In this year’s edition of DiscoverEU Inclusion Action, I participated as the team leader of group no. 4 – Viatores.
Together with the girls, right after we qualified for the project, we immediately started planning our trip. Later came booking train seats, finding accommodation, and planning attractions. But the most important thing was what happened during the journey itself.
We visited as many as 10 countries, so we could see how different they are from each other and explore the culture of each of them. In most cities, we tasted local food, talked to the residents, and saw places that were important to them.
This project taught me how to work in a team, lead a group, be flexible, and remain calm in stressful situations, for instance, when trains are delayed or plans change suddenly. I also met some fantastic girls, without whom this trip wouldn’t have had the same atmosphere.
It was an incredible adventure, and I have many memories of it – swimming in the turquoise waters of the French Riviera, taking a train ride through the Alps, strolling along the Amsterdam canals, visiting the Louvre, and many, many other unforgettable moments.
From my experience in encouraging peers to take such trips, what works is telling about my own experiences and showing photos/videos from the trip.
Amelia, 20 years old, Europe Express, Travelling through various European countries as part of Discover EU, Berlin, Amsterdam, Brussels, Luxembourg, Metz, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Nice, Monaco, Turin, Milan, Vienna, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Spain, Monaco, Italy, and Austria.
This project was one of the best experiences of my life.
I had the opportunity to broaden my horizons, not only territorially, but also socially. I established great relations with the people in my group in a surprisingly short time for me, and I improved my English in interactions with people from all over Europe, and I also learned a lot about countries I had earlier only dreamed of visiting. I learned I can cope with difficult situations, even when I am thousands of miles away from home, although the whole trip was rather trouble-free. The opportunity to participate in the project was a great chance for me, and I will remember these 2 weeks for the rest of my life.
Travelling is the best thing you can do for yourself. We can learn a lot about the world and about ourselves nicely and pleasantly. Such projects are an additional convenience, and participating in them, we have nothing to lose and can again a lot in return.
Lena, 18 years old, Europe Express, Travelling through various European countries as part of Discover EU, Berlin, Amsterdam, Brussels, Luxembourg, Metz, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Nice, Monaco, Turin, Milan, Vienna, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Spain, Monaco, Italy, Austria.
Participating in the Europe Express project was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.
I was really happy – not only because I could see so many corners of Europe, but also because I met a lot of great people from different countries. Each of them brought something unique, and the conversations and moments we shared allowed me to see how diverse and fascinating Europe is.
During the journey, I was discovering different cultures, their customs and everyday life. I also understood how much Poland differs from other countries – both in terms of lifestyle and people’s approach to many issues. Even the weather could surprise me – the temperature differences between countries were enormous, which made me even more aware of how diverse our continent is.
However, the greatest treasure of this journey was the three girls who travelled with me for two weeks. In a short time, we found a common ground and created a great atmosphere between us. We laughed until we cried, supported each other and shared everything that happened to us. These shared moments will remain in my memory forever.
Travelling by train was a big challenge and also an adventure for me. I’ve never ridden them so much before! And then, suddenly, thousands of miles, different routes and experiences that gave me great satisfaction. I learned to move around European train stations, plan my trips and enjoy the journey itself – not just the destination.
The whole trip was incredible for me. It taught me openness, courage, and most of all, showed me that the world is full of people with whom you can get along well and live through unforgettable moments.
This trip was an unforgettable experience for me. It allowed me to see Europe and open up to the world. It gave me a chance to explore other cultures and broaden my horizons. I wholeheartedly recommend such a trip to every young person.
Maria, 18 years old, Europe Express, Travelling through various European countries as part of Discover EU, Berlin, Amsterdam, Brussels, Luxembourg, Metz, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Nice, Monaco, Turin, Milan, Vienna, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Spain, Monaco, Italy, Austria.
During these two weeks, I learned a lot about the world around me, but I also learned quite a lot about myself.
Together with these wonderful girls I met during this project, we experienced a very intense two-week journey, so that we saw lots of beautiful places that are definitely worth seeing again. We also had the opportunity to learn how different the European cultures and people living on our continent can be. If it hadn’t been for the LEVEL UP organisation, the accuracy with which they helped us prepare for the trip and the support we could count on at every stage, it wouldn’t have been as trouble-free as it was in our case. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I was given by being accepted into this project, as I experienced an adventure of a lifetime I had only dreamed of in the past. I experienced many new things, faced some barriers, but due to the support of the girls from my group, I was always able to overcome them. In my opinion, everyone should experience such a trip, it is much more than just visiting and exploring the world; it is something that brings a lot of value and makes young people develop the skills needed in everyday life better and faster develop such skills as as teamwork, optimism, empathy, communication skills, motivation, overcoming oneself and one’s comfort zone. It was a wonderful journey, and I definitely, apart from beautiful memories, gained a lot of knowledge from it.
I would recommend such a trip to everyone, and I think the most encouraging thing for them may be showing them a taste of what they can see and experience through photos and videos from the trip.
Zuzia, 18 years old, Europe Express, Travelling through various European countries as part of Discover EU, Berlin, Amsterdam, Brussels, Luxembourg, Metz, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Nice, Monaco, Turin, Milan, Vienna, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Spain, Monaco, Italy, Austria.
