I gained confidence, especially when communicating in English.
At the beginning of the project, I was very nervous because my English level was quite low and I sometimes struggled to understand even simple questions. Since the whole exchange was in English, I had to listen and participate for several hours, which helped me become much more comfortable using the language. I also gained new international contacts and a better understanding of what it means to take part in an international project.
I learned a lot about Armenia, its culture, volunteering opportunities and some of the challenges faced by young people and organisations. We also discussed volunteering, communication, teamwork and project management. What I found especially valuable was seeing different perspectives and ways of approaching the same situations. I learned that people from different backgrounds can have very different ideas and experiences, while still finding common ground and working together.
I met young people from Armenia. I did not become particularly close to one specific person, but we got along very well as a group. We exchanged phone numbers and Instagram accounts, and we also had smaller conversations in groups of two or three people, which gave us the opportunity to get to know each other better. It was nice to communicate with people I would probably never have met in my everyday life.
Since this was my first international exchange, almost everything was new to me. I had never participated in an exchange before, especially not an online one, so I did not really know what to expect. What surprised me the most was how well organised everything was. The activities were carefully planned, the timing was clear, and there were different activities and discussions that kept everyone involved and interested throughout the day.
My biggest obstacle was the language barrier. At that time, I found it very difficult to understand English, especially when people were speaking quickly or when I was nervous. I consider myself quite an extroverted person, but when I do not feel confident with the language, I become much quieter and find it difficult to express my opinions or participate. The exchange challenged me to overcome this, because I had to communicate in English for several hours. It was difficult, but it helped me gain confidence.
I would like to thank the organisers and all the participants who made the exchange such a positive experience. I especially appreciate how welcoming everyone was, even when I was nervous about speaking English. Their patience and willingness to communicate made it easier for me to participate and feel comfortable.
I would encourage others to take part even if they feel shy, insecure or think they are not ready. I was in a similar situation when I started. I lacked confidence in some of my skills, especially my English, but being placed in situations where I had to use them helped me discover aspects of myself that I had not noticed before. International projects can push you outside your comfort zone, but they can also help you grow, gain confidence and meet people from completely different backgrounds. It is also rewarding to know that you are taking part in something that can be useful to other people and your community.
Yes, I definitely recommend these activities. They are a great opportunity to improve communication and teamwork skills, learn about other cultures and perspectives, meet new people and gain confidence. For me, this experience was especially valuable because it was one of my first activities after arriving in Poland, and it helped me feel more comfortable using English and participating in an international environment. I believe that even when an exchange feels challenging at first, the experience you gain from it is worth it.
Darid Dayana 21 lat, Poland
I liked this youth exchange for two reasons first it was my first online youth exchange and second Monika was the spokesperson and with her games we really had great time.
I learnt some things about Armenia i didn’t know before at this point we had a presentation from an Armenian girl that was great.My biggest obstacle was the internet connection at some point but at the end all worked just fine. I would like to thank all the international team for the good work and cooperation during the presentations and for the presentations. I recommend young people to take part on international projects because they will get to know people from different countries , learn , explore and develop their skills
Konstantina 25 lat, Poland
What did you gain from the project?
I gained new perspectives on volunteering
What did you learn?- I learned that volunteering creates a real impact on society
Who did you meet?- I met many young Armenians full of energy and a desire to change the world
What surprised you?- The energy and the determination to make the world a better place
What was your biggest obstacle?- My biggest obstacle was the distance from the other participants
Would you like to thank anyone?- The facilitator Monika did an amazing job
How would you encourage others to take on international projects?- By showing them the happiness on our faces
Do you recommend such activities to your peers?- Of course, but many of them are afraid to take such a big step
Nina 20 lat, Poland
Participating in the Youth Exchange “NextStep: Volunteers” was a truly inspiring and memorable experience for me.
During this project, I gained new knowledge about volunteering, non-formal education, project planning, and international cooperation. I learned how to create a project, understand the project cycle, prepare a budget, and work effectively in a team.
