Education isn’t solely limited to school, as there are various ways to learn. What is an important learning experience you’ve had that wasn’t in school? Why was it significant to you?
For me, participating in Erasmus plus youth exchanges has been an essential learning experience. These exchanges allow for cultural exchange, sharing experiences, and participating in workshops, debates, role-plays, and other activities.
One of the reasons why Erasmus projects are so important to me is because they allow me to explore topics that interest me. Recently, I participated in a youth exchange centered on human rights and hate speech against minority groups. It gave me the opportunity to study these issues not only in my country but also in other nations, comparing and contrasting their approaches.
In addition to expanding my knowledge, I also witnessed the importance of teamwork in these projects. As participants come from different countries and backgrounds, everyone’s opinions are valued, and we learn to appreciate and understand different perspectives.
Moreover, the fact that these projects are funded by the European commission is significant because it covers accommodation and travel expenses. This accessibility is what makes Erasmus so popular with young people. It offers a chance to explore and learn about different topics without having to worry about financial constraints.
Finally, participating in Erasmus projects has allowed me to develop not only knowledge and skills but also long-lasting friendships. For example, my trip to Greece to visit my Greek friends, whom I met during the project, is an excellent example of how strong our relationship has become. Not to mention, there is research that suggests 27% of Erasmus project participants find their long-term partners through these exchanges, and approximately one million babies are a result of Erasmus aftermath.
In conclusion, I believe that participating in an Erasmus project is one of the best non-formal educational opportunities available. It offers not only knowledge acquisition but also the development of useful personality traits that will benefit individuals in the future. The people I met during these projects have had a significant impact on me, and I’m sure they’ll influence my life’s trajectory.
Nikola
Participating in this youth exchange has been a transformative experience for me. As a first-time participant in a project like this, I gained valuable experience that broadened my perspective and helped me develop new skills outside of my usual interests. Meeting people from diverse backgrounds, not only in terms of ethnicity but also personal beliefs and preferences, made me realize that despite our differences, we can always find common ground that unites us all. Collaborating with these individuals on important topics such as human rights, hate speech, and cyberbullying enabled me to understand different perspectives and exchange opinions, allowing me to comprehend their views and way of thinking.
During this project, I had the opportunity to learn new skills that I had not previously explored, such as team learning, storytelling, and creative ways of presenting ideas through acting, drawing, or singing. I discovered the power of these methods in conveying messages effectively and influencing others. Even art forms like graffiti and storytelling, which were unfamiliar to me before, piqued my interest. In the future, I intend to utilize these tools to improve my communication skills and to convey my ideas effectively.
Overall, this project enabled me to step out of my comfort zone and work with inspiring individuals on topics that were new to me, while having fun and enjoying my time. The skills and experiences I gained during this project will stay with me and enable me to become a better person, while also raising awareness about societal issues such as discrimination, racism, and cyberbullying. Although this was my first youth exchange, it will not be my last, as it has ignited my passion and curiosity to participate in more projects like this and work on important topics that have yet to catch my attention.
Nick