I spent my mornings planting trees, removing invasive species, and maintaining the park. I also helped coordinate groups of day volunteers, which was a great way to meet people, experience the culture, and practice my Portuguese. Living with other volunteers from across Europe was amazing, we shared meals, explored Lisbon, went to the beach, and even took a weekend trip to Porto!

This project made me fall even more in love with Portugal, learn so much about nature and ecological restoration, and make friends across Europe! I would highly recommend it to anyone! 🧡

volunteering and work closer to nature 💚

It was such a learning experience for my path as a facilitator/ group leader and even for my life.

Meeting with people coming from place you didn't know existed and getting inspired from them, sharing ideas, creating together dreams, it's the better way to live!

I developed my leadership skills, learned how to take initiative, and how to bring a group together. I became more confident and went from being rather passive to more active, both in group work and daily activities.

I also improved my social skills, met amazing people, and made friendships, as well as connections that could be useful in the future. Overall, the experience had a big impact on my life, helping me grow personally, feel more confident, and more motivated to get involved.

Description:

Green Skills 4 You(th) is a European Solidarity Corps (ESC) group volunteering project taking place from 24 November to 13 December 2025 in Agros village, Cyprus.

The project brings together 20 young volunteers from different EU countries to support the local community through hands-on environmental actions. Volunteers actively take part in picking up trash, cleaning natural areas, decorating public spaces, cutting and maintaining trees, planting new trees, painting eco-themed graffiti, and creating decorations from recycled materials.

Alongside practical work, participants promote sustainable living, environmental responsibility, and community engagement through workshops, awareness activities, and intercultural exchange. Green Skills 4 You(th) focuses on learning by doing, helping young people develop practical green skills, teamwork, and social responsibility, while leaving a visible and lasting positive impact on Agros village and its natural environment.

I had never traveled so far alone before, so it was reassuring that there was an option to apply with a friend. In the end, one of my friends also got into the camp, so we started this adventure together.

And that I could boost especially creativeness. My reccomendation would be to repeat this project in `edition #2` considering the given feedbacks.

It gave me more confidence into facilitating, while testing new methods and sharing creativity among each others.

As a Turkish, I know more about things about Cyprus now and I believe I should search more. We have lived together many years and we have similar words, foods and habits. It is such a valuable thing.

In other way, I've met incredible people, with awesome backgrounds and stories to tell. Listening to them made me want to change the world we are into to the better.

During the different dynamics of this exchange it became evident that diversity is not merely a concept but a living, breathing reality that enriches every facet of human experience. As a journalist student and future communication professional, this lesson serves as a future development, showing the importance of inclusivity and understanding in the global community that we live in.

I take as a learning experience having known the different realities of Turkey, Estonia, or Cyprus told from a personal perspective, stories that have helped me learn more about myself and grow as a person.

I gained valuable insights into advocacy and policy-making and met professionals who not only deliver high-quality youth work, but are also amazing human beings, deeply passionate about what they do and genuinely committed to contributing to society. Seeing the impact that the Erasmus+ programme creates makes this motivation even stronger.

I also stepped outside of my comfort zone and learned many new things, but at the same time the environment felt very safe and supportive. As someone who sometimes struggles with staying focused, I was genuinely engaged the whole time and learned a lot.

I also met amazing people from diverse backgrounds and built friendships that I truly value. In Estonia, we don’t experience much cultural diversity on a daily basis, so this opportunity meant a lot to me. It opened my perspective and allowed me to connect with people in a way I hadn’t experienced before.

I am thankful and will cherish these memories forever.

I have been keeping many questions concerning sustainability in my head for many months and finally got all the answers and explored it in an entertaining and engaging way.

The project made me realise how important my actions can be for the other people and for the world and how I can contribute to it. It made me the idea to do my internship in my local NGO which will start very soon.

I wish similar opportunities would be more accesible for other Ukrainians who are living through very hard times and I will do my best to be able to share it.

I got to meet 27 wonderful people, each with their own unique experience, that added to mine.

Through the training I got to explore different cultures through cuisine, habits and even language.

