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 Tuesday, 17/02/2026

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 Tuesday, 17/02/2026

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 Tuesday, 17/02/2026

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 Tuesday, 17/02/2026

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, 17/02/2026

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 Tuesday, 17/02/2026

When I found out I won an Interrail ticket, I was beyond excited! My dream of a solo trip around Europe was finally becoming a reality. I spent months carefully planning my itinerary, exploring every possible route, and binge-watching Interrail vlogs on YouTube for inspiration.
I finally settled on an adventure through the Alps: starting in France, then exploring Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Switzerland, and looping back to France. What followed was an unforgettable travel experience.
Traveling solo taught me so much about the world, but also about myself. I had to handle everything on my own, which helped me gain a new sense of independence and self-confidence. One of the biggest lessons I learned is that the beauty of travel isn’t just in the destinations, but also in the journey itself. Long train rides became moments of reflection, where I could take in the landscapes and take time to appreciate everything I was living.

Each country offered something special:

• In Italy, I tasted some of the best food I’ve ever had.
• In Slovenia, I hiked through breathtaking natural landscapes.
• In Austria, I dove into history and culture, visiting great museums and monuments.
• In Switzerland, I've seen beautiful views and got the chance to see the United Nations headquarters.

When I finally returned to France, I came back with a head full of unforgettable memories not just of places, but of people. The connections I made along the way, with fellow travelers and locals, were what truly made this trip meaningful. I found that traveling solo actually opens the door to more interaction with both locals and travelers.
I'm incredibly grateful for this first solo journey, and I encourage every young person to seize the opportunity DiscoverEU offers. There’s a whole continent out there waiting to be explored. Go for it!

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

I love being a European and I love taking advantage of what Europe offers. #DiscoverEU was no exception. I was eagerly waiting for my 18th birthday just so I could apply and was soooo happy to hear the good news!

My friends weren’t as lucky yet I could not waste the chance, so I decided to give solo travelling a chance. I had just wrapped up my first year at uni, packed my bags and embarked on an epic journey with quite an itinerary: Vienna-Munich-Zurich-Milan-Nice-Monaco-Genoa-Pisa-Florence-Rome.

I came back with a crying bank account but my heart full of joy and my head buzzing with incredible memories and hilarious stories. Just thinking about it now makes me smile. Vienna’s rich history, Zurich’s eye-watering prices, Monaco’s insane cars, Florence’s art literally everywhere – each place had its own vibe that I now carry with me in my heart.

My best advice: plan a little, go with the flow a lot. It helps to scroll TikTok an evening before and mark your must-visit places in Maps, but don’t turn it into a checklist. Let yourself wander, watch the locals go by, chat with (non-creepy) strangers, make friends in hostels, eat from random food spots where no tourist would dare to go and definitely take way too many photos.

A few more practical thoughts of wisdom:

• Book early. Last minute deals are rare, especially during summer time. Planning ahead will save you some money and give you a chance to visit the most popular places (some museums are booked months in advance).

• Do not overpanic but be safe. Most people are lovely and chatty, but creeps are out there as well. Share your location with someone you trust, stay away from sketchy areas, especially during night time, and don’t let your belongings out of sight.

• Keep calm. Things will go wrong - cancelled hostels, transport strikes, terrible weather - you will figure it out. Keep a bit of extra cash for the unexpected and channel your zen energy.

Whether you’re off on a solo soul-searching trip or finally having the trip that made it out of the group chat, it’s going to be unforgettable. Celebrate your youth, enjoy being European and go make those memories! <3

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

I first heard about Erasmus+ and DiscoverEU at the end of high school and immediately thought: This sounds perfect! I already had the idea of going on an adventure around Europe during my gap year, so it honestly felt like the opportunity just fell into my lap.

My friend and I decided to go together. We wanted to visit some of the countries whose languages we had studied in school – so why not make learning a bit more fun? Our route took us through Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, then on to Switzerland and Italy, before heading back home through Germany again.

In Lyon, we saw a poster for free walking tours at our hostel, and thought: Why not? It turned out to be one of the best decisions of the whole trip! Our guide was a young local who showed us hidden alleys, street art, taught us new words, and gave us the best recommendations for food and experiences – all sprinkled with fun stories. It was an amazing way to explore the city!

We tried a bit of everything: hiking in the mountains, nightlife in the big cities, visiting cathedrals, exploring charming villages, scenic harbors, and even a magic show! There were so many unforgettable moments. DiscoverEU also opened the door to a European travel community through their Facebook group. It was easy to connect with other young travelers, and that gave us the chance to meet even more interesting people along the way.

The train journeys were a highlight in themselves. They were easy, affordable, and gave us the chance to see places we otherwise would’ve missed. Some of the best moments were just sitting back and enjoying the views – from snow-covered Alps to golden autumn sunshine further south. It really put things in perspective and gave us a sense of how the landscapes and cultures changed along the way.

It was the first time we had ever planned a trip like this ourselves, and we learned so much – both about practical things and about ourselves. We came home with memories for life, from the amazing people we met to the many experiences we shared.

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026

I've been abroad for a month now, far away from my family, my friends and my familiar surroundings and speaking a foreign language. I have asked myself several times why I made this decision. Was it because I was looking for adventure?

Yes, as a great romantic of life, I love to lose myself from time to time. It allows you to discover new turns in the road, meet unknown people and find parts of yourself that were hidden under the thick cloud of comfort. Perhaps the answer lies in this very thought. Didn't I just want to get lost in a new world to discover something new? Probably. But let's leave the questions aside for a moment and look at the path that led me here.

As I said, I've been living a new life for a month now. To begin with, I've learnt an incredible amount in a short space of time - I now know how to do the laundry and cook some of the delicious meals my mum used to make for me. I found out where I work, who my colleagues are, what tasks await me in this voluntary service and, last but not least, what the coffee in the office tastes like! (Luckily, it's good.) I also got to know the other volunteers who are in the same situation as me and with whom I will use the year to discover many corners of Austria and the neighbouring countries. These first experiences were not too difficult for me, as I was full of anticipation for everything new and was accompanied and lovingly cared for at every moment.

It became more difficult when I was gradually looked after less. Ah, independence! It's challenging because you have to find solutions on your own, dare to ask questions and deal with doubts that arise - sometimes that's not easy. Doing the dishes every day? Hm, not so great. But hey, it's more bearable with Beyoncé in your ear.

As for culture shock, I don't think I've experienced it yet. I've even asked myself if I have a culture at all. A very dramatic question that came to me when I realised that I was the only one who didn't see any cultural differences. But on closer inspection, yes, I do have cultural roots - maybe I don't see the differences so much with the Austrians, but I do with the other volunteers. So Ellie, don't worry, you have cultural roots. Phew.

To summarise, my experience here starts in a wonderful way, with the little ups and downs of life.

Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026