My #DiscoverEU Adventure

My name is Pauline, I am a 19 year old French girl who was lucky enough to win the #DiscoverEU competition, organised by the European Commission. Thanks to this programme, I was able to make two of my dreams come true: to travel alone and to discover a facet of Europe that was unknown to me: the Scandinavian countries.

In January 2022, I learned that I had been selected to participate in this programme. During my three-week journey, I visited five countries: the Netherlands (The Hague and Amsterdam), Germany (Hamburg), Denmark (Copenhagen), Sweden (Stockholm) and Norway (Oslo and Bergen). I took fifteen trains, thirty-four hours in total, to cover more than 3,200 kilometres. Choosing the train as a means of transport is the best way to travel long distances in a sustainable way while enjoying the beautiful landscapes that Europe has to offer!

These 3 weeks were extremely enriching. Going alone allows you to expand your comfort zone: it's an opportunity to discover new lands, new cultures, new people, and thus to better discover yourself. I felt a sense of freedom and deep independence! I stayed in youth hostels, in order to meet other young Europeans, members of the great community of #DiscoverEU participants! It is a really caring environment where we can bond with many young people of different nationalities. These exchanges allow us to practise our English and above all to gain a better understanding of what makes Europe: different experiences, cultures and backgrounds, but united by a common European identity. I have always been very attached to the European Union, both in my studies and in my personal interests. So, travelling alone in Europe allowed me to really become aware of my European citizenship.

All in all, I can only praise this initiative of the European Commission, which made me grow, evolve and learn a lot about myself and others in only three weeks. This experience allows European youth to broaden their horizons and inspire them to take advantage of all the opportunities Europe has to offer. 

Whether you are alone or in a group, don't hesitate to apply to the #DiscoverEU competition: you only increase your chances of having an unforgettable experience!

Updated on Torek, 17/02/2026