The program included a visit to the university, planting trees, a city game in the old town, hiking and visiting the canyon, morning yoga, a bike ride, pitching tents and painting on the beach…
The youth exchange “European Green Deal: Erasmus Nature Camp” was a beautiful experience in beautiful natural surroundings. The organizers took care of an interesting exchange program, so the Nature mentioned in the name was a real nature, not one painted on a poster. Our accommodation was right next to the sea, which gave us the opportunity to admire it in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening and even in the glow of the night. “Indoor” activities were kept to a minimum, which I really liked because we spent most of our time actively outside. The program included a visit to the university, planting trees, a city game in the old town, hiking and visiting the canyon, morning yoga, a bike ride, pitching tents and painting on the beach. It’s really hard for me to choose what was the most interesting experience for me, and that doesn’t always happen.
Thanks to this exchange, I slowed down a bit and felt that I had at least a little mental rest while actively spending time getting to know other cultures and landscapes of Turkey.
Olga, youth exchange, Bartin, Türkiye–European Green Deal: Erasmus Nature Camp”
The greatest joy for me came from the conversations with other participants, which often ended in laughter. The exchange was an unforgettable experience for me, filled with learning, relationships, and beautiful memories…
From the exchange, I gained a wealth of knowledge, new acquaintances, and valuable experience. I learned a lot about environmental issues and the ways we can help, such as through everyday eco-friendly actions. I met amazing, open and friendly people – both participants of the project and residents of the visited country. I was surprised by the extraordinary hospitality and kindness of the local people, who were eager to share their culture and stories. The cuisine turned out to be rich in flavours, spices and scents that I had never tasted before. The organisers of the project showed professionalism and provided excellent organisation both before, during and after the exchange. I was especially impressed by the organised nature tours, which gave me a better understanding of the beauty of the local landscape.
I am grateful to Polish and Turkish organisations for providing this opportunity and for the support I received at every stage of the project. The greatest joy for me came from the conversations with other participants, which often ended in laughter. The exchange was an unforgettable experience for me, filled with learning, relationships, and beautiful memories. I recommend them to anyone who would like to travel, but the money doesn’t add up! Youth exchanges allow you to visit interesting countries and places that are not usually your first tourist choice, at cost. They allow us to experience diverse cultures and explore fascinating topics from multiple perspectives. It’s different from holiday trips, but in my opinion, it’s even better!
Piotr, youth exchange, Bartin, Türkiye–European Green Deal: Erasmus Nature Camp”
Although it was a quite short project, we still managed to create a small project family. As for Türkiye itself, I was captivated by its stunning nature, as I hadn’t previously expected that it could be so beautiful there…
It was my third time on a youth exchange, and it only confirmed me in the belief that I want to go for even more. I met many amazing people with whom I have not only had a fantastic time during the exchange, but I also hope I have established deep, lasting relations for all my life. Although it was a quite short project, we still managed to create a small project family. As for Türkiye itself, I was captivated by its stunning nature, as I hadn’t previously expected that it could be so beautiful there. What has stayed with me after this project are not only wonderful memories and relationships, but also the ritual of drinking tea. I brought both traditional glasses and Turkish tea back home with me, and now it’s become a part of my daily ritual. For anyone visiting Türkiye, I highly recommend trying the tea, coffee, and of course, baklava! I had a great time working with LEVEL UP, and this was my second time with this organisation, and hopefully not the last one. I am grateful for the opportunity to spend those few days in such beautiful natural surroundings, to discover Türkiye I had previously perceived so differently, and to meet so many wonderful people with whom I am still in touch and I hope that it will remain so.
Going on an exchange was one of the best decisions of my life, and I believe everyone should experience it at least once. It’s a great adventure, time spent with wonderful people, most of them with a similar attitude to life, and a great opportunity to discover new places. If I were to say how to start, just go and don’t hesitate!
Agata, youth exchange, Bartin, Türkiye–European Green Deal: Erasmus Nature Camp”
We were taken on a journey through the surroundings, and each newly discovered place was associated with an opportunity for development. During the week spent on the project, we also grew plants and participated in workshops where the problem of environmental pollution was raised…
I have recently had the opportunity to participate in the youth exchange “European Green Deal: Erasmus Nature Camp” in Bartın, Türkiye. This was my second time participating in an exchange with the LEVEL UP Association, and I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity! From the formal point of view, everything worked flawlessly and any doubts before, during and after the exchange were resolved by the great coordinator.
My stay in Türkiye was very enjoyable and informative. I have made some interesting friends with participants from Greece, Austria, Portugal, Türkiye and Poland. I woke up every day in a house with a view of the Black Sea. The organisers of the project made great use of the location, by offering us art workshops and camping on the beach located just a few meters from our accommodation. We were taken on a journey through the surroundings, and each newly discovered place was associated with an opportunity for development. During the week spent on the project, we also grew plants and participated in workshops where the problem of environmental pollution was raised. The week in Bartın allowed me to learn more about the culture of the countries involved in the exchange, especially Türkiye. I did not expect such diversity from this country. Certainly, it encouraged me to revisit the country and continue my adventure with youth exchanges.
I would like to thank warmly my Polish team. I believe we truly represented our country well and synchronized well during group activities. I hope to meet you on future projects!
I recommend youth exchanges to anyone who wants to travel but doesn’t know how to get started. For those who would like to explore a wide variety of topics in an international environment and are not afraid of the unknown.
I recommend them to anyone who would like to travel, but the money doesn’t add up! Youth exchanges allow you to visit interesting countries and places that are not usually your first tourist choice, at cost. They allow us to experience diverse cultures and explore fascinating topics from multiple perspectives. It’s different from holiday trips, but in my opinion, it’s even better!
Marcelina, youth exchange, Bartin, Türkiye–European Green Deal: Erasmus Nature Camp”