The training was based in Meppel, which is a wonderful town, where I even got the chance to rent a bike and explore the surroundings.

I gained knowledge in different fields and I couldn't wish for a better opportunity to visit Netherlands.

This experience set base to my decade-long volunteering on European level, coined my choice of studies and also strongly influenced my professional path until today.

Later, I worked with refugees professionally in Belgium for 2 years.

Thanks to this project, I not only expanded my social circle but also gained clarity about my future career path. For me, it was a truly unique year so beautiful and valuable that it is hard to put into words.

ESC offers beautiful projects and I believe that it's an opportunity everyone should experience at least once.

Overall this was a very valuable experience, which I will use in further collaboration and young people strengthening democratic principles.

Since then I with a team of trainers and co-ordinators have welcomed generations of volunteers to the most easternly part of the continent, where they learned about our country, taught us about theirs, and gave their all to the organisations who sponsored them. We eagerly await the return to this programme - which is the very best of Europe.

I improved my ability to discuss certain topics in English. My knowledge increased mainly regarding useful methods. Due to the large number of methods taught, I will need some time to sift through them and check their usability in our context. In bilateral meetings I learned a lot about the work of other international and national organisations. I will stay in contact with some organisations witch representatives I met in the training. I hope we will cooperate in the programmes ESC, Erasmus+ youth exchanges and trainings. I will also offer ESC opportunities of ICJA in our group chat.

During my project, I worked in the InformaGiovani office, supporting administrative work, project evaluations, events, youth exchanges, creating videos and interviews, leading a work camp, and more.

Sicily is an island of sun, sea, warm-hearted people, and delicious food. Living there allowed me to discover new places, travel alone, and experience the beauty and soul of Italy from a completely new perspective.

The most beautiful part of this experience was the people I met. Volunteers, colleagues, and young people from different corners of the world brought diversity into my life, inspired me in many areas, and filled it with genuine joy.

The time I spent with the InformaGiovani team truly changed my life. They were not just colleagues, they were family, mentors, and friends. Their support, encouragement, and care were invaluable. I could not have imagined a warmer or more supportive team.

The European Solidarity Corps changed my life in ways I could never have imagined. Through this journey, I realized how deeply I love the work I am doing and how passionate I am about youth work. It became clear to me that working with NGOs and supporting young people is not just something I enjoy it is what I truly want to continue doing in my future career.

I would love to share my experience with others so that more young people can have the chance to live something similar. ESC is changing lives in the most unbelievable and wonderful way, and I am living proof of that.

Volunteering is a path of helping others, learning, growing, building new friendships, and creating unforgettable memories for life. This program taught me to be a team player, responsible, curious, and most importantly, to continuously work on myself. It was a period full of colors, challenges, and beautiful moments.

Living in Sicily changed my life in the most beautiful way, and I will always be grateful to all the people I met there for this experience, for the lessons, and for the memories that will stay with me forever 💛

Once again, I met incredible people from different backgrounds and built meaningful connections. The project also taught me a lot about peace, media, and critical thinking, especially how to understand information more deeply and question what we see online.

This experience strengthened my confidence and showed me how important it is to stay aware, think critically, and stay connected with others across cultures.

Having arrived at the end of August, it was still the height of Italian summer as I saw Polpenazze del Garda for the first time, hauling all of my bags up the staircase to my apartment. And if there's one thing I can't complain about, it's the weather which felt like Swedish summer all the way up to the middle of November!

In order to summarize my four months here, it was everything I had ever hoped for. My work for the ESC program let me further develop my organizational and communicative skills, while helping local youth go on Erasmus + programs around Europe. I even got to travel myself, both to Germany and North Macedonia! The latter of the trips is one I will always hold particularly close to my heart, and someday I would love to go back.

Getting to work with our local youth truly gave me an important insight into both Italian culture and the language.

Speaking of language, it was truly nerve racking before leaving. But now four months later, speaking a fourth language without effort is one of the greatest things I've gained from the project. I have fallen in love with Italian, the enthusiasm with which it's spoken and how it has connected me with Italians. Learning the language truly is the key to getting to know the culture and I thoroughly hope to continue using that skill in my future.

