Looking back, I can boldly say that the project in Lithuania was one of the most interesting weeks in my life.
I gained a lot of wonderful memories, but most importantly, I realised that work and productivity in a broad sense are not everything in today’s world. I learned not only many breathing exercises and meditation, but also ways to better manage time, such as the Pomodoro method. I use them now in my daily life, for example, the so-called scribble writing – managing the flood of thoughts by partially spontaneously writing down whatever comes to mind.
The project wasn’t based solely on education. If I were to indicate what I valued the most, I would say: people. People who were extremely open and you could always talk to, and about everything. Although we came from completely different countries, we were able to create a wonderful community that I wish to every participant of the Erasmus+ projects. Surrounded by beautiful Lithuanian nature, we built a space that you really wouldn’t want to leave.
A crucial element of this space was prepared on-site, delicious and plant-based food. Because it was my first longer contact with vegan cuisine, I was really positively surprised. I even tried to recreate some of the recipes after my return. It was a huge surprise for me to encounter Lithuanian culture in so many different dimensions. From an evening with Lithuanian folk dancers who taught us the traditional dances, through singing together with a member of a local folk music band, to a visit to a Lithuanian school, where we had the opportunity to meet young Lithuanians. I was particularly touched by how warmly we were welcomed – you could see that contact with foreigners for these children was as interesting and inspiring experience as it was for us. The organisers were really involved. Starting from interestingly conducted and diverse classes, through openness, to care for the participants even after the project finished, by the end, I had small health issues, and two days ago, I received a message with a question about how I was feeling.
At first, I had an issue immersing in nature that was encouraged by the organisers. Before the project, I rarely walked barefoot or swam in a river, but during it, I discovered the value of such simple things in our busy everyday lives. I am very grateful to both the Lithuanian organisation and LEVEL UP for the opportunity to participate in such an interesting and well-developed project. From the beginning, the cooperation went flawlessly; there were no problems requiring the coordinator’s intervention, although I knew I could always count on them.
As this was my fifth project, I am aware that those for whom this was their first trip may now have very high expectations for the future ones. It really set the bar high.
It’s said that there are as many reasons as people to go on the Erasmus+ project. In my case, this rule does not apply, because there are many more reasons why I choose this form of spending my time. I may start from the possibility of exploring topics that are rarely talked about during formal education. Here, we learn in an accessible, non-formal way.
Additionally, exchanges are a chance to meet amazing people from all around the world. It’s about learning new cultures, languages, and customs, often completely different from ours. Thanks to that, it’s easy to notice that despite the differences, we are similar to each other – we have similar goals, dreams and fears.
The opportunity to explore European countries is also significant. During exchanges, you may encounter the nature, architecture, and culture of the country that you visit. Summing up, the Erasmus+ exchanges are perfect for people who are interested in the world around them and for the people who shape it.
Wojciech, 20, Mind your own productivity, youth exchange, Panevėžys, Lithuania
The project in Lithuania, to a great extent, changed me and my approach to life.
Living in a resort located in the very heart of the forest, surrounded by trees, river and picturesque fields, in silence and tranquillity, allowed me to truly reset and slow down.
Workshops focused on time management techniques and productivity made me aware of the mistakes I used to make, and gave me many ideas to improve my daily functioning.
During the project, I met many incredibly amazing, inspiring people and listened to many moving stories. I could not only learn from others but also share my knowledge and experience.
From the trip, I brought not only peace of mind and new skills, but also friendships that will surely stay with me for long.
I recommend participation in the Erasmus+ projects to everyone, especially to those who are afraid of it. I was also afraid at first, but stepping out of my comfort zone changed my life. Each such trip brings to my life new experiences, inspirations, and insights, broadens my horizons, and develops me as a person on many levels. It’s something that cannot be achieved when staying in one place. Erasmus is a great chance to grow – it’s worth benefiting from it.
Sara, 22, Mind your own productivity, youth exchange, Panevėžys, Lithuania
Although it lasted less than 10 days, the project changed a lot in my approach to work and free time.
Thanks to the workshops and exercises on mindfulness, I feel greater control over my emotions and reactions in stressful situations. I gained a lot from conversations with other participants, with whom I had a lot in common, despite the age difference, different experiences, and, of course, different backgrounds, and whose insightful conclusions will stay with me for a long time.
The Lithuanian organisers were incredibly engaged, and the planned attractions during the free time gave me a much better understanding of the country’s culture. The vegetarian cuisine was delicious, and I plan to continue it after returning home, trying the recipes I learned. Shared meals were a natural opportunity for conversation.
The only barrier for me was my introversion, which I tried to fight and step out of my comfort zone, which I can consider successful. Thanks to overcoming my shyness, I could meet many wonderful people with whom I shared unforgettable moments. Surely, one of them was the traditional Lithuanian sauna, where I earned the nickname “poziomeczka” (wild strawberry) because of my unusual hat…
During the whole project, I felt looked after by the LEVEL UP Association. I would like to take a moment to appreciate our team leader, Ola, who supported us all a lot and took care of a nice atmosphere.
I recommend participation in the youth exchanges; it’s a great opportunity to gain massive knowledge in a short time. It may look like throwing yourself in at a deep end, but at every stage of the project, the sending organisation supports you, and the participants are wonderful, so there is nothing to worry about. You can only gain from it. New friendships, unique memories, practical skills.
Natalia, 26, Mind your own productivity, youth exchange, Panevėžys, Lithuania
During the youth exchange, we could gain many new skills and experiences.
We learnt about different ways of time management; we got to know the Pomodoro method that facilitates concentration and task planning. We created our own journals, in which we wrote down thoughts and memories from the project. We also participated in many creative workshops, developing our imagination.
The forest was our home – there, we spent time together, went hiking, bathed in a river, and used the sauna, which allowed us to relax and feel closer to nature. We participated in Lithuanian national dance, we sang and integrated every day.
Thanks to this project, I not only improved my language skills in English but also got to know other cultures and ways to look at the world. We also had the opportunity to share our knowledge further by conducting workshops for the youth at the local school, which was a really valuable experience.
For me, the project became a source of inspiration, self-development and friendships that will stay with me long after its ending.
I definitely recommend international trips. It’s a great opportunity to meet people from different countries, learn languages, discover new cultures and develop your skills. Such an experience truly broadens your horizons and stays in your memory for life.
Marta, 19, Mind your own productivity, youth exchange, Panevėžys, Lithuania
The “Mind your own productivity” project encouraged me to develop in many areas, while being an exceptional journey into myself at the same time.
Workshops allowed me to learn about techniques of time management and my own productivity; they also made me answer questions that expanded my knowledge of myself. Accommodation in the middle of a forest and a plant-based diet allowed me to enhance my connection to nature, and the schedule of the day enabled creating reflections and introducing my own habits. However, I believe that the foundation of this project was people – time spent with them was full of seeing new perspectives, experiences, exchanges, sharing passions and enjoying the moments together. I dare to say that those 10 days were, in a certain way, groundbreaking and changed my perception of the world in many ways. I am grateful that “Mind your productivity” was not only a project but also an exceptional experience that will stay in my memory for a long time.
International exchanges offer enormous opportunities as they combine expanding knowledge during workshops, visiting new places, meeting many inspiring people, practising foreign languages and confronting one’s barriers. Such projects are a perfect environment for overcoming your own limitations, which is ultimately the greatest driver of change and development. Above all, international trips broaden your horizons, and each is a unique journey – both around the world and within yourself.
Gosia, 20, Mind your own productivity, youth exchange, Panevėžys, Lithuania