One of the most valuable parts of this experience was meeting young people from different countries and backgrounds. It was amazing to exchange ideas, learn about different cultures, traditions, and perspectives, and create connections with people who have different experiences but similar interests.
I was especially surprised by how quickly we could build a friendly and supportive atmosphere, even though the exchange was online. The cultural activities were very interesting, and I enjoyed discovering new things about other countries and their cultures. One of my favorite memories was when an Italian participant taught me how to make pasta. It was such a simple but special moment that made the cultural exchange feel more personal and unforgettable.
My biggest obstacle was the online format itself. Sometimes it was more difficult to feel the same connection as during a face-to-face exchange, but the engaging activities and the positive energy of the participants helped us communicate, cooperate, and enjoy the experience together.
I would like to thank the whole LEVEL UP team and everyone who organized this exchange for creating such a meaningful opportunity for young people. Thank you for your support, dedication, and for giving us the chance to learn, share, and connect with each other.
I would encourage other young people to participate in international projects because they help you become more open-minded, improve your communication and teamwork skills, discover new cultures, and gain confidence. These experiences can inspire you to take action in your own community and see the world from a wider perspective.
I definitely recommend such activities to my peers. International youth projects are not only about learning new skills but also about meeting amazing people, creating unforgettable memories, and becoming a more active and engaged person.
Hasnik 17 lat, Armenia
My gain from this project is my knowledge, which I hope to use throughout my life.
I learned a lot about volunteering and not only that, I got to know different cultures and made international friends.
I met a wonderful international family with whom I went on this short but informative journey. I met Monica who helped and taught us with great patience. Thank you to everyone, especially Monica.
I thought the group would only be Armenians and Poles, but I was quite surprised when I discovered that the other members were from different countries, which was very interesting.
My main problem was the connection issue which unfortunately happened sometimes, but I don’t think it prevented me from getting what I needed.
I will thank Monica again and again who made a huge contribution to this program. She understood everyone perfectly, helped and taught, I am very grateful to her. Also to our other to the participants with whom I crossed this road.
I will show them the opportunities that international programs offer.I will also share the knowledge I have gained.
Of course yes, I fully recommend it to everyone who wants to communicate with different people, gain experience and knowledge.
Ani 18 lat, Armenia
Firts of all I gained lot’s of new knowledge about volunteering, project management, social issues and so on.
Of course I also gained lot’s of experience and develeoped my teamwork, communication, time-management and other skills as well. But of course besides that I gained lot’s of new friends, with whome I hope to keep in touch. As I already mentioned I learnt many new things about volunteering, how to create my own projects and success in them, also a lot about social issues and their solutions, and last but not least I learnt how to deal with burnout and many other practical skills. I met lot’s of new great people and become friends not only with people from my country, but also from other countries! I was suprised how fun and cool an online exchange can be, because I thought it was going to be a bit formal, but it was really awsome! At first the obstacle was that I didn’t know anyone and I was a little shy, but as soon as we got to know each other and work together I really started to enjoy all of it and had lot’s of fun, while learning many new things. I would like to thank everyone who organized this exchange and of course to Monika for the huge work that she did, she really made this project THE BEST!!I would tell them that they shouldn’t be shy and avoid these projects, and just do it for themselves, because they are really fun and informative and they are deffineitly are not going to regret it! I will for sure reccomend my peers to take part in such activities and not be afraid to speak out. Thanks a lot for everything!!
Elen 17 lat, Armenia
I have gained new connections, knowladge and skills about volunteering and leading projects.
I have met very different and interesting people from another and also from my country with whom i hope to be in touch. I have been surprised about the agenda and the activities that we have been doing during these days.The language bareer and the shiness but i really feel very comfortable during these days. I would like to thank Monica for beeing very nice and patience with us, and the activities were really very interesting. Also thanks to Level up group and volunteers, and the people that i have met here. I would tell everyone about my experience about this project and the knowladge that i get during this project and i think that they will be encouraged. THANK YOU FOR EVERYHING<33
Hasnik 17 lat, Armenia
From the project I have improved my teamwork skills, now I feel more comfortable with sharing my opinion during group activities, also improved my communication and English speaking skills.
