I went on exchange as part of my degree. That may sound like a relatively ordinary achievement, but for me, it was a huge hurdle to overcome.

In 2021, I fell while roller-skating and hit the back of my head hard against the paving stones beneath me. I sustained a concussion and whiplash. I had to take a year off from my studies, and I still struggle with long-term symptoms every day, including post-traumatic headaches and migraines. My day-to-day life as a student of Danish at the University of Copenhagen is carefully structured around these symptoms: lots of short breaks throughout the day, physical rehabilitation, and a ruthless weighing-up of how much of a social life I can afford to have.

That was why the prospect of going on exchange seemed like an insurmountable mountain. My everyday life already felt like a fragile house of cards, and I was afraid that if I tried to transport it beyond Denmark’s borders, the whole thing would come crashing down.

More specifically, I was worried that being taught in English would be cognitively challenging, and I was nervous about having to explain my low energy levels to a whole host of new people. Would I have enough energy to form friendships while simultaneously navigating an entirely new city and living situation?

When you acquire a disability, you experience your old self crumbling between your hands. Many of the activities I used to enjoy and identify with are no longer things I can take part in. Simply not being in control of how you spend your time, because a migraine attack can strike without warning, leads to a loss of personal agency. I had always wanted to go on exchange, preferably to Paris. Did I really have to give up yet another of my many dreams?

As the application deadline for exchange programmes began to approach, I therefore went to my SPS adviser — SPS being the Danish system for Special Educational Support — with my dilemma.

In Socratic fashion, she asked me why I wanted to go on exchange. It annoyed me. Because why does anyone want to go on exchange in the first place? Surely the answer is: well, why not? You do not go on exchange with a specific purpose in mind; it is precisely the uncertainty of the experience that makes it appealing. Whether you have a disability or not, going on exchange is both expensive and a hassle. And yet thousands of University of Copenhagen students go abroad every year because, why not?

Her question made me feel as though having a disability meant I ought to have a compelling argument for applying. A good reason or a purpose that could justify taking on the additional stress an exchange semester would inevitably involve.

But even though I have a disability, I want to live a life driven by desire and dreams. So I decided to give it a try.

As the saying goes, if you have to eat an elephant, you do it one bite at a time. So I took matters into my own hands and got started.

My strategy had two parts. First, I made an agreement with myself that I was allowed to back out at any point. Going abroad and completing the semester would not be the measure of success. The attempt itself was the goal. Second, I would make the whole process as easy as possible for myself.

I chose my destination carefully. I was determined to choose an EU country because that would automatically make me eligible for an Erasmus grant. No stress of applying to foundations for funding. Students with disabilities are also eligible for a Fewer Opportunities top-up. Having more money at my disposal would make the whole experience considerably easier.

I had to let go of my dream of Paris. It would simply have been too challenging, as teaching at the host university would primarily have been in the national language.

The same applied to countries such as Spain, Portugal and Italy. At Dutch universities, I could see that many courses were taught in English, but warnings about Amsterdam’s housing crisis put me off.

I decided instead to take a closer look at Eastern European countries, where the cost of living is also lower than at home. And so I settled on Charles University in Prague.

Since I had never been to Prague before, I went there for a long weekend to get a feel for the city. Knowing the place a little before putting so much effort into moving there gave me a sense of calm. It made what I was working towards feel more tangible.

As I write this, I have just completed my semester in Prague.

At first, learning how to navigate the host university’s systems was stressful. Then there were all the rules surrounding credit transfers when studying abroad. A truly Kafkaesque experience — and in Prague, of all places!

It took extra energy to form new friendships with the other Erasmus students, but I rose to the challenge and discovered that although the others could go out drinking beer several nights in a row and still have the energy for weekend trips to other cities, we nevertheless shared some of the same worries — albeit to different degrees.

I can now conclude that feelings of inadequacy and the fear of doing exchange “wrong” are rife among all Erasmus students. It is like a revival of that adolescent form of FOMO. A new city lies open before you, and suddenly you have to do Everything.

But nobody can do Everything, and because of my long-term symptoms, I was nowhere near able to do everything I would have liked. But those of us with disabilities tend to develop an immunity to FOMO over the years.

