Recently I participated in an Erasmus+ youth exchange project “Street Culture for Education and Inclusion” in Tallinn, Estonia.

Step out of your comfort zone – a phrase I have heard hundreds of times before and always thought it sounded cliché. Ironically, the most valuable lesson I learnt in this project is that it is crucial for improvement and personal growth. I could say that this was one of the most emotionally challenging experiences I have ever had, but that is exactly why it was so beneficial. Even though it was my third international youth exchange, the day before leaving I was having second thoughts and doubts, because it was my first time travelling alone, without people I knew before. Travelling alone helped me boost confidence in my social skills and encouraged me to interact with new people more than I would have done if I had travelled with friends. Now I can honestly say that stepping out of my comfort zone was the reason I not only made a lot of memories but also realized a lot about myself as a person. 

Besides, throughout the week in Tallinn, I explored seven cultures! In the workshops related to the topic of the exchange, we had to look for links between our countries with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. During our free time, we discussed all kinds of topics from our favourite foods to political views and issues that we experience as young people in our countries. I realized that regardless of our differences, there are kind people all over the world, who will accept you for who you truly are. Making friends from foreign countries encourages me to travel and learn about other cultures as much as possible!

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

International project writing camp on the island of Utøya: "Events like this help a lot to break down barriers, get rid of fear of people, develop communication skills and foreign language skills".

22.-27. Tatjana and Gleb, two students of Tallinn Mustjõe High School, together with their teacher, took part in the international project writing camp held in Norway as part of the Erasmus+ project. Together with teams from 10 European countries, young people had the opportunity to represent themselves, create and develop ideas together with young people from different nationalities and cultures. Our group had a particularly good cooperation with the Icelandic and Slovenian teams. We hope to continue working together and create a joint project in October 2023. Everything is just beginning!

Impressions of the participants of the Norwegian International Project Writing Camp:

Gleb

My name is Gleb and I recently visited a great project on the island of Utøya in Norway with my classmate Tatjana. It was a PBA (Partnership Building Activity). I am extremely glad that I had the opportunity to go there.

We flew there by plane, first we arrived in Oslo, from there the bus picked up all the participants and took us to the shore of the lake where the island was located. We went to the island on a small ship called "Thorbjørn".

From the very first moments I was fascinated by the beauty of this place, but at the same time I kept thinking about its history. The first day we just went to our rooms and got to know each other a bit. Dating continued until the last day. On the second day, we were given a tour of the island and told about its history. Next, we had teamwork games and getting to know other project participants.

Each country prepared a presentation about itself and the organization it represented. It helped a lot when looking for partners. I want to note that the entire project schedule and the schedule of each individual day was very well thought out.

At PBA, we learned to create our own projects, we learned a lot of basics and a large number of nuances, without which a good project is not possible. But the most important thing is that we found partners from Iceland and Slovenia, with whom we will create our own project in the future.

Such events help a lot to break down barriers, eliminate fear of people, develop communication skills and foreign language skills. I repeat that I am extremely glad that I had the opportunity to participate in the PBA in Utøya!

Tanya

Our trip started on 22.05, it was the beginning of our wonderful journey. We - I, my classmate Gleb and our teacher Pavel went to the island of Utøya.

There we met wonderful instructors Jo, Gry and Rita, throughout the project they supported and were very attentive to each participant. They were able to create a comfortable atmosphere from the first day, they were able to involve even the most shy participant in the project, I still wanted to communicate with them and listen to them. They also presented it very interestingly and explained in more detail when needed.

The program of the project itself was interesting and useful. We really learned a lot of important things that we will use in writing projects in the future. During the project, I got a lot of memories, every day something comes to my mind, from the first day we met, when Jo talked about different handshakes, or the moment when everyone got over their embarrassment and introduced themselves to the other participants. On the second day it was very interesting to learn about the sad history of the island, it is good to know that people remember and appreciate their history. The third, fourth and fifth days were full of various interesting things, for example orientation to the island, self-introduction from each organization, it was very interesting to listen to the supervisors' stories about the different nuances of the project and the peculiarities of its organization, the search for partners, and all of this ended with a pleasant costumed movie night.

It was very interesting to be part of this project. I was really happy to get to know young people from different countries, some of whom I am still in contact with, and I was happy to meet our instructors. It was my first experience participating in such a project, and I gained a lot of knowledge about projects, unforgettable emotions, pleasant acquaintances and many memories that warm my heart!

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

Hey! I am Hanna, a 19-year-old girl, and I only discovered the Erasmus+ program at the beginning of this year. Coming back from my first project, as soon as the plane touched the slush surface of Estonia in March, the Erasmus madness had gripped me so strongly that I wanted to visit Tallinn Airport again as soon as possible at any cost. Of course, not because of the duty free shop, although that would also be a nice excuse, but because of Erasmus's addiction. This is a very real thing, believe it or not!

That's how I found the Spanish project, and luckily for me, a few weeks later we met the other Estonians again at the airport, setting off for Jerez. Of course, I couldn't pronounce the name of the place correctly - I still said it like an Estonian, as you read "jerets" - and when others from the airport were talking about some kind of "hereth" main street, I believed that they had inside jokes from some place of their own as Spanish vurles (both lived there). Which they were suspiciously diligently trying to share with me. Of course, I thought it necessary to confirm out loud that I don't know much about hereth, I've never heard of such a place, but it's supposed to be 30 degrees in herets. A few days later, of course, it turned out - and I put together the sly looks of my companions at the time and the situation of awkward silence - that they had been talking about the same place as me. What a brand, but now I at least have a clear Spanish pronunciation! Despite the confusing destination, we got there (after six hours of beauty sleep on a green bench at the Helsinki airport) and the study could begin.

This time's training was about writing Erasmus+ projects, more specifically about organizing the youth exchange itself. The days were long and so much information accumulated in my head that, in cooperation with the beach weather, my head smoked properly, even to the point that my hairline was fiery red.

The other participants were amazingly awesome, as always at Erasmus. The group was full of diversity, but fortunately we had a universal sense of humor and being cozy - the evenings were spent among conversations, dancing, karaoke and walks. Of course I also got a total culture shock - their dinner starts at 9pm at the earliest! In retrospect, I can say that I got used to it so much that when I got back to Estonia, I ate night snacks for a whole week before I switched back to the Estonian regime. This, churros and much more confirmed my expectation to experience Spanish culture and its fulfillment. I also found friends among the other participants with whom I continue to communicate (and, for example, I commented on the performance of my countries at Eurovision).

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

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, 17/02/2026

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, 17/02/2026

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 Tuesday, 17/02/2026

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 Tuesday, 17/02/2026

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 Tuesday, 17/02/2026

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, 17/02/2026

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, 17/02/2026