I learned new things about international volunteering programs, other cultures. I met wonderful youth from different countries with amazing, inspiring stories. I was surprised, that I can enjoy online activities too, I’ve had really great, productive time on this program. I want to thank everyone, because any of us had their input in that warm atmosphere, but especially I want to thank our facilitator Monika, for organizing everything, spending meetings very interestingly and making this program special. I will show others what wonderful time I have had on such international projects and how many useful things they gave to me. I will totally advice similar programs to everyone around me. Thank all so much, best wishes.
Murad 18 lat, Armenia
What did you gain from the project?
I gained new experience and had the chance to work with people from another country.
What did you learn?- I learned more about volunteering in Armenia and Poland and how young people can help their communities.
Who did you meet?- I met many friendly people from Armenia and got to know their culture better.
What surprised you?- I was surprised that we have so much in common, even though we live in different countries.
What was your biggest obstacle?- The biggest challenge was finding so much time during holiday.
Would you like to thank anyone?- Yes, I’d like to thank everyone who organized the project and all the participants. It was a really nice experience.
How would you encourage others to take on international projects?- I would say that it’s just a great way to meet new people, improve your English, and learn something new.
Do you recommend such activities to your peers?- Yes, I do. I think it’s a fun experience and a good opportunity to learn and make new friends.
Wiktoria 16 lat, Poland
The online youth exchange with armenian participants was an amazing expirience for me.
This was brilliant ocasion to meet each other, meet each others traditions and culture. The activities was fun too – there were so many exercises on multimeter, kahoot, many of them were in teams so we had an ocasion to discuss, talk about volunteering, exchange with others your view point and expirience about volunteering, but also to talk about something privat, to know each other better. This exchange was amazing to train your communicate skills, your skills in other languages, not only english but armenian, russian, german, chinese, spanish, greek, and italian! The other cool part of it, is I had an opportunity to train my teamwork too, but also the leadership skills. Thank you for organising this exchange, I will not forget it to the end of my life!!💞💞💞
Kasia 17lat, Poland
I met people from different backgrounds, learned about different cultures, and gained new knowledge about project management.
I would like to thank all the participants for making this experience unique and special. And yes, I would definitely recommend this kind of activity to others!
Alessandra 25 lat, Poland
What did you gain from the project?
Many information and friends
What did you learn?- More about volunteering,about cultures
Who did you meet?- Many many wonderful peoples
What surprised you?- nothing
What was your biggest obstacle?- a bit of conversational English
Would you like to thank anyone?- Of course, to Monica and the participants
How would you encourage others to take on international projects?- I will tell about my experience.
Do you recommend such activities to your peers?- of course
Zhanna 16lat, Armenia
This project reminded me again how much I enjoy international projects. The program was for Polish and Armenian participants, but I was happy to see that there are participants from other countries as well, who are currently volunteering in LevelUp: this way we could learn about more cultures, meet people from more countries and, what was more valuable for me, hearing from the volunteers themselves how their ESC experience is going on.
Even thought the exchange was online activities helped us to get to know each other, share experience and do a lot of collaboration within groups. We not only met, but also learned valuable topics like project management, importance of and ways to preventing burnout, ESC and Erasmus+ opportunities.
I am thankful to both NGOs and participants for being so involved, supportive and taking into account the feedback and constantly improving along the way. I definitely recommend international projects for everyone interested in becoming more open-minded, meeting people with different backgrounds and learning what opportunities do all of us have.
Anahit 23lat, Armenia
What did you gain from the project?
I gained practical leadership skills and a strong network of motivated peers.
What did you learn?- I learned how to facilitate group discussions and adapt my communication style to diverse audiences.
Who did you meet?- I met inspiring youth leaders and educators from completely different cultural backgrounds.
What surprised you?- I was surprised by how quickly a diverse group of strangers could find common ground and work as a team.
What was your biggest obstacle?- Navigating initial language barriers, which we overcame through active listening and patience.
Would you like to thank anyone?- I want to thank the organizers for the opportunity and my teammates for their incredible support.
