On June 13–14, I had the opportunity to participate in the biannual European Youth Event (EYE) in Strasbourg, an inspiring gathering that brought together thousands of young Europeans at the seat of the European Parliament. As a student of International and European Studies, it was a unique experience to not only visit an EU institution for the first time, but also to engage directly in high-level discussions on some of the most pressing challenges facing the EU, right in the heart of European democracy.

What motivated me to apply was the fact that, despite studying the EU for nearly two years, I had never visited any of its institutions in person. EYE offered the perfect chance to connect with peers, meet policymakers and experts, and explore Strasbourg. I experienced the European Parliament in a fun and interactive way, sitting in committee rooms and the hemicycle, exploring kiosks, and enjoying moments of relaxation at the EYE Village.

Beyond being an excellent networking opportunity, what truly stood out was the number of familiar faces I encountered, people I had met through previous youth exchanges, training courses, or my DiscoverEU travels. It felt like a reunion and a reminder of how such programs foster a strong European identity and lasting connections across borders.

I highly recommend applying for EYE 2027. It is beginner-friendly and allows you to choose sessions based on your interests. Personally, I attended workshops on the Common Agricultural Policy, the European Central Bank, EU Foreign Policy, and more. There were also interactive activities, such as translation exercises, quizzes, and the chance to provide feedback on the European Parliament’s website, which I found particularly valuable as a frequent user.

Despite the long journey to Strasbourg by subway, airplane, and bus, the overall experience was incredibly rewarding. Of course, there is still room for improvement. For instance, covering travel costs would help ensure broader participation by young people from all backgrounds. The event could also be made more sustainable by reducing paper waste from flyers and opting for digital alternatives.

Updated on Thursday, 10/07/2025

My name is Hana Živko and I am 24 years old. I come from the beloved Podravina region, from the city of Linolada and Vegeta – Koprivnica. I study Croatian Language and Literature and Comparative Literature at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Zagreb. I’m currently in my graduate studies – just one more year and I’ll finish my degree. I’m training to become a teacher. I truly feel that this is my calling and life path – to educate children and young people.

I’m a member of the largest student association in Croatia, eSTUDENT, and for the second year now, I’ve been actively participating in a team that organizes student projects throughout the academic year. From the first moment I saw the title of the seminar – Green Youth Work – I knew it was meant for me! Sustainability, youth, and Europe? Three words that lit up for me like a green traffic light to apply!

I wanted to learn more about green practices, connect with people who work with youth all over Europe and – of course – be part of something meaningful for the future. I wanted to find out how young people and organizations in other European countries implement sustainable projects, how they connect youth with local communities, and gain concrete tools for my future work.

This seminar was a whirlwind of amazing activities: from upcycling workshops, where we made new, useful items out of plastic bags, to NGO pitching, where we created our own “green” organizations, came up with slogans, designed posters, and practiced presenting ideas. We expressed our creativity and innovation and built new friendships and teamwork through many sustainable workshops.

We also learned what digital waste is, how to clean it up, and together we “cleaned” 37.54 GB! I especially enjoyed visiting the Library of Things – I was fascinated by the idea that we don't have to buy things, but can share and borrow them. We also visited Riperaj, a DIY repair workshop where citizens can repair their own items and thus extend their lifespan – truly inspiring and fun at the same time.

And of course, I mustn’t forget – community cooking! We made traditional pljukanci pasta and two delicious veggie sauces. It wasn’t just a culinary experience, but a real example of how food brings people together. While cooking, we talked about how we could apply such activities in youth work. Food and community – so much laughter, conversation, new flavors, and learning.

This project opened my eyes to how sustainability is broader and deeper than just recycling – it involves community, creativity, technology, and even theatre! The project brought me so many wonderful and valuable experiences – both professional and personal. I learned concrete methods for incorporating green practices into educational work with youth – from organizing local green actions to planning volunteer activities and campaigns focused on sustainability.

We discussed topics like: green actions in the community, environmental volunteering, online tools and apps for ecological awareness, artistic green actions, activist campaigns, and protests… Most importantly, I believe each of us became more confident in expressing our ideas, expectations, and beliefs.

I found the examples of good practice from other countries especially helpful – learning how ecological topics are addressed in Spain, France, Lithuania, Greece, Latvia, and Hungary really broadened my horizons. Besides that, I made many new acquaintances and friendships. Each person brought their own story, perspective, and ideas, and together we created a truly encouraging and joyful atmosphere. We were all so different, yet united by a common goal.

