My name is Emily, I come from England and I am currently on mobility with the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) where I am volunteering for 4 months with Udruga IKS, Petrinja. However, volunteering and going on mobility isn’t the only route to exploring the world and learning about other cultures. In fact, I am now 28 doing my first ESC mobility but my first travelling and intercultural experience was 10 years ago. The world is huge, diverse, full of amazing places and people so I hope you can find a way to explore the richness of the world in a way that suits you, your interests, confidence and budget. I would like to share some of my previous travel adventures to hopefully inspire you to start dreaming up and planning your own trip. 

India

My first backpacking adventure was to India when I was 18 years old. For a few years, I worked extra shifts and saved all my money from my part time job in a café. Then I was ready for India: for the colourful, lively culture, completely different England – and it didn’t disappoint. The streets were crowded with people and animals, I travelled with a friend and we often got caught up in cultural traditions. We were on a low budget so we always took public transport - a great way to experience the culture and see more of the country. However, the transport network was difficult to understand and there were challenges. 

One day we went on a day trip to one of the tallest waterfalls in India. We took a local bus after being told it would take one hour, but it took four. This didn’t trouble us though. We enjoyed our day, the views, some hiking and swimming to cool off. Then at the end of the day our bus back to our hotel just didn’t exist. We were stuck four hours away from our hotel, in a rural location and without our belongings… panic! What can we do? We spoke to a man who offered us his guesthouse – he also said it's not safe for young women to be walking around in the dark at night. I was unsure if I could trust this stranger but we took his advice and stayed in our room. After settling in, he returned with gifts of food and traditional pyjamas for us to sleep in. By talking to locals and trusting others we were saved, and this remains one of my most memorable experiences in India. 

Kenya 

By 21 years old I wanted to travel solo. I was in Uganda volunteering for a month during the summer holidays and then I took the opportunity to explore neighbouring Kenya on my own. I had secured some funding for my trip after successfully applying for a project grant through my university. I often felt lonely when travelling solo and learnt that I prefered to share these experiences with others - so think about yourself and find what works for you. When I met other travellers they were shocked I was a solo female in Kenya. Some shared horror stories of theft, knives and dark allies – so I was vigilant, careful and luckily I had a very fun and safe experience thanks to the advice of others. 

During my trip, I met two dutch travellers and together we went on a safari… by bicycle! We were up at sunrise cycling amongst zebras, giraffes, buffalos, gazelles – and we even spotted hyenas from a distance. I felt so safe and incredibly privileged to be in nature and able to observe such amazing wildlife so close to me.  

Croatia & Bosnia-Herzegovina

At the end of 2020 I came to Croatia. This travel adventure was different to the previous ones, as this time I was working full-time and using my weekends and annual leave to explore Croatia and neighbouring countries with my partner. In our campervan that we renovated, we were exploring remote places you can't reach with public transport. We were sleeping in amazing remote places, but we were always responsible by leaving no mess, reading signs and asking for permissions to camp when necessary. So remember to be a responsible traveller and leave no trace. 

Having a van is also a big responsibility and comes with ongoing maintenance. Whilst in Bosnia we broke down, and because it was a Sunday there were no mechanics able to help us. Eventually we got towed to an unregistered mechanic on a derelict industrial estate. We didn't speak the language but handed over our cash and had a restless night’s sleep in our broken van. Where were we? When would the mechanic return? Was I part of a scam? Eventually the mechanic arrived the next day, he fixed the issue and we were back on the road. Travelling in your own vehicle can really test your patience, navigation and problem solving skills but is so very rewarding - just try not to break down on the weekend!

United Kingdom 

Lastly, I would like to add that you don't need to go far to enjoy travelling. Why not enjoy your own country? Only after exploring different countries did I start to explore my own. I found different sub-cultures, traditions, lifestyles and I began to fully appreciate what my own country could offer. This is still full of challenges, crazy moments, and amazing memories BUT with the big benefit of no language barrier. If you’re interested in travelling and what a taster, then I would recommend starting in your own country. And if like me you’re interested in cycling, why not make it a cycle trip. It’s sustainable, affordable, and quite the adventure. 

I hope I have sparked an interest in you and you are already thinking of where and how you will explore the world in a way that suits you. Remember to speak to locals and other travellers, be prepared, be responsible and expect the unexpected. If you would like to learn more about travel and volunteering experiences for young people, then check out Eurodesk, ESC and Erasmus+. 