Once you have missed enough parties and festivals, eventually you stop tormenting yourself over it. You have to.

It is a useful skill to bring with you on exchange — and through life in general.

I have to admit, though, that this immunity can come with side effects: it can kill the spontaneous desire for fun and new experiences.

My attempt at the exchange adventure brought that desire back to life.

My stay was educational and, in many ways, wonderful. But the most enriching part was actually the simple decision to put desire in the driver’s seat and try to go in the first place.

We usually only celebrate those who manage to fulfil their dreams exactly as they imagined them. But for those of us living with chronic pain or other forms of disability, there is something admirable in simply continuing to dream and continuing to try to make those dreams a reality.

Sometimes dreams can come true if you are willing to adapt them a little. That is what I would encourage anyone to do. Adjust things here and there if doing so brings you closer to a positive experience with something that feels overwhelming or frightening. And, above all, give yourself credit for trying.

Updated on Friday, 21/08/2026

After graduating from high school, I knew that I did not want to start university right away. I wanted to travel, see the world and do something meaningful—and that was when I heard about the European Solidarity Corps. Volunteering in Finland was one of the best decisions I could have made for myself, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Moving from a big city to the small town of Nivala in the Finnish countryside was a major change for me. Suddenly, I found myself surrounded by strangers, a foreign language I did not speak and a completely new culture. However, I did not feel alone for long. My co-workers immediately took me under their wing and showed me the beauty of their country and culture. I also had the opportunity to participate in volunteer training sessions, where I made lifelong friends from all over the world who helped make Finland feel like a second home.

During my time in Finland, I had so many new experiences, including ice swimming, celebrating a traditional Finnish Christmas, seeing the Northern Lights and living through temperatures as low as −37°C with at least knee-deep snow. Looking back now, it feels incredible to remember all the things I had the opportunity to experience.

As part of my project, I worked with young people at the local youth centre and in schools. I also helped organise events together with the city’s cultural services. This allowed me to learn more about Finnish culture and made me realise how much even the smallest things can matter.

I grew immensely as a person and had to step outside my comfort zone many times. These six months gave me more than I could ever have hoped for. My time in Finland and the people I met there will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will never forget this project. <3

Updated on Monday, 17/08/2026

My name is Nanette, and I recently had the pleasure of volunteering with Asociación AELV in sunny Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. As part of a short-term volunteering project, I had the opportunity to support the organisation for two months and gain many valuable new experiences.

At the organisation, I worked in an international team alongside other volunteers, which helped me settle into life in Jerez very quickly. We usually worked around 20 hours per week in the office, managing the organisation’s digital archives and social media channels. Our tasks ranged from answering emails and other enquiries to creating and publishing our own posts and campaigns. Through the organisation’s Instagram account in particular, I informed young people in Jerez and the province of Cádiz about EU initiatives such as DiscoverEU, other Erasmus+ opportunities, news from our organisation and important information about the European elections.

Outside our regular office hours, we occasionally organised and facilitated activities for young people. On my very first day, for example, the other volunteers and I visited the university in Seville to inform students about Erasmus+ opportunities. We also organised Actionbound activities in Jerez and El Puerto de Santa María with Erasmus+ trainees, primarily from Italy and Finland, and visited some of them at their workplaces.

My favourite activity outside regular working hours was the language exchange we held at a bar every Thursday evening. It was wonderful to see how we managed to encourage more and more people to join and step outside their linguistic comfort zones. Most of the Spanish participants wanted to learn and practise English, while some were also interested in German. The language exchange also gave me the opportunity to improve my Spanish and connect with people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.

It was a very exciting and intense time for me, as it was my first experience of living independently, sharing a flat and living in a country where a different language is spoken. I quickly formed close friendships and had the chance to meet many new and interesting people. I was also very fortunate to experience the Feria del Caballo in Jerez. Ferias are large, traditional and vibrant fairs for which Andalusia is well known.

