Hi everyone, my name is Zoe and I come from Italy.
I am 19 years old, and last year I had the opportunity to participate in a school project with the European network Eurodesk Italy, and the Eurodesk multiplier in my city. On that occasion, I could learn what the EU does for young people: until then, I knew nothing about the Youth Exchanges, the European Solidarity Corps programme and all the other opportunities EU offers to youth. 
That project really inspired me and three years later, thanks to Eurodesk Brussels Link and Eurodesk Italy, I had the opportunity to participate in EYE 2023 - European Youth Event, in Strasbourg. 
It was a unique opportunity. 
During the three days of the European Youth Event, what young people have always wished and asked for, came true: the doors of the European Parliament were opened to young people and proposals of youth representatives were finally heard.
EYE programme included intense meetings, events and activities: everything was perfectly organised.
I attended workshops on how to start your own business, where I was able to learn about the programme Erasmus for young entrepreneurs and the funds that the EU allocates for it. I also participated in fun activities, like questionnaires and quizzes in the EYE Village, to understand how much I really know about the functioning of the European Union and its bodies.
EYE was a precious opportunity to meet new passionate young people like me in the different fields of European politics and life, environment, rights and social justice. 
It's been days of confrontation, dialogue and openness: all values representing the best side of the European Union in which I firmly believe!
 

Updated on Tuesday, 18/07/2023

I have longed for a life change for a long time, and the choice to apply as an ESC volunteer at PINA - Associacion for Culture and Education and move to Koper was really one of the best decisions I took.

I am proud that I managed to survive and re-start my life. I can say that last year I had a personal and professional reconstruction phase. I went outside the comfort zone of my familiar environment and my pre-established life paths and social circles in which I had been moving practically my whole life. I've been tested in a lot of new roles and found myself in situations where my only chance was to become a "leveled-up" version of myself. During my time as an ESC volunteer I have gained a greater level of self-accountability and tracking of my inner state and internal truth. I can say that I have internalized the awareness of my achievements, my abilities, and what I can offer to the world. My vision became clearer and my truth louder.

The first month of the volunteering experience I have participated in the preparation of the application for a small open call for the organization of an event in the local environment. The project was approved, and I was given the opportunity to implement my ideas. Later on, I tested myself several times in creating content and leading workshops, taking over the logistical part of international youth trainings, conducting daily reflections with participants, helping to coordinate volunteers, and organizing workshops where I worked closely with other volunteers and provided information on opportunities for young people in the local environment. According to my educational goals which I wrote down at the beginning of the project, PiNA also gave me the opportunity to have access to additional education in the field of youth work.

When the project ended, I felt like I started to walk my own path with the highest amount of confidence I've ever had. Fully anchored in trust that everything will be okay and that I'm going to get employed in the youth sector, I applied for a job and guess what? I got the job in the youth sector and I love it.
I truly am forever grateful.

Updated on Tuesday, 18/07/2023

1. Why did you participate in the EYE?

I participated in the European Youth Event because I wanted to get more involved with the EU. As an island nation, we are cut off from the rest of mainland Europe. This makes it harder to feel connected to the EU. The EYE event gave me this opportunity. 

2. What did you find interesting/beneficial/surprising?

I was surprised by the sheer number of people who came from so many different backgrounds, ethnicities and nationalities. It was great to see such a diverse group of people.

3. What is your learning from the event?

During my time at the event I learned that despite having different backgrounds so many young people have commonalities and deal with the same issues. 

4. How can you use this experience in the future/your work/activities in the organisation?

I think I could use this in the future to support young people in becoming more involved with the EU. It can seem daunting, but they can make a difference. 

5. Would you recommend attending EU youth events to other young people?

I think it’s important for young people to get involved with EU events, as we should take every opportunity to have our voices heard as the next generation.

Leah was nominated by Finglas Youth Resource Centre, Dublin.

Updated on Friday, 14/07/2023

1. Why did you participate in the EYE?

The EYE was a platform where my voice could be heard and my ideas could make a difference. Through discussions, debates, and sharing experiences, I had the opportunity to contribute to the shaping of policies, strategies, and initiatives at the European level. By participating in the EYE, I aimed to have a positive impact on the decisions and actions that would shape the future of Europe. Overall, my participation in the EYE was driven by a strong belief in the potential of young people to drive positive change. I wanted to connect with fellow European youth, learn from experts, contribute to decision-making processes, celebrate diversity, and grow personally. By taking part in the EYE, I aimed to be a part of a larger movement for a better future for Europe and its young generation.