But at the end of the day, what you remember most are the people you meet. From those I have only once said hi to, to those I met almost every day, I am thankful for every one of them. So many smiles, so many "Buona Giornata" and so many countless conversations I will always remember. I know I will be back to visit if so only to see everyone again.

Thank you to the Comune for taking me in, supporting me and making me feel at home. From the bottom of my heart, grazie per tutto."

I discovered that I could be a youth worker, a workshop leader, and a project organizer. I learned to read a room, to improvise when the program fails, and to capture attention – not with logic, but with flexibility and heart. I created posters in Canva, articles in English, and games in Kahoot. I learned that if a leader builds a team on kindness and honesty, you really can move mountains.

I reached across borders. I hosted girls from Lithuania and Latvia, guided visitors from Riga, and spoke on Finnish radio about our youth center. I cooked draniki for Estonians and celebrated their Independence Day, slowly understanding what makes their nation tick.

I realized that non-formal education delivers the strongest results. By the time I finished, I had visited 11 countries, earned my camp leader certificate, and learned to plan my time with stickers and an executive diary. But the real skill? Learning to give priority to what matters.

P.S. If my story resonated with you, remember that someone helped me start this journey too. If you are a Belarusian dreaming of your own ESC adventure in 2026 or 2027, reach out to my sending organization. They are the ones who made the "impossible" possible for me: hrodnameetups@gmail.com

What made the experience truly valuable was everything beyond the great and insightful training itself. We met local foresters who showed us how wetlands are maintained with the help of volunteers. It opened my perspective on how youth work, environmental action, and community engagement can connect in meaningful ways.

It was completely out of my comfort zone, but it helped me better understand group dynamics, empathy, and inclusive facilitation.

For the first time, I also experienced working alongside a service dog supporting a person with a disability. It was a powerful reminder that inclusion is not just a concept we discuss in trainings, but something we live and practice together. The dog was not only a support companion but also a participant in the shared experience.

The discussions were honest, practical, and grounded in real experiences. It helped me build confidence in dealing with group conflicts, misunderstandings, and unexpected challenges. It resulted in a guide we continued using after the training.

For me, this was one of the first moments I truly understood the power of Erasmus+ not only connecting people across countries, but equipping us with tools we still rely on years later.

I was born in teachers’ family and haven’t had enough money and possibilities to see the world, but thanks to Erasmus+ projects I traveled twice on Cyprus and once in Georgia. I was so excited meeting new people from different cultures and understanding that we’re one big family.

I was going to become an English teacher and had such a strong language barrier, that fell only in my third trip. Since then, I am not shy to speak English anywhere. Thank you, Erasmus+!

It was real learning by doing. The project gave me the opportunity to meet inspiring people from different cultures, collaborate closely with them, and build genuine friendships. In such a diverse and supportive environment, I was able to practice and strengthen my facilitation skills, gain confidence, and step out of my comfort zone.

I discovered new non-formal education tools and methods that I continue to use in my work today. At the same time, it was about having fun, sharing laughter, and creating unforgettable memories, while keeping alive important values that sometimes feel lost in our society: solidarity, empathy, active participation, and mutual respect.

For me, Erasmus+ is much more than a programme. It creates spaces where we learn, connect, grow, and keep these essential values alive. Its impact lasts a lifetime.

At La Martégale, I helped urban children from France discover the Alps through adventure, movement, and learning. My role was to strengthen the bond between people and nature by designing activities that highlighted its importance.

I promoted intercultural mobility, showing kids the possibilities of working, studying, or volunteering across Europe. I also encouraged sustainable habits like reducing food waste, recycling, and integrating physical activity into daily life.

What changed? Children who had never hiked, seen wildlife up close, or could see so many stars left with a new appreciation for nature and their own potential.

Why it matters: This experience proved that connecting with nature and each other can inspire lasting change, for the kids and for me.

What changed? I now design my trainings blending in more movement, creativity, and reflection, making learning more alive for teens. I’ve also started sharing these methods in local communities focused on nature and connection.

