The project allowed me to discover new cultures, traditional dishes, historical monuments and learn about the customs of the residents of different cities…
I gained a wealth of new experiences from the project. I met new people who shared my perspective on the world, and I received great support from them. I also developed new skills – planning trips, managing my budget, using eco-friendly transport, and looking for solutions together in crises. The project allowed me to discover new cultures, traditional dishes, historical monuments and learn about the customs of the residents of different cities. Thanks to the intensive journey, we were able to compare the places we visited in no time.
I was pleasantly surprised by the loud Pride Month celebrations in Amsterdam. All generations – from the youngest to the elderly – enjoyed the event. I liked the authentic self-expression, the openness of society and the involvement of the city. Another thing that surprised me in the Netherlands was the priority given to cyclists. Also, the free public transport was a huge surprise in Luxembourg.
For me, the situation in Avignon (travelling from Madrid to Paris) was a large test and an opportunity to develop flexibility. The train we took to Avignon was delayed, which made us miss our next train. We arrived at the train station around 10 PM, and the next train was at 6 AM. We received tremendous support from the organiser and leader. I’m grateful to her for staying calm and working together as a group to find a solution.
I’m grateful for the chance I was given. I visited cities I hadn’t been to before and learned the customs of the locals. I discovered new traits of my personality – openness, spontaneity and staying calm in crises.
The trip I took part in allowed me to discover new places, people and my own personality. The project teaches responsibility, budget management and eco-friendly travelling. I highly recommend and encourage young people to participate in this project. The memories and impressions will stay with me for a long.
Alicja, 18 years old, Europe Express, Travel through various European countries as part of Discover EU
This trip probably taught me, above all, to distance myself from the problems that arose from time to time – sometimes we had to make quick decisions and react efficiently to circumstances…
It’s very difficult to put into words everything that’s on my mind after this project. I definitely have a lot of reflections about people, life and the world. There were moments when I expanded my knowledge, developed my creativity, practised openness to others and… strengthened my acceptance of the weather conditions 🙂
There was also a moment when I felt cheated by the Polish education system, which had been telling me all my life that English was the key to the foreign world. If our group were to rank the most useful languages along the way, French would definitely take first place. It was a great discovery for me!
I’d gladly return to Luxembourg, which still remains a mystery to me. It’s diverse, mysterious and completely different from the places I’ve visited so far. It’s a blend of many cultures, languages and histories of several countries…
The trip taught me, above all, to distance myself from the issues that kept appearing – we sometimes had to make quick decisions and react quickly to circumstances. Maintaining mental acuity and a good sense of humour at the same time is challenging. However, I think we managed to cope with it quite well.
I’m glad I had the chance to experience all this, although I must admit I won’t miss the French air conditioning set to maximum value, which made me wonder if it was really August and not January, for example 😉
Instead, I’ll cherish the feeling of bliss, contentment and genuine happiness that I live in Poland – a country that, after every wonderful trip abroad, I appreciate even more, realising how beautiful, clean and technologically developed our homeland is.
I thank the LEVEL UP Association, which created this project and supported us at every stage of it.
I recommend participating in similar projects to everyone. It’s an adventure that stays with us forever.
Justyna, 18 years old, Europe Express, Travel through various European countries as part of Discover EU
I had to accept that all my plans wouldn’t come to fruition, and honestly, I’m grateful for that. Because it taught me to adapt to any given situation, look for alternative solutions, and, in a sense, “flow” with whatever was happening to us…
Two weeks full of excitement, surprises and unforgettable moments.
I’d never been on any foreign project before, and I’m overjoyed to find this one – I can’t imagine a better adventure worth experiencing in my youth.
I believe the most important thing is the freedom this trip provides, as it doesn’t require participants to follow strict rules, but instead gives them the opportunity to choose their own path, teaching them responsibility, independence and teamwork.
It definitely let me leave my comfort zone – long train journeys, language barriers and basically strangers who were becoming closer to me every day.
I had to accept that all my plans wouldn’t come true, and honestly… I’m grateful for that. It taught me to adapt to a given situation, look for different solutions, and in a way, “flow” with what happened to us.
We worked as a team, even though it wasn’t always easy – each of us has different needs and personalities.
But each of us completed this project happy, and I don’t know if there’s a better word to end it with than a simple “thank you.” Thank you for plenty of inspiration, challenges and smiles, as well as for experiencing the diversity of Europe – our beautiful home.
International trips are a chance to meet other people, cultures, cuisines and unique places. It’s also a good opportunity to experience the atmosphere that no photo can capture.
Besides, they allow you to leave your comfort zone, develop your language skills and test yourself in unexpected situations.
Natalia, 18 years old, Europe Express, Travel through various European countries as part of Discover EU
I developed the skills to plan trips, control budgets, and act in situations requiring quick adaptation…
Participating in the project was an opportunity for personal growth and gaining valuable experience. I met people with whom I quickly started to get on – we shared a similar view of the world and an openness to diversity. I felt like being a part of a supportive group where every voice mattered. I developed skills in travel planning, budget management and dealing with situations requiring rapid adaptation.
The project also allowed me to experience other cultures – I could not only sample local dishes and see famous monuments, but above all, observe the daily lives of the inhabitants of the cities I visited. Thanks to the intensive travel program, we could easily compare the atmosphere and lifestyles in different places.
In Rotterdam, I was fascinated by the modern architecture and open spaces that gave the city a calm and orderly vibe. Amsterdam impressed me with its friendly atmosphere, the presence of nature and the bicycles seen everywhere that created a balanced rhythm of life. Brussels surprised me with its combination of monumental European institutional buildings and a local atmosphere full of cafés and street art. Paris captivated me with its diverse districts and the culture visible at every step – from street artists to camera galleries. What I liked about Madrid was its energy, warm hospitality and lively squares. In Barcelona, I felt a unique atmosphere thanks to its proximity to the sea, relaxed atmosphere and the unusual architecture of Gaudí. Luxembourg impressed me with its calmness, cleanliness and interesting juxtaposition of old and modern architecture.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in this project. I explored places I’d never been before and learned about the everyday lives of their inhabitants. At the same time, I discovered traits in myself that were previously unknown to me – spontaneity, stress resistance and openness to the unknown. I’m also grateful for the people who accompanied me throughout this process.
I highly recommend participating in projects like this to anyone who wants to develop, explore the world and get to know themselves in completely new situations.
It’s not only an opportunity to travel and discover new places, but above all, it’s a chance to learn through experience – teamwork, independence, dealing with difficult moments and opening up to other cultures.
A trip allows you to leave your comfort zone and go back enriched – with memories, relationships and new skills that will last for a long time after the end of the project.
Nikola, 18 years old, Europe Express, Travel through various European countries as part of Discover EU