Of course, our amazing project leaders played a huge part in this – they were approachable, kind, friendly, fun, and incredibly motivating.

And one more thing – we had the opportunity to make our voices heard! I participated in recording a segment for Nova TV, a national television channel, where we talked about digital waste and what we learned. Being part of a public space like that, sharing experiences and sending a message – it was truly special.

I will forever remember the sense of unity that formed among us – and so quickly! We were all somehow breathing in the same rhythm, and I was beyond happy to be surrounded by such a motivated group of people. I’ll remember every laugh during energizers and icebreakers, the deep conversations during reflection sessions, and the evenings when we shared stories from our countries and our lives.

Erasmus+ projects are an opportunity to grow – as a person, as a citizen, and as an activist. Young people on these projects learn how to act for positive change, how to act locally and usefully, how to think globally. They develop practical skills, become more aware of important social and environmental issues, meet other inspiring people, and broaden their horizons.

These are not just trainings – they are life schools that open doors, minds, and hearts.

There is also a powerful feeling that stays with you – the feeling that your voice matters, that your idea is heard and applauded, and that you're not alone in striving for a (greener) future. Erasmus+ is not just an opportunity to learn something new – it's a chance to connect with others, share your story, and hear theirs. Every project is different, but they all have one thing in common – they will enrich you in ways you never expected.

Updated on Monday, 20/10/2025

Περασα 10 υπεροχους μηνες στο εξωτερικο, σε μια πανεμορφη χωρα που πραγματικα αλλαξε τον τροπο με τον οποιο βλεπω πλεον τον κοσμο. Ειχα την ευκαιρια να ερθω σε επαφη με τόσους διαφορετικούς πολιτισμους, να γνωρισω και να εκτιμήσω ανθρωπους απο ολο τον κοσμο, να συναψω φιλιες για μια ολοκληρη ζωη και να ταξιδεψω σε τοσες διαφορετικες πολεις που ονειρευομουν απο μικρο παιδακι αλλα που ποτε δεν πιστευα οτι θα τις επισκεφτώ. Παρόλο που εμεινα για αρκετο καιρο μακρια απο την οικογενεια μου και τους συγγενείς μου, πιστεύω οτι πήρα μια απο τις καλυτερες αποφασεις της ζωης μου. Μεσα σε 10 μηνες καταφερα να ταξιδεψω σε 7 διαφορετικες χωρες και 11 διαφορετικες πολεις της Ευρωπης. Εμαθα, βιωσα, αισθανθηκα, εμπειριες που θα μου μεινουν αξεχαστες. Το ταξιδι μου ηταν μακρυ αλλα ευχαριστο, ειχα την ευκαιρια να ζησω πρωτογνωρες εμπειριες οντας ενα παιδι το οποιο εχει μεγαλωσει σε μια μικρη επαρχια της Ελλαδας. Το εξωτερικο με άλλαξε σαν ανθρωπο και αλλαξε και την οπτικη με την οποια πλεον αντιμετωπιζω και βλεπω τον κοσμο γυρω μου. Σε καθε χωρα προσπαθουσα να δοκιμαΖΩ σχεδον τα παντα, απο το διαφορετικο φαγητο μεχρι τα διαφορα ΜΜΜ, τα αξιοθεατα αλλα και να μιλαώ με ντοπιους προκειμενου να μου πουν πραγματα σχετικα με την χωρα τους. Σιγουρα, στην αρχη ειχα πολλες αμφιβολιες, πιεση, αγχος και φοβο για το αγνωστο διοτι δεν ειχα ξανα ταξιδεψει εξω απο την χωρα μου αλλα η καθε προσαρμογη στην αρχη ειναι δυσκολη και η ζωνη ανεσης σου θα λυθει προκειμενου να καταφερεις να βουτηξεις σε αγνωστα νερα, ομως στο τελος του ταξιδιου συνειδητοποιεις οτι ηταν μακραν το καλυτερο ταξιδι της ζωης σου.

Ειμαι ευγνωμων για ολα αυτα που βιωσα και θα τα κραταω μαζι μου για το υπολοιπο της ζωης μου.

Updated on Tuesday, 07/10/2025

Last summer was undoubtedly the best summer I’ve ever had. I decided to embark on an adventure and applied for the European Solidarity Corps short-term project to combine my interest for solidarity projects with my desire to discover new places.