How would you encourage others to take on international projects?- I would tell them to step out of their comfort zone, as it is the fastest way to grow.
Do you recommend such activities to your peers?- Absolutely; it is an unmatched opportunity to broaden your worldview and build real confidence.
Mari 16lat, Armenia
This project inspired me to volunteer, and continue participating in different activities such as exchanges.
I learned about project management, Erasmus+, burn out, esc, also explored different cultures and countries. I met a lot of inspiring and open-minded people, from Armenia, Poland, Spain, Italy, Columbia Greece. The biggest obsticle for me was speaking for the first time, but my team made me feel very confident about that. I would ABSOLUTELY like to thank everyone, because all of them are amazing people. I would also surely recommend my friends to participate in these kind of projects.
Gayane 17lat, Armenia
I gained a lot of knowledge about culture, volunteering and project management, I met veeery exiting people who will stay with me for a very long time.
Before I was thinking this is going to be a boring online lesson, but I was surprised of how dynamic it was and I never get bored. I wanna thank organizers to make this happen, I am thankful to Monika to be that much amazing person. I will make sure others to take part because it is very fun.
Mariam 19lat, Armenia
What did you gain from the project?
What non-formal education is
What did you learn?- A lot of things about different countries’ cultures
Who did you meet?- Sorry, I cannot remember
What surprised you?- During this project, obviously maybe I have cultural shock
What was your biggest obstacle?- Before our first ever I think that I would not be able to speak in English
Would you like to thank anyone?- Yes,thank you so much Monika 🙂
How would you encourage others to take on international projects?- I’ll say that this was really informative forum , and I gained a lot of information , and become a well-rounded person, I met new people from different countries , and it helped me improve my communication skills.
Shushan 16 lat, Armenia
What did you gain from the project?
– knowledge
What did you learn?- about how to make my own project and about international volunteering
Who did you meet?- I met some people here that were very interesting to me and I liked a lot of people, and even talked with one outside of the project
What surprised you?- polish culture, people
What was your biggest obstacle?- I want and am a leader but for some reason I can’t “behave” myself around people who are active too
Would you like to thank anyone?- of course, the whole team but especially Monika for being so king, sweet and hardworking, she did change a lot for me
How would you encourage others to take on international projects?- say that it’s actually easy and help them, explain why it’s important
Do you recommend such activities to your peers?”- if they’re interested in things like this, sure
Viktorya 17lat, Armenia
I gained new armenian friends.
I learned how project is made. I met a lot of armenians, italians like me and poles. I was surprised by the long distance between Armenia and Italy, in the maps they appear closer but it isn’t. Sometimes communication was difficult. Thanks to the organizations that made this event. I tried to encourage the people to join with my presentations during the event. Yes, I already recommended activities of volunteering.
Andrea 21 lat, Poland
I love this project very much.
During 4 days it becomes a huge part of my life. I overcome my fears trying to make new connections, gain new friends.Moreover, I during 4 days I speak only English which enhances my confidence and ability to communicate with others. Our activities and group projects was amazing and this experience the knowledge, skills and experience that I gained from here during my whole life will help me. I am definitely going to recommend such programs to my friends and encourage them to participate ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Nvard 19 lat, Armenia
I really love this opportunity to meet people from country I have a small knowledge like Armenia .
I like the non formal education the project with those people and just small talk with Armenian people .i was surprised by their knowledge of Poland and their open minded . I also was in shock by their English level and working for community. If only I have opportunity I would encourage someone to exchange like this.
Daria 21 lat, Poland
This online youth exchange was a great experience for me.
I gained new knowledge about social activism, project planning, and teamwork. I also became more confident speaking English and sharing my ideas.
I learned how to work in an international team and how to create a project from an idea to a final presentation.
I met really nice people from Armenia. It was interesting to learn more about their culture and exchange different opinions and experiences.
What surprised me the most was how easy it was to connect with everyone, even though we only met online.
My biggest obstacle was speaking English at first because I was a bit nervous, but after a while I felt much more comfortable.