Why it matters: This experience didn’t just give inspiration, it practically transformed my approach. I’m more grounded, better equipped to support others, and ready to co-create training for ESC volunteers and youth workers. These trainings are turning insight into action, for myself and those I work with.

What changed? We restored habitats, clearing invasive species, rebuilding dunes, and reviving trails: learning hands-on conservation from local rangers.

I also co-designed youth activities (birdwatching, edible plant walks) and supported scientific research on seagrass and seals. Sparking curiosity in French teens about international volunteering, using my broken French and English to bridge cultures was super fun and impactful too.

What I gained: Living and working with a diverse team taught me adaptability and compassion. Our shared reflections turned strangers into lifelong friends. As a biologist, I didn’t just study nature, I protected it, and lived my passion every day and proved that small actions like restoring a dune or inspiring a teen can create lasting change.

I learned to work with videocamera and cut small videos in Adobe Premier. Our team filmed interviews with artists, exhibitions and worked a lot with school children.

It was a great experience: to see how people live in another country, to learn the language and culture and to gain additional skills connected with the project itself. I am very happy that I decided to make this step in my life!

The biggest change that happened in my life in connection with this project is that I met my husband and stayed in Germany. We now have a child.

The Pecha Kucha night pushed me out of my comfort zone, but presenting my story in four minutes helped me structure my experiences and see their real impact. The discussions on intercultural understanding and sustainability deeply resonated with me and encouraged me to be more intentional in promoting inclusive and environmentally responsible practices in my future projects. I left Kaprálův Mlýn feeling re-energized, more self-aware, and strongly connected to a wider European community.

I am spending 10 months is sunny Palermo, saring information about EU opportunities, working with young people, helping to lead volunteering camps and youth exchanges.

I landed on small town of Kaposvar, Hungary for a one year. I did several tasks - taught English, organized kids camps for locals, helped out on mother's shelter, doing youth work to promote international opportunities and raise cultural awareness.

I gave a lot for the community, but got back everything in double sizes. I faced the most difficult year of my life while dealing with family member loss at the same time while I was away, but this EVS experience gave me wings to believe in myself and my strenghts. It introduced me to so many wonderful people and cultures, expanded my horizons totally.

This experience gave me wings to continue my studies abroad on another country afterwards. Today I call myself as world citizen... and it all started from taking a leap of faith to try out something totally out of comfort zone.

Most of my experience took place at Terra Franca, a community project built on land confiscated from the Mafia. There, I contributed to construction projects, built wooden furniture and stone paths, took care of the vegetable garden and animals, and discovered the fascinating world of beekeeping. I also participated in creative and community activities, such as making clay candle holders and joining a crochet club.

This experience allowed me to reconnect with nature, strengthen my ecological awareness, and feel part of a vibrant and welcoming community. Volunteering in Palermo has been a deeply enriching and transformative journey that I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone eager to explore, learn, and grow.

I lived almost one month in a beautiful house with 14 other international volunteers between Valencia and Alicante. In the house we played music, danced, cooked together and created real bonds.

One of the best experience in my life, I will never forget all the people I met there, thank you again ! ☀️

All of us paying taxes, but only a few of us can decide how to use it. These contributions must be improving the society starting from the young people, because we are the one who learning from past mistakes and fixing them together by not asking any extra benefits. We are not anybodys future but the decision makers of our today. There are millions of young people like us still searching for an opportunity to make peace building and democratic participation while they share their culture with open-mind and improve their social and democratic skills. Nobody is allowed to start conflicts and wars which can destroy all the democratic, scientific, cultural and social progress we made together by using the shared resources in tens of years.

Are you one of the decision makers who complaining about we are loosing the democracy? This is the time you must rise the support to youth in order to protect and improve what we have. In order to make wise decisions, we must have been start to act long before.

Warm regards,

We became an important part of village life, bringing people together and listening to stories and traditions passed down through generations. Through these moments, we got to know Portuguese culture and formed meaningful connections with the elderly people of Granja.

This experience completely changed my perspective. It inspired me to take a year off from my studies and return to Portugal motivated by a desire of meeting more people from all over the world. Now I’m back in Portugal, volunteering again and learning the language — all thanks to those ten unforgettable days.