I volunteered with the Strauss Association in the south of Italy on a project focused on social impact. The project took place in two locations: Mussomeli, a rural village in the heart of Sicily, and Cosenza, Calabria. Living in southern Italy was a magical experience, Italians were incredibly warm and welcoming to our group of volunteers. This project gave me the chance to form strong bonds not only with the local community but also with my fellow volunteers.

If I had to summarize my experience in one word, it would be community. Living in a small village meant becoming a part of local life. We volunteered directly with residents, organizing an educational summer camp in English for Italian children. Each day focused on a specific topic: mental health, sustainability, interculturality, and more. Through games and creative activities, we helped raise awareness among the children in a playful and engaging way.

In addition to the camp, we hosted workshops and events for villagers, participated in local festivals, and were often invited to community gatherings. The connection with the local people was incredibly strong and deeply moving but the bond within our team of volunteers was even stronger. Living, cooking, working, and exploring together made us feel like a family.

The second part of the project took place in Cosenza, where we volunteered with the Entropia Association. They partnered with several local organizations to organize the No Borders festival, which promoted European values such as interculturality and sustainability. Being part of this festival was an unforgettable experience. We organized a conference on eco-anxiety, spent a day cleaning a natural reserve, and held an intercultural night to share our cultures and traditions with the locals.

I left this project forever changed. It helped me grow, step out of my comfort zone, and see the world through a more open-minded perspective. The generosity of the Italians and the energy of my volunteer family had a profound impact on me. I’ll always be grateful for this incredible ESC journey.

Updated on Friday, 20/06/2025

Last month, I had the opportunity to take part in a youth exchange in Cyprus. This Erasmus+ project was a true cultural melting pot, representing the diversity of Europe. It brought together 30 participants from 5 countries: Belgium, Ireland, Moldova, Ukraine and France.

The project was titled “Theater of Legends”, so Cyprus with its rich history of myth and legend was the perfect setting to spark our creativity. We participated in a theater workshop led by a special guest, which focused on Greek myths and legends. It was the perfect way to develop our acting skills while discovering fascinating stories like the life of Hercules.

Since the main focus of the project was theater, we took part in many theater and improvisation workshops. We had the chance to create and act out our own scenarios, as well as watch performances created by other participants. One of the highlights was creating a flash mob performance together, which we presented in Larnaca. That flash mob was one of my favorite activities, dancing all together required strong group cohesion, which we built throughout the project thanks to a variety of team-building exercises.

But this project was more than just theater practice; it was a chance to connect with people from different cultures, to share our experiences and life stories. During the Intercultural Night, we had the opportunity to learn more about each other’s cultures, taste local foods, discover fun facts, and try traditional dances. Dancing together that night was my favorite moment of the entire project. In those moments, you don’t just observe a culture, you feel it, and you connect deeply with the people around you.

Erasmus+ projects often become unforgettable memories because of the connections we make with people from all over the world. We share experiences, meaningful conversations, and lots of laughter.

This was my first youth exchange, and I’m so glad I decided to join the Erasmus adventure. I returned home with a heart full of joy, a head full of memories, and a deep inspiration to keep acting, keep traveling, and keep meeting new people.

Updated on Friday, 27/06/2025

I’m truly grateful to CCIF CYPRUS for giving me the opportunity to take part in such a meaningful Erasmus+ project.
It was a great experience meeting people from different countries with diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. Working together on a common project allowed us to combine our ideas and opinions, which was sometimes challenging but incredibly rewarding. It taught me how to collaborate in an international environment, adapt to new situations, and appreciate different ways of thinking.

The daily schedule was also well-organized, with a good balance between learning, teamwork, and fun activities. Every day brought something new — whether it was workshops, discussions, or cultural evenings. I gained not only knowledge, but also unforgettable memories and friendships.
I would definitely participate again if I had the chance, as Erasmus+ projects offer a unique opportunity for personal growth, connection, and inspiration.

Updated on Friday, 20/06/2025

Thanks to CCIF CYPRUS for giving me the opportunity to be part of this experience — truly grateful for that.
Still thinking about how special this experience was.
Spending days with people from so many different countries — each one with their own stories, humor, habits, and energy — was honestly one of the best parts. It’s crazy how strangers can feel like friends in just a few days.
We worked together, shared meals, danced to random playlists, laughed until we cried, and had deep talks late at night like we’d known each other for years. Everyone brought something unique, and somehow we all just clicked.
Yes, the project was important — but what I’ll remember most is the people.
Grateful for every single moment. Can’t wait to cross paths again someday.