2. What did you find interesting/beneficial/surprising?

The EYE demonstrated a strong commitment to empowering young people and including their perspectives in decision-making processes. It was refreshing to witness policymakers, representatives from institutions, and influential individuals actively engaging with youth participants, seeking their input, and valuing their ideas. This emphasis on youth empowerment highlighted the belief that young people have a crucial role to play in shaping the future of Europe.

Also, one of the most intriguing aspects of the EYE was the diverse range of participants. People from various countries, backgrounds, and cultures came together under one roof to share their ideas and experiences. It was inspiring to witness the richness of perspectives and the multitude of voices contributing to discussions. This diversity fostered an inclusive and dynamic environment that truly represented the spirit of Europe.

3. What is your learning from the event?

Overall, the European Youth Event provided me with a transformative learning experience. It empowered me to recognise my own potential, embrace diversity, collaborate with others, and advocate for change. The event reinforced the importance of youth engagement, highlighted the power of collective action, and equipped me with valuable skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to society. I am grateful for the lessons learned and I am inspired to continue my journey of active citizenship and positive impact.

4. How can you use this experience in the future/your work/activities in the organisation?

From attending this event, that I quite enjoyed, I will now encourage all young Irish Travellers to attend a European Youth Event, because it’s important that we have good representation at these events, as young Irish Travellers rarely get their voices heard, and rarely get the opportunity to attend such events.

5. Would you recommend attending EU youth events to other young people?

I would highly recommend this event to anyone who is interested in making change, sharing their ideas and getting to meet great likeminded people.

EU youth events offer an invaluable platform for young people to engage, learn, collaborate, and advocate for positive change. They provide a space to connect with peers, gain new knowledge and skills, influence policies, and be part of a larger movement for a better future. Attending such events can be a transformative experience that equips young people with the tools and inspiration to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

Patrick was nominated by Involve Youth, Co. Meath.

Updated on Friday, 14/07/2023

It's an incredible opportunity to take part in such an adventure. You learn so much about life, yourself and
others. It's an experience that can change you for the better. You discover new people from another culture, another country, you learn a new language. This adventure opened my eyes to the fact that I was very lucky to live where I do, and that many other people on this earth need help. When
you have the opportunity to help other people in difficulty, you have to do it. I encourage everyone to volunteer once in their lives, whether it's for a week, a month, several months or a year, the most important thing is to share and help each other.

Updated on Thursday, 27/07/2023

Hello! My name is Alica and I am a 16-year-old student from Slovakia. Since I was a little kid I have loved socialising, meeting new people and experiencing challenging adventures. Thanks to this particular Erasmus+ youth exchange, I had an opportunity to experience two amazing weeks, where I met a lot of great friends and gained, not only theoretical but also practical knowledge. The memories I made will stay forever with me. 

But I will start from the beginning…. It was an ordinary day for me when my mom sent me an offer for an Erasmus+ project that should take part in Slovenia. It seemed quite nice, so I said to myself, “Why not? The least I can do is write an application and see what it is about”. So that was exactly what I did. The very next day, on Thursday, I got an email saying I was accepted for a project that was starting in 4 days. I was so excited and shocked, but my stress level was rising every hour. Immediately after I came home, I started packing and making a list of things I needed for this youth exchange. 

However, after a few busy days, I finally had everything I needed, but mostly I had many expectations and fears I would have to face. On Sunday morning, I was in Bratislava standing in front of a bus that would in 7 hours arrive in Ljubljana. 

After many hours spent travelling, we finally reached our eco-farm, in the middle of nowhere, where we were staying. Then, I saw a completely new place with many question marks around it. But now, when I look back, I see the most wonderful two weeks I experienced there. Even when we were 10 for one shower, or I was stressed about my English level or my social skills... but gladly, I can say nothing of that did matter. 

We spent our time gaining knowledge about the media in the best ways possible - I wasn’t bored once. We were creative and constantly bringing new awesome ideas to life. We had interesting workshops and great discussions. But we not only “learned” but also had free days - one I spent discovering Ljubljana and the other cleaning and playing sports. 

