My name is Ud and I come from France.

I'm here for seven months. I will be here for seven months and I'm here since two weeks.

I have good impression of this city because it's like, not too big, but not too small.

And you have the sea also.

And the people are really welcoming.

We have been yeah.

Like the people are have been really nice with us.

And also the city is really great.

So I have very very good impression. 

Don't be afraid to talk to people even if you don't talk the language or if you're not really good in like the language, because I'm not really good in English, so it's kind of great.

But I try my best and I think that's it for the moment. 

I chose Split for the nation because like the association and what they did interested me, but also for the city because it's like not small city lost in the country and you have also the sea so it's great too.

Updated on Tuesday, 28/01/2025

Hi, my name is You.

I'm from Germany and I'm staying for two weeks and I'm also 19 years old and I chose Split because of the organization.

I thought harm prevention and harm reduction is something that's really interesting.

And also I want to study medicine, so I have prior knowledge on different drugs and also different diseases related to drug use.

So that's the reason.

And my first impression of Split and the organization was really positive.

I thought that the people were really friendly, really welcoming.

And although I'm a foreigner and in a way also a tourist, I kind of felt like at home because everyone was just, just like smashing down the barriers immediately.

Updated on Tuesday, 28/01/2025

The youth exchange „Eco-Art for change” was implemented by the Romanian Humanist Association through Erasmus+ Accreditation, gathering 35 young people from Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal. The main concept behind the project was to encourage environmental awareness and activism through artistic methods (theatre, storytelling, drawing and music). During the 7 days of the activities participants learned more about climate change, environmental green practices and activism through theatre plays, scenario creations, collaborative writing and drawing, walking through nature, creating songs and innovative musical instruments. In the end, they have developed a Green Book, which includes 5 short stories of promoting ecological activism for change, that is available on our social media pages and in physical version. 

Cosmin and Tatiana are two of the young people that got involved in the project and we invite you to discover their stories below.

“Hello! My name is Cosmin, I am 17 years old, I am from Romania and I have a passion regarding Erasmus+ projects and everything related to youth opportunities offered by the European Union. I am a very sociable person with the need of knowledge and experiencing. I am always eager to go out of my comfort zone and try new things, visit places unknown to me and learn as much as I can. 

The year 2024 was important for me when talking about Erasmus+ projects. I have participated in two learning mobilities with the Romanian Humanist Association. 

One of them was called “EcoArt for Change” and it took place in November in Romania, Bușteni. Every project is different, and for me this one will remain in my memory because of the people I met there, having doubt at first about coming in the project or not. I have also found out about myself that I can facilitate, because of the activities we had to come up with and implement them. Of course, there could be obstacles in the way such as people not being on time, or the lack of ideas or the participants not paying attention to what you are saying and I think it represents a very good patience exercise.

This is only a part of my story that I can share with anyone. I wanted to talk about this so that I can convince at least one person that Erasmus+ projects have only benefits and can improve your life in a way you would not think about. I encourage everyone to get involved in these types of activities because for me it was the best decision to participate in the Romanian Humanist Association projects. Remember, you can always become a better version of yourself!”

“Hello, my name is Tatiana, and I am currently 17 years. The most recent project that I’ve been to, in Busteni, Romania emphasized environmental awareness. Through activities like researching environmental issues, performing theater, musical and artistical tasks , and capturing photographs during nature walks, I gained a deeper appreciation for sustainability. Writing games allowed me to channel my passion for self-expression. And what stood out to me was the chance to facilitate my own activity, where my leadership and organizational competences significantly improved. 

In spite of considering English one of my strengths, I’ve become aware that the need for constant interaction and mutual understanding in a multilingual setting always pushes me to constantly evolve and adapt.  In almost every project there is an intercultural activity where each country brings some traditional dishes/treats, not to mention the exchange of many sayings, phrases, words, and over time, imitation of other country’s accents each other's accents.

And that is most entertaining thing that makes me get out of my confort zone: interacting with people from such diverse backgrounds, learning about their lifestyles, their stories. Each time I get such a deep feeling of sonder, and it also makes me aware of my condition, my country, my values, and how much is there to be learned from every person that I encounter, especially those that take up the opportunity to participate in an Erasmus+ project.

All in all, for me, Erasmus+ changed my life. I will be forever grateful that I got the spark of these adventures from such a young age, and I am sure a bright future is waiting for me, where I can value all the competences I developed. Not only do I recommend engaging in these projects, I hope every teen realises what is waiting for them out there, and with a little courage, everyone’s lives can change too. ”

Updated on Tuesday, 17/12/2024

My name is Nicola Strappazzon, and I am from Italy, specifically from the province of Vicenza. Over the past two years, I have served as an assistant project manager for the YAMAG project, co-funded by the European Union and part of the Erasmus+ programme. The project brings together local public administrations and third-sector organisations from Italy, Spain, Croatia, and Romania. My involvement with YAMAG began during a civil service experience, a year-long programme for young people aged 18 to 29 to contribute to their communities by serving in local organisations. The civil service placement I chose was at the Eurodesk point, which also serves as the Youth Information Office (Informagiovani - Infoeuropa) of the Municipality of Bassano del Grappa, a service closely linked to youth policies. During this time I began a collaboration with the office as an internal operator, supporting every phase of the project, which unfolded and developed over 24 months. 

