Islandi). Sharing this journey with people from different cultures was one of the most meaningful parts of the experience. I created deep, genuine friendships with people I'll always remember fondly. These connections reminded me how powerful and enriching it is to build bridges across the world.

This was also a personal challenge: I had never been to Bulgaria and didn't feel confident in my English. But facing this "panic zone" helped me grow immensely. I improved my language skills, but more importantly, I strengthened my self-esteem and discovered new sides of myself, especially in group dynamics and intercultural settings.

This experience taught me that even the most chaotic situations can be turned into opportunities if we are open, collaborative, and willing to listen—both to ourselves and to others. It reshaped the way I view challenges and reminded me of the true value of connection, reflection, and teamwork.

Organisation: Centro per la Famiglia Lares - Plus- Distretto di Ozieri

Updated on Thursday, 16/07/2026

My name is Iulita, and I work with Malik ETS, a youth organisation based in the inner areas of Sardinia, Italy. Our mission is to support young people from geographically and socially disadvantaged areas, helping them access non-formal learning experiences, travel abroad, and build essential life skills.

Within the initiative Sportello in Spalla – promoted by Malik and acting as a local Eurodesk multiplier – I support young people and youth workers in discovering and making the most of European opportunities. Being up to date and connected is key in my role, especially when it comes to developing trustworthy international partnerships.

Over the past year, I’ve had the chance to participate in two Erasmus+ Youth Worker Mobilities: a Study Visit PBA in Spain 'Youth & Rurality' and a Study Visit & Partnership Building Activity in Moldova 'Let’s work together - Volunteering Teams'. Both experiences allowed me to grow professionally and personally.

They brought me into contact with fellow youth workers from across Europe and neighbouring partner countries, giving us the opportunity to discuss challenges and needs in our field, reflect on our youth work practices, and explore concrete ways to cooperate through Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps.

What I appreciated the most was the informal, yet meaningful, environment these projects created: a safe space to learn, to be inspired, and to shape new project ideas. Many of us found common ground, exchanged methods and tools, and agreed on future collaborations.

I left both activities with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation. These mobilities are not just about building competences—they are about building bridges.

Organisation: Malik ETS

Updated on Thursday, 16/07/2026

As a member of the Eurodesk network, my organisation, the Municipality of Pordenone, was able to send me to take part in the MedYIa training course, organised and promoted by the ERYICA network.

The MedYIa Training Course took place in Luxembourg last November, and it was an amazing experience!

It is crucial for a Youth Information Worker to keep improving their communication skills and stay up to date with new trends and topics. This training was not only important for my professional development but also gave me the opportunity to meet wonderful people working around Europe in my same sector, having the chance to exchange experiences, ideas... and funny moments!

Organisation: Comune di Pordenone - Eurodesk centre

Updated on Thursday, 16/07/2026

I attended the opening event of European Youth Week, which took place on 24 April in the European Parliament in Brussels. I was thrilled with the opportunity to attend such an event as an Irish representative of Eurodesk, given that I am keenly invested in the imperative role young people play in Europe as a whole, especially in government spaces. I firmly believe the voices of young people must be heard in all roles of governance and decision-making across Europe, and that the best way to accomplish this is through active engagement and participation in youth events.

Throughout the day-long event, I was given the chance to attend multiple workshops on major topics being discussed throughout the globe currently, such as the use of AI, our oceans and biodiversity governance. These information sessions were a wonderful occasion to get a better understanding of these topics and the roles they play in our world. It was great to hear from professionals who are experts in their field about such subjects. However, I would have enjoyed hearing some younger points of view within these workshops too, for there to have been more participant engagement.

Outside of these workshops I got the chance to interact with young people from other countries, which was the highlight of my day. Having so many different young people from different backgrounds and cultures in the same room was truly a delight. Although we may not have had the same experiences, we were all connected through our care and passion for our planet and the future it holds. I, personally, had numerous productive conversations on thought-provoking topics that produced some highly innovative ideas.

I found it pleasantly surprising how open and active everybody was while engaging in all aspects of the day, from the information stands to the workshops and through casual conversations alike. To all young people with an interest in our world, I urge you to get involved in youth events, not only globally but nationally, and even more so locally. Our voices are important and we must use them to build the future we wish to see.

Updated on Tuesday, 21/07/2026

Going on an Erasmus exchange to Prague was one of the best decisions of my life. It took me a long time to decide to apply for my first Erasmus experience, but during my Master’s studies I finally felt ready for new challenges, meeting people from different cultures, and stepping out of my comfort zone. Although I was nervous at first, the Czech Republic quickly made me feel welcome.

My Erasmus adventure started in a memorable way — on the very first day, a colleague and I received a €50 fine from ticket inspectors because we were unfamiliar with Prague’s strict public transport rules. Fortunately, that did not ruin our excitement. At the Masarykova kolej dormitory, I met roommates from Finland, England, Scotland, and Mexico, etc., and within minutes I knew we would get along well - a fact proven by the fact that I am writing this during my fourth month here, with the same enthusiasm as on day one. Even though our room was far from modern and our electric stove once exploded, we always found humor in every situation. Those friendships and everyday moments are what I will remember the most.

Studying at the Czech Technical University in Prague gave me a completely new perspective on the differences between the Croatian and Czech educational systems. Besides gaining academic knowledge, I also learned some Czech and experienced unforgettable situations — including evacuating a university building because of a bomb threat for the first time in my life.

Erasmus also gave me the opportunity to travel, and I especially enjoyed visiting Bratislava, Krakow, Harrachov, and Karlovy Vary. One thing you must pay attention to is the country you are traveling to and the type of people who live there. Although Czech people may seem reserved at first, once you show respect for their culture and language, they become incredibly kind and helpful.Every country has its written and unwritten rules, and I highly recommend getting to know them. To anyone hesitating, I recommend the following: don't wait. Erasmus is not just a bullet point on your CV; it is the moment you realize how vast the world is, yet at the same time, how small and accessible it can be. In the end, it boils down to these words: an unforgettable experience.

Updated on Friday, 26/06/2026