I met a lot of amazing people that I will never forget. I learned about new cultures and, thanks to the “cultural evening”, I experienced a bit of them. I made friends all across Europe who told me they would always have a couch for me if I ever needed one. On the last day, when we were saying goodbye, I cried so hard because I thought I would never see them again and I would miss them very much - but funny story, with many of them I am still in touch and Slovenians came to Slovakia for another Erasmus+ project after a month, so we went to see them again and it was absolutely wonderful.

I will be forever grateful for all the experiences, memories and friendships I made in Slovenia. I am so thankful and happy that I clicked on that Facebook link my mom sent me.

Updated on Tuesday, 11/07/2023

The first trip to a foreign country for a week without parents, living with a Turkish host family, and attending one of the Turkish schools, getting to know many young people from various European countries, and learning about their culture and traditions, improving English language skills, and going on excursions around enchanting and promising Turkey... All of this relates to my first youth exchange experience, which I had the opportunity to experience four years ago when I was in the sixth grade (at that time, I was the youngest participant in the project)! Although quite some time has passed since this trip, all the experiences remain indelibly etched in my memory, and the warm connections with the people I met there have endured to this day. Sometimes it feels as if it all happened just yesterday. 

The partners of this "Erasmus+" youth exchange program were six countries: Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, Poland, Italy, and Turkey. Schools from each country sent three students and two teacher-leaders to Turkey. So, when I received an offer from my English teacher, the project manager of the "Erasmus+" program at our school, to participate, I immediately consulted with my parents and agreed. It was a completely new and promising experience for me – an enriching adventure that opened my eyes to different cultures. 

During the first few days, we traveled and had various excursions around this magnificent country. From the ancient marvels of Istanbul to the serene landscapes – Turkey's cultural heritage captivated me at every turn. I immersed myself in architectural wonders such as Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, marveling at their grandeur. The aroma of various spices, perfumes, and incense, as well as the scent of Turkish sweets, pleasantly tickled our noses as we explored the intricate streets of the Grand Bazaar. But beyond the vibrant cityscapes, Turkey's natural wonders left me awe-inspired. I was impressed by the cascading beauty of Pamukkale's terraces. Pamukkale Thermal Baths is an incredible place created by nature itself and attracts millions of visitors every year. From the Turkish language, the name translates as "cotton castle." Indeed, when you look at the Pamukkale resort from afar, it appears as though a castle made of many fluffy cotton balls stands majestically in front of you. This place is also called "Cleopatra's pool"—according to legend, it was here that the Egyptian queen gained her beauty and youth. However, despite its amazing beauty, Pamukkale's pools also possess great healing properties. The diverse geography of Turkey offered me a stunning appreciation of the natural world. 

The remaining days were spent in Eşme, Uşak, where we lived with Turkish host families and studied in Turkish schools. Studying in a Turkish school and experiencing a different education system, even if only briefly, was truly interesting. We also had an international evening during which we presented our country's traditions and learned about the culture of other countries. However, the most significant aspect of this project was living with a Turkish host family. It served as a gateway to genuine cultural immersion. My host family imparted invaluable insights into Turkish traditions and daily life. It was a truly authentic experience that deepened my understanding of Turkish culture. They introduced me to the warmth and generosity that define Turkish hospitality. They were also very interested in my hometown and Lithuania—our traditions, culture, and language. I taught them some Lithuanian phrases, treated them to Lithuanian sweets, shared stories, and even sang a few Lithuanian songs. I am glad that we have remained in touch with our host family until now. A host family always remains your second home. 

The youth exchange program in Turkey had a profound impact on my personal growth. It broadened my perspectives and nurtured qualities such as adaptability, open-mindedness, and responsibility. It was a transformative journey that left an indelible mark on my life. It allowed me to forge lifelong friendships and expand my global perspective. Turkey will always hold a special place in my heart, and I carry the lessons learned and friendships made as cherished treasures. I am deeply grateful for the memories, lessons, and connections that this remarkable program bestowed upon me, and I wholeheartedly encourage others to embark on similar adventures of cultural exploration and personal growth.

Updated on Tuesday, 04/07/2023

My girlfriend and I were so lucky to receive a free Interrail Pass through DiscoverEU. But at the same time we were so unlucky that our trip were postponed several times due to Covid-19. 

Finally, when we were able to travel, we started our journey in Warszawa and from there we travelled to Kraków, Prague, Budapest, Zagreb, Split, Ljubljana, Peschiera Del Garda and Venice. Our goal was to experience as much of Europe as possible that we haven't already seen. We have been on many self-drive holidays and therefore we decided to take a plane from CPH to Warszawa, instead of spending a whole day driving through Germany.