Updated on Friday, 20/06/2025

An unforgettable experience & grateful to CCIF Cyprus for giving me the chance to live this unforgettable experience.

Working with people from different countries on a shared project was truly unique. Blending ideas and cultures wasn't always easy, but it helped us grow and connect on a deeper level.

Each day brought something special - from creative sessions to cultural moments and amazing people.

So grateful for everything learned. Would definitely do it again!

Updated on Friday, 20/06/2025

At the beginning of this journey, I was excited and a bit overwhelmed. DiscoverEU sounded like an adventure of a lifetime, but I didn’t think I realized just how profound of an impact it would have. Instead of what I thought would be a fun trek across Europe, it turned out to be a rich personal and cultural journey.

Arriving felt like I was dropped into an episode of « Pékin Express ». I was by myself, navigating trains, cities, and languages, with only a backpack and a plan. Each day brought surprises, challenges, new friendships and lessons. I had to adapt, react, and learn. I learned quickly that when you're alone in a foreign country, every miniscule decision cultivates your confidence.

I began in Dublin 🇮🇪, where the warmth and hospitality of the Irish made me feel welcome right away. I spent nights in hostels, speaking with other travelers from around Europe, and it was here that gained fluency and confidence in my English. Dublin marked my first waypoint.

Then came London 🇬🇧 so full of energy and diversity.  It felt as though it was a meeting point for the world, where many different stories and perspectives collided. It also made me realize how much of the European identity still exists, even away from the European Union, through people, culture, and connection.

Belgium 🇧🇪 was a highlight for me, not only for the beauty, but for the connotations that come with visiting, especially in light of what I discovered. Whilst in Brussels, I visited the house of the EU institutions and saw how palpable European cooperation really is. To walk through the walls of the Parliament and feel proud to say that I am a European youth gave real meaning to what DiscoverEU stands for.

Amsterdam 🇳🇱 was very different for me. A city of bikes, canals, and innovation. It demonstrated how sustainable and open-minded urban living could be. The other Dutch students I met encouraged me to think completely differently - particularly around social and environmental topics.

Berlin 🇩🇪 was mesmerising. The weight of history is palpable in that city : the Berlin Wall, museums, memorials. But equally, there is an amazingly creative, progressive youth culture that appears to be determined to build a better future. It made me think about the vast distance Europe has come over the last two generations; and while we face many challenges, and a period of uncertainty, we can do so much more together.

Vienna 🇦🇹 was elegant and cultured. As I sat in cafes, galleries, and concert halls, I felt I was threading myself through a long-standing tradition in Europe of art and thought. It reminded me that culture is not merely entertainment. It is an underpinning for a shared identity.

Zagreb 🇭🇷 was different; it offered a raw, more intimate, Europe. It felt much less touristy and much more personal. As I talked to locals, I saw a different part of our continent a part we don't think about much, and, while not very rich, a part that contained a lot of pride. It reminded me that while Europe offers differences in language, we also offer some of the same stories, struggles, and dreams.

Finally, I made it to Venice 🇮🇹 to a dreamlike ending. I felt like I stepped away from existence while I wandered the winding streets of Venice. I stopped planning and just lived. I knew it would be the perfect appendage to what had been an already change journey.

In the end, I learned that Europe is not merely a place; it is a connection. Not simply landmarks or boundaries on a map, but people, cultures, and value systems. I came back more independent, more aware, and more connected. I found a passion for intercultural exchange, and for building bridges, and for advocating mobility opportunities for others.

Since I first went on my adventure, I have become an Ambassador EuroPeers and active student ambassador for my university. None of this would have happened without DiscoverEU, this was the spark. DiscoverEU pushed me out of my comfort zone, challenging me to face the unknown and grow every single day.

This is why I think every young person should have the opportunity to experience mobility : travel is not escaping, it is connection. Connection with yourself, connection with others, and connection with what it means to be European.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bag, pick up your pass...and go for it!

Updated on Tuesday, 27/05/2025

Recently, I had the amazing opportunity to take part in a 3-day youth exchange programme in Brussels, Belgium. Through this experience, I had the chance to connect, engage, and network with incredible young people, exchange ideas, and discuss the challenges we face in our communities. It was also a lot of fun — from creating blackout poetry and playing human bingo to taking part in a European Parliament simulation game and exploring the House of European History. This was truly one of the most memorable and rewarding volunteering experiences I’ve had so far. And of course — Belgian waffles really are the best! Grateful for initiatives that empower and bring young people together across borders.

Updated on Monday, 28/07/2025