Each phase of the project was coordinated by one of the partners, while the Municipality of Bassano del Grappa, as the lead organisation, was responsible for overseeing the proper implementation of the planned activities. The YAMAG project is dedicated to fostering a more active and meaningful role for young people in shaping their communities and societies. It seeks to promote civic and democratic participation among youth, not only at the local level but also across Europe, recognising the importance of empowering young voices in broader decision-making processes. 

By actively listening to their concerns and embracing their innovative perspectives, the project aspires to build stronger, more meaningful connections between youth and institutions, bridging gaps in understanding and fostering mutual collaboration for a better future.

As the project draws to a close, it is evident that YAMAG has been an opportunity not only for me on a professional level but also for all the parties involved. 

In a rapidly evolving society, where the engagement of younger generations in the life of their country is increasingly at risk, gaining a clear understanding of the dynamics at play and the actions required to bridge existing gaps, both on the part of institutions and their representatives as well as the youth themselves, offers a glimmer of hope. 

The project presented a powerful example of municipalities and organisations from different European states coming together to listen to voices, voices that are growing fainter. The sense of apparent powerlessness echoes in the shared narratives of young people: their actions and their inaction are both a call for help, representation and understanding. They are crucial to building solid foundations and securing a sustainable future for society. They are the future. In this context, YAMAG has acted as a spark, igniting an engine that could concretize tangible impacts in the near horizon, inspiring people, Institutions and the new generation in engaging in initiatives with the same goals, to carry forward the same vital message.

Updated on Monday, 16/12/2024

As a Eurodesk ambassador I attended the National Ploughing Championship with one of our Eurodesk multipliers from Kildare, Ger. It was a great experience and we had great craic. We were there as part of the European Commission representation in Ireland tent along with other European organisations such as EURES. Hundreds of thousands of people attend the ploughing over the 3 days it runs for so it's an excellent opportunity for outreach and to promote European mobility opportunities to young people, teachers, parents and guardians. We also got our fair share of influential visitors to the tent including both the Taoiseach and Tanaiste Simon Harris and Micheal Martin as well as several MEPs from across the political spectrum. There was a great atmosphere and buzz in the tent constantly as there was so much going on in the one tent. I love sharing information so getting the opportunity to share information on European mobility was so enjoyable for me especially knowing how amazing these opportunities are while also not being well known amongst the general population. I think it gives the opportunity for new doors to be opened to people that they didn't even know existed.

Regan has been a Eurodesk Ambassador since 2023, her story was nominated by Youth Work Ireland Galway

Updated on Friday, 13/12/2024

It all started after I finished high school. I was 17, until then mostly focused on school and not ready to dive straight back into the textbooks. Volunteering seemed like the best way to do something meaningful and at the same time see something of the world for myself. A choice that changed my life!

I went to Portugal, where Lisbon became my new home for 10 months. I worked at a daycare and school with young children from families who are struggling. Outside of volunteering, there was at least as much to discover. I lived together with 12 volunteers from many different countries and the weekends were one big adventure. We went to museums together, on day trips to crazy places and visited other places in Portugal. My roommates felt like a big, international family.

Of course, not everything was great. Sometimes situations came in hard, especially when the problems of children or families were intense. It touched me that they were so positive in life despite the problems. That's the Portuguese mentality, I think. In the difficult moments, fortunately, I also had a lot of support from the other volunteers.

What I learned? Before this, I was very focused on my school. Now I have broadened my view: for example, I have seen how challenging and valuable working in the social sector can be. Actually, everyone should do this - to experience what it is like. I have also fallen in love with Lisbon. I took a lot of photos and found out how much I like it. The city will always have a special place in my heart!

Updated on Thursday, 12/12/2024

September 2023

8 Countries. 70 people. 10 days in a foreign country. Erasmus. Different cultures. And the overall topic: Communication. Feelings. Thoughts. Getting to know oneself better. It doesn’t take long to make up my mind. The same evening the registration form is filled out and after a short week of waiting and hoping the answer is here already: I’m in!

April 2024

The first day finally comes. Excitement. Nervousness. Emotions all over the place. Finally! Plane starts, seats found and an amazing start in the unknown. The destination: Cyprus!

Rain at home, hot sun in Cyprus. That’s what greets us when we land. Definitely a great start! Nothing to do for now except for swimming in the pool and getting comfortable with the atmosphere.

The week starts great. Challenges to get to know the city and people, great food, warm weather and incredibly interesting and openminded people. The beautiful thing when so many people from all over Europe come together – everybody is different. So of course everyone is welcome. This is such a heartwarming feeling; one I get to feel all week long.