I would like to thank the organizers, trainers, and all the participants for creating such a friendly atmosphere.
I would encourage everyone to join international projects because they help you learn new things, meet amazing people, and step out of your comfort zone.
Yes, I definitely recommend these activities to my peers. They are fun, inspiring, and a great opportunity for personal growth.
Justyna 22 lat, Poland
Participating in the Armenian–Polish youth exchange was a truly rewarding experience.
I gained new friendships, valuable intercultural experience, and greater confidence in communicating with people from different backgrounds. Throughout the project, I learned more about Armenian and Polish cultures, teamwork, intercultural communication, and the importance of active youth participation. I also improved my English and collaboration skills.
One of the best parts of the project was meeting inspiring young people from both Armenia and Poland, as well as dedicated facilitator and organizers. What surprised me most was how quickly we connected and became friends despite our different cultures and backgrounds. My biggest challenge was stepping out of my comfort zone at the beginning, but the welcoming atmosphere helped me become more confident and actively participate in every activity.
I would like to sincerely thank the organizers, facilitators, and all the participants for creating such a positive, inclusive, and inspiring environment. Their dedication made this project an unforgettable experience.
I strongly encourage other young people to take part in international projects because they are an amazing opportunity to learn, develop new skills, discover different cultures, and build lifelong friendships. I would definitely recommend these activities to my peers, as they help you grow both personally and professionally while creating memories and connections that last long after the project ends.
George 24 lat, Armenia
To anyone considering taking on an international project, I would say: don’t hesitate for a second.
Step into the experience with an open mind, embrace the discomfort of unfamiliar environments, and be ready to listen as much as you speak.
I wholehearted and enthusiastically recommend activities like the “Youth Centers of Tomorrow” project to all of my peers. It is far more than an educational seminar; it is a life-changing opportunity to build lasting international networks and shape the future of community youth work.
Harutyun 17 lat, Armenia
What did you gain from the project?
I gained new knowledge about volunteering, teamwork, project planning, and international cooperation. I also became more confident communicating with people from different countries.
What did you learn?
I learned how international projects are organized, how project budgets are planned, and how people from different cultures can work together to create meaningful ideas.
Who did you meet?
I met young people, volunteers, and mentors from different countries. It was inspiring to hear their experiences and learn from their perspectives.
What surprised you?
I was surprised by how quickly people from different backgrounds could connect, cooperate, and come up with creative solutions together.
What was your biggest obstacle?
My biggest obstacle was speaking in an international group at first, but as the sessions continued, I became more comfortable and confident.
Would you like to thank anyone?
Yes. I would like to thank the organizers, mentors, and all the participants for creating such a welcoming, supportive, and inspiring environment.
How would you encourage others to take on international projects?
I would tell them not to be afraid to step outside their comfort zone. These projects help you grow, make new friends, improve your communication skills, and see the world from different perspectives.
Do you recommend such activities to your peers?
Absolutely. I highly recommend them because they are a great opportunity to learn, develop new skills, build international friendships, and become a more active and confident young person.
Gayane 19 lat, Armenia
What did you gain from the project? new friends
– What did you learn?-new activities to use during my projects
– Who did you meet?-kasia, george, justina, and many others
– What surprised you?-that online exchange can be funny
– What was your biggest obstacle?-the fact that it was online
– Would you like to thank anyone?-Monika for doing great job
– How would you encourage others to take on international projects?-telling my story
– Do you recommend such activities to your peers?”-yesss
Sipan 18 lat, Armenia
The memories I will take from this exchange are the moments when we shared our ideas, laughed together, and got to know each other better and specially our teamworks and games.
I will remember the friendly atmosphere, interesting discussions, and the feeling of being part of an international group.
During this project, I learned more about volunteering, teamwork, and cultural exchange. I learned that even though people come from different countries, we can find many similarities and learn from each other. I also became more confident in communicating in English and sharing my thoughts with others.
This experience showed me that volunteering is not only about helping others, but also about personal growth, building connections, and creating positive change.
Tamara 18 lat, Armenia