I found it incredibly interesting to discover the cultural differences compared with what I was used to and to adapt to local customs. I also found the differences in architecture and the natural environment very refreshing. Although I initially found it challenging to step outside my comfort zone so often, it turned into an incredibly rewarding experience. I improved my Spanish, travelled extensively, learned Spanish dances and grew through a wide range of challenges. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone, and I would also love to volunteer abroad again for a longer period in the future.

Updated on Monday, 17/08/2026

Hey there! My name is Angjela, I'm 24 years old, and I'm from Skopje, North Macedonia. When I applied for a European Solidarity Corps project (thanks to my dear colleague, Mars), I wasn't just looking for an opportunity to volunteer abroad. I was looking for change. I wanted to step outside my comfort zone, become more independent, challenge myself, and discover what I was capable of. Looking back after ten months in Split, Croatia, from 1 September 2025 to 20 June 2026, I can confidently say that this experience gave me all of that - and so much more. 

Moving from Skopje, North Macedonia, to Split marked the beginning of an entirely new chapter in my life. Living in a different country taught me to adapt, embrace uncertainty, and appreciate different cultures and perspectives. Over time, Split became much more than the place where I volunteered - it became a place where I truly felt at ease. 

Volunteering at Info zona allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. Every day brought new challenges and opportunities to learn. I was involved in organizing youth events, creating social media content, managing a team of photography volunteers, planning activities, and supporting projects that encouraged young people to become more active in their communities. I was trusted with real responsibilities, which gave me the confidence to take initiative and develop skills that will stay with me throughout my life and career. One of the most valuable parts of this experience was the chance to constantly try new things. I stepped into roles I had never imagined myself in, learned by doing, and discovered parts of myself that had remained hidden until then. Every project pushed me to become more creative, open-minded, and confident, while also teaching me the importance of teamwork and adaptability. 

Beyond the professional experience, I truly immersed myself in the local community. I didn't want to simply live in Croatia - I wanted to become part of it. By embracing every opportunity that came my way and through everyday interactions with people in Split, I built meaningful friendships and gained a much deeper understanding of the local way of life. Knowing that I was growing into a stronger, more resilient version of myself while also making a positive impact on the community made every challenge worthwhile. The 

European Solidarity Corps gave me much more than volunteering experience. It gave me confidence, lifelong friendships, valuable professional skills, unforgettable memories, and a new perspective on both myself and the world around me. Most importantly, it showed me that growth begins the moment we decide to take a chance on ourselves.

Updated on Thursday, 13/08/2026

My name is Sheraida, I am 24 years old and I have been part of the Erasmus Ambassadors’ network since 2024. I hold a BTS in Tourism and a professional bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Leisure Management.

It was during my first year of the BTS in Tourism that I had the opportunity to take part in an Erasmus exchange with my class in Greece, on the island of Rhodes, from 18 May to 3 June 2024, and it was an enriching experience both professionally and personally.

During this trip, every student in the class undertook a work placement in a tourism-related business; we were split into groups of two or worked individually in various establishments, such as souvenir shops, restaurants and water sports centres. For my part, I undertook my work placement at the Mina Gift Shop, a souvenir shop located in Rhodes.

This experience enabled me to develop my communication skills and improve my understanding and practical use of English in everyday situations, thanks to interacting with tourists from all over the world. Outside of the work placement, we had the opportunity to visit the island of Rhodes and discover Greek culture, and I was able to observe large-scale tourism, which is very different from what we are used to in French Guiana (ecotourism).

One of the most memorable moments of this trip was our meeting with Greek pupils, as we’d already been in touch with them via Teams/Zoom before the trip. In fact, it was two of their their teachers, who showed us round the island of Rhodes and accompanied us on several visits, which made this experience even more interesting; meeting them in person was a very enriching experience, which allowed us to share our cultures, forge bonds and practise English in a real-life context.

This exchange programme will remain one of the most enriching experiences of my time as student ; it has enabled me to become more independent, to gain self-confidence and to confirm my interest in careers in international tourism, as well as strengthening my desire to continue my studies, to travel more and to discover new cultures.

I would recommend to all students who have the opportunity to take the plunge and have a similar experience.

Updated on Monday, 31/08/2026

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