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

Online classes, moving back home, bars closing – a new reality faced by many students during the pandemic, and for me, the driving force to take a gap year and go on Erasmus+ mobility. I posted a notice on ErasmusIntern and was contacted by a teacher from an elementary school called Enric Farreny in Catalonia who offered me an Erasmus+ internship position as a language assistant, stating that my inexperience isn’t a stumbling block. As a third-year student of English and French, I was faced with two challenges – how to accept this offer without knowing any Catalan and without any experience in education? On my first day, I discovered that the language barrier is not an issue since Catalans are used to foreigners, and even Spaniards, not speaking their language, so the teachers were always there to direct me. Luckily, the teacher who contacted me was responsible for everything – accommodation, trip, and making me feel like a part of the team. There were two more interns in the school, who I also lived with, so we spent most of our time together. Although my main subjects were English and French, I assisted teachers on almost all subjects – from Art and Music to Math and Physical Education. Both the teachers and the children had patience with me, so I worked with student groups during the second week of my internship and even taught the class independently. I already knew that Catalans were warm and cheerful, however, what I experienced exceeded expectations – students showering us with hugs as well as colleagues who would take us hiking and bring gifts every Friday. Even though my main task was to incorporate English and French into various subjects, my students managed to teach me some Catalan. I also learned how to work with children. Towards the end of my internship, which lasted only three months, I even considered prolonging my mobility and staying for the whole school year, but I knew I had to continue my journey in France in order to truly perfect the language I’m studying. I made lifelong friends in only three months and got the taste of the remarkable Erasmus experience only those who lived it know that it cannot be described with words, so for all those who are reading this and are having doubts about going on Erasmus mobility – this is your sign!

After my Erasmus+ internship in Spain, which will be remembered by warm people, but also by a full-time job and obligations to my colleagues, I continued my journey in a green city in France called Dijon, where the student experience awaited. Since epidemiological measures were more rigorous in France than in Croatia, we were pleasantly surprised by the fact that classes weren’t remote due to the small number of Erasmus students. Also, we could choose a room in the student campus dorm during the online application, which lowered the fees and most importantly – made meeting other students easier. Luckily for us, it got warm pretty fast and even though bars were closed we soon found a group of students craving friendship. Since most of us were international students who came to learn French, we managed to combine the pleasant with the useful and learn the language as well as the culture of France. Most of us were enthralled by the campus, not only because of the practicality but also because we could join sports and music workshops and activities for free. Also, despite the restrictions, the university ESN really made an effort in carrying out the activities for Erasmus students, so we often hiked and spent time in nature. Regarding the courses and studying in France, I would recommend it to everyone who likes active participation in class, writing essays and presenting, because the grading system of most French universities is based on these criteria and critical thinking. As a cherry on top of the mobility, bars and restaurants opened their doors and travel restrictions were lifted. Therefore, we spent the last few weeks travelling throughout France, exploring museums and savouring every bite of French cuisine. The highlight of this trip was, of course, Paris! It made such a strong impression on me that I decided to go on Erasmus mobility again, this time applying to the Sorbonne. I received my acceptance letter in June. Paris, on se voit bientôt!

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

My name is Roxana and I am a 25 year old girl from Romania. In 2020, I had the pleasure of entering the world of the European Solidarity Corps programme and discovering the opportunities it offers to young people who want to develop personally and professionally by experiencing contexts outside their comfort zone. Thanks to EIVA organization, which supported me in my journey into the world of ESC, and to becoming a volunteer in my own country, Romania, I can say that my life has completely changed.

I started my volunteering internship through the European Solidarity Corps in the "Education Through Games" project, with a group of 6 people from Romania, France, Reunion Island and Spain. During the project, which lasted 6 months, we aimed to provide non-formal learning opportunities to children from disadvantaged groups, who need support to integrate into society, develop their skills and benefit from new types of learning. 

The project was my introduction to the world of non-formal education, intercultural living, leadership development and teamwork. 

Throughout the volunteering placement, I had the chance to explore in depth many aspects of planning and facilitating activities, disseminating the results of a project, discovering and developing my digital skills, practising languages and, above all, discovering the career path I want to follow in the future. The most important thing for me, from the beginning to the end of the project, was finally being able to take action to help those in need. 

Things that were challenges at the beginning, such as integration, taking action and taking responsibility, have been overcome with flying colours. I learned that usually what we think will slow us down at first is actually what will make us grow, by overcoming obstacles. So, I decided to trust the process and moved forward because of the support I received from the organization, my mentor, and the beautiful team I was a part of. 

I think I experienced the ESC project in the best possible way and I consider myself a true example of the transformation that these projects try to bring to the world of young people who want to develop themselves and the world of disadvantaged communities.

Today, I continue to work in EIVA, learning, developing and planning my future career here, where it all started, with the people who showed me the amazing world of European projects.

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

Tereza Červeňová is a Slovakian artist based in London, working predominantly with analogue photography and film. (Co)creating on the intersection of personal, political, and poetic, she uses her work as a vessel to comprehend the world and honour those that guide her through it. She sees her practice as inherently collaborative as it engages with intimate, social, and civil relationships. Červeňová’s project June, conceived after the Brexit referendum in 2016, is a poignant commentary on the displacement of young people in Europe.  

You can have a look at her work on her website: www.terezacervenova.com and Instagram: @tereza_cervenova

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026