Looking back today, I see that this period was not only a time when I created many meaningful memories, but also a learning process that laid the foundation for the work I do today. The connections I built with people from different cultures, my experience working in international teams, and the hands-on volunteer work I gained in the field have given me a strong perspective in my current role as a Workcamp Coordinator. That experience taught me to look at the world with a more open mind, to understand diversity, and to see how volunteering can empower young people.

Read my story there: https://beyondb.eu/year-that-changed-my-life-forever/

This project was so special to me, in a way that it came to my life when I needed it without knowing I did. I reflected on myself and searched for answers to questions I hadn’t even thought about before. It made me prioritize and structure my thinking and was safe place to express it. And I made a friend for life that I couldn’t imagine not having now. She saw me grow more than anybody else, and her being proud of me means the world to me.

with Erasmus+

❤️❤️❤️

I have never participated in volunteer camps before, but for the first time volunteers from different countries (France, Spain, Turkey, Denmark) gathered in the camp. I got to know French culture better, was able to practice French, had a great time working and living in nature.

We told each other about the traditions of our own countries, culture, and prepared national cuisine.

The project is implemented within the framework of the European Solidarity Corps programme.

I managed to find a project which really took me far away from anything I had ever experienced. The experience helped me a lot with my stress and uncertainty about the future and my decisions after high school. I learned that I don’t have to have everything planned, and that it’s okay when things don’t go according to plan. When our bus broke down or plans changed, I had to improvise, and that taught me to embrace uncertainty and even enjoy it. It was a change I didn’t expect, but I’m really glad for it—it gave me a new perspective on life, made me much more relaxed, and I feel much happier even with some unpredictability in life.

But I learned much more. It’s really hard to put it all into words in just a short text. The experience taught me to understand other people better because we did so many reflections to make our bus group work as a community. I also learned more about myself—how to listen to my body, respect my boundaries, and what helps me in different situations. Doing lots of energizers reminded me how movement affects my body and energy. I also learned to handle my emotions better and reflect on them through seeing how others act and feel. These are just examples of what I learned, and there’s still so much more. I really believe projects like this make a huge difference—they help not only with problems you know you have, but also with things you didn’t even realize, and they give you tools, skills, and knowledge that you can use throughout your whole life.

However, despite the work, we also had time to play, swim in local lakes, and travel to neighboring towns. We made our own costumes and organized a professional photo shoot. We also had the opportunity to cook traditional dishes and share them with each other, because we cooked them ourselves. We visited Chinese and Turkish cafes and experienced their culture in France. We also attended art therapy, experienced a blackout, and a bunch of other things.

But most importantly, we created a space where young people will be able to gather and implement their projects in the future.

I gained a huge amount of knowledge, both theoretical and practical. In the first few days, we were introduced to the area, the community, and the history of the castle. On the weekend, our group organized a trip to the nearby town of Colmar and went on a short hike along local trails, admiring the endless beauty of the mountain ranges and local fields.

I recommend everyone to try participating in a work camp at least once, as it is a unique experience and an opportunity to discover yourself in a new way.

This experience was more than just a training—it was a journey filled with culture, connection, and meaningful learning. Meeting inspiring people from different backgrounds and exchanging ideas made every moment truly valuable.

I’m deeply grateful for the knowledge gained, the friendships formed, and the memories created along the way. ✨

This should prevail

Going on this project pushed me far outside of my comfort zone. At the beginning it was challenging, but it quickly became one of the most valuable experiences I’ve ever had. I learned how to rely on myself, meet new people, adapt to new situations, and realize that I am capable of much more than I thought.

When I came back home, everyone was incredibly proud and happy for me. It became a story my family still talk about today because it showed how much I had grown.

This project didn’t just change that moment in my life-it influenced my future decisions as well. Not long after returning, I decided to move away to study in another country. The experience gave me the confidence to believe that I can manage anywhere on my own and that I don’t need to be afraid of new environments.

For me, this project was more than just a trip or an activity. It was the moment I realized that stepping out of my comfort zone can open doors, build confidence, and shape the path of my life.