Time flies by. Every day different tasks. Visiting 4 different cities in Cyprus, many fun games and interesting workshops, laughing with new friends, drinking mocktails at the pool, finding cats every ten meters, picking up a chameleon, learning curse-words in different languages and gaining so much new experience. Way too much to write about all of it.

My absolute highlight: the cultural evenings. We learn about Lithuania, Poland, North Macedonia, Romania, Cyprus, Greece and Portugal. So many fascinating facts and exciting presentations. And afterwards – finally – music on! I think this is the most I have danced in the last year. To every music, somebody else knows an amazing dance. Many are easy to learn and fun to dance, some are really hard to remember. From national dances to song contest steps and macarena. These are the evenings I will never forget.

Afterwards

This youth exchange ended but it was only the beginning of many more. A while after this Erasmus youth exchange was the first time I started to research what Erasmus+ had to offer. I was astonished! So many projects and chances. Next thing I knew, I had already planned two youth exchanges for my summer holidays. 

Updated on Thursday, 12/12/2024

I took part in some of the Time to Move 2024 events through my local Youth Information Centre this year. In particular we enjoyed getting involved with the Interactive Eurodesk Giant Map game and learning about different European countries and flags. The game was interactive, fun and informative. We also attended the EURES event in the local library where the map allowed us to identify the scale of Europe and how we could with our local Europe Direct Centre and Eures to identify an array of European Opportunitites

I thought it was interesting to learn about the different places, foods, currencies and cultures around the world and the game itself was fun, cool and educational. I learned new facts about new countries and since I learned these new facts I will be able to have a better knowledge of a new place when I am there. I would recommend to other young people to get involved with participating in European focused youth activities if they are interested in travelling to other European countries because there are so many great European opportunities available.

Amira was nominated by Waterford South Tipperary Youth Service.

Updated on Thursday, 05/12/2024

Before I experienced my first real overseas Erasmus+ project, I’d been dabbling in and around them for quite some time. I had been a very active volunteer in a foundation for people with disadvantages in my city for around three years before they sent me to England. Summer 2015, freshly 18, and first time living through an Erasmus+ project I myself did not have to help organize. I could just let myself be absolutely immersed in the damp English air, acting workshops, melodic accents and so much love of so many cultures.

The project I was part of was called Creativity UK. Prior to taking interest in Erasmus+ and community, life shaped me slowly like water would a rock. The things I learnt from Erasmus+ related events shaped me quickly as an earthquake would the ground. 

I had always prided myself in being a very open-minded, accepting, and loving person; however, I would very swiftly realize I had only scratched the surface of real unbiasedness and activism. The theme of the project was unity. We would tackle prejudice, hate, politics, otherness, belonging. I would open up about things I had never had the heart to before. A Portuguese boy who barely spoke English would hug me with the most sincerity I had ever felt. 

We were there for a week. One week. We laughed and cried and talked and prepared tea for each other. We would be woken up by loud music and shower in cold water. We would sleep on the grass during lunch breaks. We would get to know each other and ourselves, and, most importantly, we would have the chance to do so in a safe environment. We were sure our voices would be heard and never criticized. 

What I understood about all my Erasmus+ experiences is that they bring out something ultimately human in all of us. People experience emotions very intensely. To live the fast life we are bound to lead, to survive the everyday obstacles, we water our emotions down, we try not to feel them in their full capacity. During projects, being picked up from the real world and dropped off somewhere away from reality, we are able to tune into the very humanness of our feelings and feel them thoroughly and entirely. The most beautiful thing is that everyone there does.

Someone might call you insane if you told them you had made a lifelong friend in a weeklong period of time. Those people underestimate the human need and tendency to connect with others. "Man is by nature a social animal,” Aristotle spoke. Having experienced Erasmus+ and the absolute love which, after all these years, still pulsates strong, like an earthquake, in my veins, who am I to disagree?

A poem was written. Then, it sounded like a masterpiece. Now, it echoes the inexperience of an 18-year-old. It ended like this:

In this English rain

I see how much we’re shining

We are the rays of sun

Strong and blinding

And together

We can make this planet warm 

Updated on Thursday, 28/11/2024

From 25 September to 3 October I participated in a very inspiring Erasmus+ training on sustainability in Castelletto di Cuggione, Italy. The event was particularly important for me, as it gave me the opportunity not only to understand environmental issues, but also to learn more about sustainability opportunities for disadvantaged young people.

During the training I learned a lot about issues that affect sustainability, such as the effects of pollution and over-consumption. These issues are not only of theoretical importance, but also deeply touch me on a personal level. After all, we all have a responsibility to look after our planet and to seek solutions that will help future generations.

The trainers were extremely well prepared and inspiring. They were open, kind and willing to share their knowledge and experience, which helped to create a supportive and collaborative atmosphere. I particularly appreciated the opportunity to exchange views and reflect together throughout the programme.

The whole experience was very personal for me. Meeting such dedicated and like-minded people was a huge motivation. I feel that I can use what I have learned not only in future projects, but also in my everyday life. I hope that all of us who worked together will continue to work together for sustainability at local level.

Updated on Thursday, 28/11/2024