Youth exchange in Baku (Invisible Strings)

The organisers made sure that we could fully experience the culture of the country…

The exchange as part of the “Invisible Strings” project was an amazing experience that will remain in my memory for a long time. Most of all, I have gained a huge amount of new friendships from it, which we maintain even after the project is finished.

During the exchange, I learned a lot about mental health and ways of coping with stress. I was especially amazed by the relaxing yoga classes, music and art therapy—they allowed me to understand better how you can support your mental health in many different ways. Additionally, I have gained valuable communication skills and improved my teamwork skills.

In Baku I was surprised by the hospitality and openness of the local people. The organisers made sure that we could fully experience the culture of the country—they took us to local restaurants where we tried traditional dishes, and they also organised trips for us. One of the funniest moments was our trip to the mud volcanoes, which we all came back from entirely covered in mud, but it was definitely worth it! 

I am incredibly thankful for having the opportunity to take part in this project. Thanks to LEVEL UP I could visit the country that would normally be difficult for me to visit. The organisers provided us with fantastic support both before and during the exchange. Thanks to everyone who made those ten days so special!

International exchanges are a perfect occasion to travel the world in a budgetary and safe way, and at the same time meet amazing people from different cultures. It is not only about the trip, but also self-development, gaining new skills and broadening horizons.

Since I came back from Baku, I can’t stop talking about how fantastic the experience was. My friends hear about it on and on, and I know that because of my persuasion they have already applied to exchanges. 

Oliwia, Invisible Strings youth exchange, Baku, Azerbaijan

The most memorable for me was the atmosphere of this project—full of openness, mutual support and good energy.

Last month I had an opportunity to take part in the “Invisible Strings” project in Azerbaijan. It was an unusual experience I will remember for long.

The project focused on challenges related to mental health among young people in Europe. We talked about how to improve access to support and raise awareness about the topic of mental health. Together with participants from Hungary, Lithuania, France, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Poland, we learned about different techniques that help us take care of well-being – both our own and those of others.

During the exchange, we had a chance to visit beautiful parts of Azerbaijan, but what was also important to me were the workshops that we took part in. We practised yoga and meditation, art and music therapy, and we openly discussed how to deal with everyday stress. During these few days, I learned a lot, not only about mental health but also about the cultures and perspectives of other people.

The most memorable for me was the atmosphere of this project—full of openness, mutual support and good energy. Besides acquiring new knowledge and skills, we had great fun and formed friendships that I hope will last longer than the project itself. It was a truly unique experience for me.

Zofia, Invisible Strings youth exchange, Baku, Azerbaijan

What surprised me was the great openness that characterised everyone with whom we had the opportunity to come into contact in Baku…

For me, the project was a special chance to gain the basic skills and ideology of yoga and mindfulness. Thanks to the atmosphere created by the engaged facilitators and kind co-travellers, we could get to know interesting techniques. The organisation from Baku provided us with an unforgettable experience at every turn, giving us an insight into their daily lives as well as those of other Azerbaijanis. What surprised me was the great openness that characterised everyone with whom we had the opportunity to come into contact in Baku, everyone was very willing to share their culture.

I definitely recommend such trips, even the story of going to Azerbaijan seems enough of an incentive.

Being in an international environment has allowed me to better understand different perspectives…

The project taught me openness to diversity and being flexible in action. Being in an international environment has allowed me to better understand different perspectives, which has enriched my approach to work and relationships with others. First and foremost, I improved my language skills, especially in English. Additionally, I learned teamwork, quick problem-solving, and time management during the implementation of the projects.

I met people from all around the world – from European neighbours to participants from Azerbaijan. Everyone was open and kind, which created an atmosphere of mutual understanding and support. I will particularly remember the organisers, who were always helpful and engaged.

I was surprised by how proud the people of the country were of their culture and traditions. Even small things, like daily habits or a different lifestyle, were new and fascinating to me. The cuisine was amazing! I tried local dishes that I had only been reading about before, e.g. traditional bakings or unique seasonings. Local people were extremely kind and eager to talk, even when the language barrier was a challenge.

During the project, I didn’t notice any barriers, neither logistical nor linguistic issues. I am thankful for the support that I received at every stage of the exchange. The organisation took care of everything – from the information before the journey, through help during the exchange, to summarising conversations after the project.

There were a lot of hilarious situations during the project, but what I particularly remember are the ones connected with organising the intercultural night or yoga classes. I would particularly like to thank the organisers for their engagement and warm approach, and also the participants who made the atmosphere unique.

To sum up, the exchange was not only a chance to learn but also an opportunity to create beautiful memories and make friendships that, I hope, will last forever. I recommend it to anyone thinking about participating – it is an experience that changes your life!

International trips are a great opportunity to broaden our horizons, get to know new cultures and gain experiences that will stay with us for a lifetime. I wholeheartedly recommend them to everyone! I would encourage others by sharing my experience and talking about my stories in person (to my friends and family) and on social media – to a wider audience.

I was surprised by how quickly a diverse group of people and cultures can change into a feeling of unity.

The exchange in Baku was one of those experiences that will leave a lasting mark for a lifetime. Young people from Azerbaijan, Lithuania, France, Hungary, Ukraine and Poland participated in the project. I was surprised by how quickly a diverse group of people and cultures can change into a feeling of unity. The first workshops and conversations already made me feel comfortable and safe in a new group.

During the meditation workshops and yoga sessions we felt how important the building of daily self-care habits is. In everyday life, it is easy to forget about finding a moment to relax from daily duties, that’s why I am thankful that during the project we focused mainly on the positive aspects of practising the lifestyle that the tenets of yoga promote. At the same time, I am glad that we had a chance to do it nowhere else but in Azerbaijan!

One of the biggest surprises for me was the local culture and how deeply rooted it is in the lives of the citizens of this country. The people I had the pleasure of meeting did their best to showcase their traditions and share their history, delicious food and the beauty of the area.

I wholeheartedly recommend international trips to anyone who wants to broaden their horizons, gain new experience, and discover how diverse and fascinating the world is. It is a chance to understand other cultures, make lifelong friendships, and look at yourself and your environment from a different perspective.

…it was a moment of discovering myself, getting to know different cultures, being in a new environment and making unforgettable memories.

I spent December’s pre-Christmas days in Baku, Azerbaijan with the participants from France, Lithuania, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Hungary and Poland. Yoga, meditation, music and art therapies were the main goals of our trip, and the beautiful culture of Azerbaijan accompanied us at every step!

I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to take part in this mobility because it was a moment of discovering myself, getting to know different cultures, being in a new environment and making unforgettable memories. What I take away from this trip is the great knowledge of meditation techniques, various diets, information about the Erasmus+ programme and many wonderful moments that I spent with my new Erasmus family 🙂 

I highly recommend international trips and thanks to them I have learned the most. They are an opportunity to do things you’ve never done before, to try new flavours, learn new languages and cultures and create beautiful memories that will stay with us forever.