I am Steven and I love to travel and to experience the world. One of these experiences is my first EU program which was held in Portugal, Arroquelas. It was a wounderfull experience, full of great people and activities. I still have beautifull memories from this EU project and I appreciate that European union funds these kind of projects which creates memories, connections with people from all around the continent and experiences, which you can use later in your work or personal life.

But I don’t want to write only about those specific outcomes. Let me write also about what effects this program has on oneself.

Before I got to know the project, my life was limited. I was living in my small bubble, I would go to school every day, I would meet the same friend group with similar background, similar surroundings and similarly shaped views.

I had a vision of my future limited by those views, experiences and also by the expectations of my surroundings. My ideal future looked like getting into medicine school and becoming a successful doctor or similarly oriented success.

I’m not gonna say Erasmus changed me, but it helped me to become the person I truly am.

In every project I could be myself without the fear of people judging me. I could express myself in new ways that felt natural, i could speak and connect with people easily in a way I didn’t know was possible. Thanks to experiencing this in projects, I was able to slowly become that person in my every day life as well. It is hard and scrary but I believe that rewarding. Thanks to Erasmus I realised what I actually want. And I think that it would be a shame and a big mistake to take this opportunity away from us, young people.

We need to strengthen and support the youth work sector now more than ever. 🙏​

Coming from a non-privileged economic background, the ESC program gave me access to an international experience that would otherwise have been very difficult for me to achieve. Working with people from different countries allowed me to engage directly with different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. During this time, I improved my skills in English and German and strengthened my intercultural communication, empathy, and teamwork abilities.

While volunteering at the sports school, I participated in activities with children and young people, supported training sessions, and contributed to the daily work of the institution. Through this experience, I developed discipline, responsibility, and teamwork skills while contributing to the community.

Beyond volunteering, ESC was a journey of discovery. Meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds broadened my perspective and helped me grow into a more confident individual.

Programs like ESC do more than provide opportunities for young people—they also help break down prejudices and stereotypes that are often learned through distance and lack of contact. By bringing people from different cultures together in shared experiences, ESC encourages understanding, dialogue, and mutual respect.

For this reason, it is important to remember that initiatives like ESC are not only educational programs but also part of a broader effort to build a more peaceful, open, and cooperative world order. Supporting and maintaining such programs means investing in a future where young people can challenge prejudice, learn from one another, and contribute to a more inclusive and peaceful society.

Hello, my name is Lukas and in July 2024 I participated in an Erasmus+ project that completely changed my view on the world.

The two weeks spent in Portugal were absolutely unforgettable for me. Stepping into discomfort and going to foreign country with people I did not know transformed me and tought me a lot about life. Never before have I met so many positive and likeminded people and I created a strong and long term friendships. I learned that no matter where we come from, we are all great and interesting people and that I should not worry about connecting with other people.

I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in this project, because it really made a big impact on me and my life.

It was an 8-day youth exchange in the small village near the border of Galicia and Castilla y León, where we had the unique opportunity to explore different cultures and differences between them.

Hey, I've never met people from Bosnia and Herzogovina before!

It does help you become more confident, develop your social skills and open your mindset towards different viewpoints, which is very crucial in the modern world.

It was a really beneficial experience for me!

This was my first project, and surprisingly, it went almost without any culture shock - except for how open and sometimes lighthearted everyone was. Regardless, it gave me a second wind. Even when I nailed boards in crookedly, they would just say, "très bien."

We worked only in the mornings, building a wall out of bottles, straw, and clay, as well as a separate cob wall. I spent most of my time on the bottle wall because of my love for art. Overall, this camp was a wonderful space for artistic realization. We knitted, read, and listened to vinyl records. I even had the chance to screen my short film about the war in Ukraine, which everyone received very deeply. I hope they were able to discover something new about life in our country and feel our pain.

