It wasn’t my first time in Valencia, actually, I had been there even earlier this year, but I was very happy to visit it again because it’s an incredibly beautiful city. In many statistics, it ranks as one of the best cities in the world to live in.
It’s quite a strong statement, and I’ve tried to understand it myself, but what moves me the most in Valencia, and perhaps in Spain in general, is how its inhabitants appreciate that they live in a wonderful city and truly enjoy it. You can see with your own eyes how happy they are with where they are. I think it’s very inspirational.
When it comes to the mobility itself, which was a study visit, I’ve never participated in this type of mobility before, and it pleasantly surprised me! I learned a lot about adult education, even more than I expected, especially that I didn’t know much about it beforehand. This journey was truly inspiring in terms of my potential future professional life. I think a lot about what I would like to do in the future, and I try to do that by experiencing and trying out new things and workplaces. This experience helped me discover a new path that could be interesting for me in my future career. I didn’t even know most of these opportunities existed. Experiences like this are truly valuable, so I’m really grateful that I could participate in this mobility!
What surprised me was that, compared to my previous experiences, this time the atmosphere was more “serious,” and all the participants were much older. However, it didn’t prevent us from having a good time together and making some cool acquaintances!
I encourage you to take part in non-formal education mobilities, as it can prove to be incredibly inspiring for the future.
Zuzanna, YOUROPEAN: WHAT IS EUROPE TO YOU?
My first project of this kind. People with varying levels of experience in adult education attended the event. The idea was to inspire and demonstrate how European programs can be used in teaching.
For me, first and foremost, it was my first trip to Spain and the first trip in so long to a place where it’s so hot at the end of September. I agree with those who say that Alzira, Valencia, and their surroundings are beautiful places. The mere fact of staying there for a few days provided me with many impressions. The people I met were polite, and I felt comfortable in their company.
When it comes to mobility, I will definitely remember two things. One of them will be how we were received by the directors of two adult schools. It turned out that for both of them, their work has a deep meaning and is associated with a kind of a mission. In principle, lofty slogans like “find your passion in life” I approach with great skepticism, but when it comes to those two people, I looked at them with a kind of envy.
The second thing I’ll remember is IDEA – an institution operating under the Alzira city council, which implements projects (including European ones) related to professional development and employment mediation (and simultaneously was the leader of this project). Due to the actions it takes, I think it’s somewhat of an anomaly in a city the size of Alzira.
A study visit itself can be a great opportunity to get to know a place (even a highly touristy one) from a less standard perspective, and in many cases, I believe, from a more interesting angle.
I encourage you to take part in non-formal education mobilities, because you might be surprised by the people you meet and what you can learn from them.
