Marcos experience with Erasmus+

It all started in 2019 in Madrid, where I was born and raised. I had just finished the first part of my degree in electrical engineering when I heard about the opportunity to participate in a youth exchange in Dublin, Ireland.
I immediately felt this was something for me. I wanted to discover international experiences where I could foster my creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, while strengthening the values I believe in: solidarity, access to knowledge, empathy, and cooperation. So I applied, and got my place.

The youth exchange in Dublin opened my eyes to what youth mobility truly means. Meeting young people from all over Europe, sharing our stories, dreams, and perspectives, it was very transformative. I realized that these programs aren't just about traveling, but about building bridges between cultures and creating a shared European identity.

That experience inspired me so much that after some time, in 2022, I took the step to co-organize a youth exchange in Spain myself. Going from participant to organizer was an incredible learning process. I wanted to create the same sense of community and belonging that I had experienced the year before. My goal was to awaken a European identity in the participants and encourage them to become active citizens, while providing them with access to non-formal education in an international environment.
But my biggest journey was still waiting. Later in 2023, I decided to apply for Erasmus+ mobility to study the second half of my master's at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden.

Moving to a completely new country for my studies was challenging, but also the most rewarding thing I've ever done. In Sweden, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in other people's personal stories and experiences. I got to know, lived together with, and enjoyed other cultures, while feeling at home at the same time. It was magical to realize that Europe truly can feel like a common home, no matter where you are.

During my time in Sweden, I realized that I wanted to share these experiences with even more young people. As an ambassador, I want to make Erasmus+ and other youth programs more known and accessible to all young people who dream of international experiences.

All these experiences have shaped my vision for the future. I want to continue developing both personally and professionally in international contexts, work with people from different backgrounds, and above all: I want to inspire other young people to grow in the same way I have. My goal is to contribute to a more aware and democratic young society in Europe.

My journey from participant in Ireland, to organizer in Spain, to Erasmus student in Sweden, and now ambassador has taught me that youth mobility is so much more than travel and experiences. It's about building a better future together, about daring to challenge yourself, and about realizing that we as young Europeans have a unique opportunity to shape the Europe we want to see!
So yes, if you're considering participating in a youth exchange or applying for any Erasmus+ opportunity, do it! It will change your life in ways you could never imagine. I look forward to meeting you at some event and hearing your story!
 

Updated on Teisipäev, 17/02/2026