Of course, the people were the most valuable part. Two wonderful Ukrainian girls with whom we cooked borscht, joked, and faced challenges together. I’m so glad they were with me on this project. I also had an incredible time with people from other countries. I’m happy to have friends from France, Germany, and the Czech Republic. I will forever cherish the moments we spent walking by the ocean, learning to surf, dancing, and working together. Special thanks to the farmers who took us in, provided great conditions, and treated us like their own children, showing us their garden, teaching us how to reduce our environmental impact, and supporting us every day. Arnaud and Béa are truly inspiring people. Our camp ended with a festival we organized for the locals, featuring delicious food, live music, and traditional dancing. It was so much fun.

Overall, this experience will stay in my heart forever. I am so grateful that we can participate in such projects, which make you feel that life goes on despite everything, and that you can do something useful for the world while combining it with fun, travel, and meeting beautiful people.

It's even more.

It's cooperation: someone cooks, someone does the groceries, the others wash the dishes;

It's fun: ever tried to swim in a lake after a bike ride through the woods?

It's discovery: not easy learning how to use a saw;

It's learning something new: Het Speijt Me, just to mention one;

It's remembering the past: Kamp Westerbork;

It's walking on the sea: no religious pun; It's doing sport: ride your bicycle around the Dutch land;

It's a challenge to yourself: and I have introduce you to a couple of uncommon participants;

It's culture: the Night Watchers sounds familiar?;

It's a band of 20 different people, each with their own story, that decided to open up to the other for a fortnight.

Beyond the academic aspect, this experience helped me gain independence, confidence, and adaptability. I learned to step out of my comfort zone, communicate in an international envirnoment, and work in teams with people from very different backgrounds.

On a more personal level, this experience truly impacted me because it made me realize that I am capable of adapting to any situation and building connections quickly, even in a completely new environment. It also helped me understand myself better and reflect on my goals and future ambitions.

Erasmus+ gave me much more thank skills : it gave me personal growth and unforgettable memories that I will carry with me for a long time.

As for the Erasmus plus, i would say that it offers great opportunities for personal and professional growth, it is a valuable program for development.

I enjoyed the activities: the program was well designed to facilitate interactions, learning, discovering and spending good time together.

BI’m leaving with practical tools, strong connections, and renewed energy to develop innovative actions in my organization and make international volunteering more accessible.

In addition, we also shared our cultures, traditions, and personal experiences. We gave each other suggestions and built strong relationships.

I met people from different countries,
but we all shared the same values and motivation to create something meaningful.

I especially liked that we didn’t just learn theory,
but shared our real experience and learned from each other.

For me, it was about connection, new ideas, and understanding
how we can mobilize people and resources in a better way.

I will definitely take this experience back to my work
and try to use it in practice.

Thank you for this space and for all the people here.

This week was much more than an Erasmus+ project for me. It was a journey that changed the way I see people, the world and even myself.

From the very first day, I met incredible people from different countries and realized how beautiful it is that we can all be so different and still understand each other. Every workshop, every discussion and every activity taught me something new. The forum theatre helped me understand inclusion in a deeper way, not just as an idea but as something we should practice every day. The hike reminded me that every difficult path becomes easier when you walk it together. Drawing our hiking experience showed me that everyone sees the same journey differently, and that every perspective is valuable. The Moldavian cultural night was one of the most memorable moments because it allowed us to experience another culture through music, traditions and joy.

At first, I was afraid that my English would not be good enough. Sometimes I searched for the right words, but I soon realized that kindness, laughter and genuine interest connect people more than perfect grammar ever could. That realization gave me confidence to speak, share my ideas and be myself.

Throughout this week, I developed my communication, teamwork and leadership skills, but the greatest lesson was personal. I learned that growth begins when we allow ourselves to be uncomfortable, open our hearts and embrace new experiences.

I am leaving with unforgettable memories, friendships that cross borders and inspiration that I will carry into my everyday life. This project is ending, but its impact will stay with me for a very long time. Sometimes the most meaningful journeys are not the ones that take us to new places, but the ones that bring us closer to who we truly are.

One of my favorite parts was learning about each participant’s country, traditions, and culture while sharing my own. These conversations helped me see the world from new perspectives and appreciate our differences even more.

I leave this project with new friendships, unforgettable memories, and a greater appreciation for cultural exchange. It showed me that genuine connections can be built, no matter where we come from.