Youth Exchanges help young people grow

Between the end of July and the beginning of August I participated in a Youth Exchange, an activity that is part of the Erasmus + program. I was quite reluctant about participating in the Youth Exchange because it felt like some kind of leap into the void, I was headed for something new and didn't really know what to expect. Before this, I had participated in another Youth Exchange the previous year and had really enjoyed it, so I assume this helped me make a final decision to join the exchange. I travelled for about ten hours to my destination, the place where the exchange would take place, Tauchen. Tauchen is a small village that is quite unique because it is divided into two regions of Austria: Lower Austria and Styria. The place is truly enchanting, a spectacular village located in the hills and mountains of Austria, surrounded by nature. The train left us in the village, and we walked the little road that separated us from the place where we would sleep. On the same train, there were people who would participate in the same project with us, so we got to know each other better on the way. On arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the organizers of the project and immediately afterwards we went for a short walk to see the place in which we would live for the next eight days. I think that from that moment I already understood which people I would get along more or less well with. Usually, in real life, you choose for yourself the people you feel good with and embark on a path of friendship. During the project, on the other hand, you talk and have fun with everyone, obviously knowing with whom, in real life, you would really get along and with whom less ... or not at all. After the walk we took our luggage to the room and I met my roommate. A Hungarian boy, very nice and funny, with a radiant personality. I was thrilled because in a new experience like this, such a person makes you open up a lot more. The evening continued, after dinner, with games to get to know each other. Finally, two of the Polish girls arrived, who, having missed the train, had arrived late. They were very nice. The next day we started with the theme of the project, namely the inclusion of various diversities in the countries of the European Union. During the Youth Exchange we really discussed a wide range of issues around inclusion ... from gender discrimination to LGBT discrimination to racial discrimination as well as discrimination against people with disabilities. I was really very interested in the subject and I think this is a very important thing in Youth Exchange projects. You can only give your best if you know you are really interested in the subject. One of the activities that I liked most during the eight days of the project is certainly the debate. We were divided into four groups, and each group was charged with defending the opinion entrusted to it. After a brief organization within the group, in order to assign roles in the debate, there would be two debates, in which the first two groups, and then the remaining two, would have clashed on an equal topic, however, supporting an idea that was totally opposite. I love debates and comparing my ideas with those of others. I find it funny, and it inspires me a lot. And speaking in front of many people is fascinating. Other activities we have done are the creation of billboards and multimedia contents. Being Tauchen surrounded by nature, in our free time we also rode bicycles, one day even to the city closest to Tauchen. I think I've never ridden a bicycle so much in my life. Another experience that I really enjoyed is the national evenings. They are evenings during which each national group presents their country, traditions, and culture. I really enjoyed introducing Croatia to my exchange mates. We took a Quiz with little-known elements about Croatia, talked about our traditions and danced and sang cultural folk dances and songs. At the end of our presentation, we offered the other guys some traditional Croatian food, which they really enjoyed. Listening to the other national evenings was also interesting. Discovering other cultures and traditions of the member countries of the European Union is very important in my opinion. I think it is a great way to get to know the other states of the European Union, and despite the diversity to understand that we are all part of the same, great union of states. The guys at the exchange were all magnificent, and I think the saddest and most moving moment for this was the farewell. Is greeting the people you spent 8 days with so difficult? The answer is yes because it is not a normal context. You are literally in the same place, with the same people, for eight full days and you create strong bonds, which obviously in a normal context would not be created. Participating in a Youth Exchange is a wonderful experience, which makes you grow a lot. Talking about the differences but accepting them is really important. We are the ones to whom the world will be left by the older generations who still command it today, and it will be up to us to decide whether to change it for the better or leave it as it is. Experiences like this make you understand how everyone deserves the same rights and possibilities. I think projects like this go a long way in helping the people who will one day rule the world grow.

Updated on terça-feira, 17/02/2026