We planned the trip in our gap year and it lasted for a month. We got so many positive experiences that we probably wouldn't have had if it was just a regular trip with our parents. The Zoo in Prague had a huge impact on us. It was located on a mountain and it was so big that you needed to take an elevator to access the different levels of the Zoo.

What made our trip to Prague special were that we got to travel around the city in a 100 year old tram. Furthermore in Budapest we got to see one of the biggest Parliaments in the world, followed with a guided tour of the inside of the building.

What the both of us have taken with us from this trip is a lot more independence and knowledge about other countries than just our loving neighboring countries. We also had to go with the flow when it came to both our and their English oral skills in hope that we understood each other. It contributed to the feeling of uncertainty and therefore the victory felt greater when the outcome turned out to be correct.

We definitely recommend everyone to seize the world as it is and just let the overwhelming feeling of all of the different opportunities flow over you, in order to gain experience and knowledge about the world.

Best regards,

Peter and Amalie

Updated on Monday, 10/02/2025

My name is Olga, I'm 18 and I'm a European volunteer with Icíar in the neighbourhood houses. I've just finished my A-levels. Last year, in September, I was planning to go to university, where I was going to study languages, but that wasn't possible. My parents suggested I go to England to improve my English.

I stayed there for three months and they were very helpful, as I improved my level considerably. Back in my home town, Cáceres, I found out about Erasmus Plus through the town hall, which I found very interesting. It's a great opportunity for me to learn the French language and learn about the culture of the country. I love animals, nature and travelling, so I'd like to focus on these themes during my placement and carry out activities with participants.

My name is icia albarrrán Salas. I am a 24 year old Spanish woman who lives in the city of professional experience, I obtained my BAFA in 2016 and in 2021 I will obtain my teaching qualification in the bilingual modality (Spanish and English) specialising in Physical Education. I also have a b2 in English and before coming here I was studying in c1. Since 2016, I've been working with children and young people. Working with these groups and supervising them at holiday camps are two of my passions. I'm also working hard as an instructor, waiting to get my diploma later. About myself and my hobbies, I'm a friendly girl who loves sport, especially skiing, basketball and football. I also like driving my car (I got my driving licence in 2018) and travelling.

Updated on Friday, 16/06/2023

Hi everyone,

My name is Rafaela, I am 19 years old and I am a “Boquerón”. In case you are confused now, do not worry. “Boquerón” is the Spanish word for anchovy – or here in Málaga: the word for people from Málaga, Spain. After living and volunteering here for 10 months, I would consider me a very salty, happy, and cultured anchovy.

As a fish you get to swim a lot and see many different parts of the ocean. And so, did I. But first I head to learn how to swim, and I had many “first times”: I was living alone, I was sharing my flat with people from different countries, I was managing my own money, I was working as an English auxiliar, I was washing my own clothes… I even repaired our shower for the first time. Sometimes I felt like a baby anchovy. I was drowning a few times and did not know how to survive. When not being able to express yourself the way you would like to, because your Spanish is not yet good enough, you have to learn to express yourself in other ways. Like a baby, I learned to use my face and body language to make myself understandable.

And on my way swimming around the ocean trying to communicate, I discovered new places where I felt safe and understood. I found a rock where I could hide but I also found a stage where I could shine. Throughout my teenager years as an anchovy, I played volleyball at the beach, traveled around Spain, and participated in activist groups for women rights and environmental protection. These places started forming me and gave me a lot of inspiration, orientation, and lastly self-confidence. After living in Málaga, I started to understand who I am and where I want to go.

A sea like Málaga can offer a life to every fish in the ocean, no matter where they are from. Therefore, I also met new like-minded fishes and living beings, which helped me developing into an adult anchovy. Even though many of them did not have the same heritage or share a common language with me, I always knew I could rely on them. These living beings helped to develop myself and made me become the fish I am right now. Even though, I said in the beginning that I was a Boquerón, I think that throughout my volunteering I turned into a new species of fish: I got parts of the Spanish anchovy, the English Mussel, the German lake trout, the Italian tuna, the Greek sea bream, and the Romanian carp.

Thanks to my ESC volunteering, these fishes are defining me now. I learnt to stop seeing me only as a German girl and started considering me an EU citizen instead.

Updated on Friday, 16/06/2023