When I applied for the project, my goal was to improve my English language skills. I’m proud of myself because I was able to accomplish that by talking to people from different parts of the world…
When I applied for the project, my goal was to improve my English language skills. I’m proud of myself because I was able to accomplish that by talking to people from different parts of the world. I met many wonderful people with whom I could talk and share experiences. I’m glad that I had a chance to get to know them. Together, we participated in many activities and workshops during the exchange. We had the opportunity to learn more about the situation of refugees in other countries in Europe.
We also managed to visit temporary accommodation for refugees from various countries.
The food served to us on the project was very tasty, and we had a chance to try Greek dishes. During cultural evenings, participants prepared snacks, interesting facts or even dances to present their countries.
Walking through the streets of Thessaloniki, I was positively surprised that everyone there speaks English at a high level, even the elderly.
I can proudly say that I overcame my language barrier when it comes to communicating in English and opened myself up to talking to people in that language.
My fondest memories will be the evenings when we all sat together in a large room and talked, played cards, and danced.
I appreciate the help from our coordinator Julia, who checked on us and deeply cared about our wellbeing.
I would like to wholeheartedly thank the LEVEL UP Association that gave me the opportunity to participate in the project, which turned out to be the best and certainly unforgettable trip of my life! <3
Erasmus+ international trips are a chance for unforgettable experiences that will develop your independence, improve your language skills, and help you discover the world. I think everyone should go on such a trip at least once in their lifetime.
Adrianna, 18 years old, youth exchange in Polychrono LEAVE NOONE BEHIND
When applying for this project, I did not expect to meet such exceptional people. I was surprised by their openness and positive attitude. Every single person there made this exchange unforgettable…
When applying for this project, I did not expect to meet such exceptional people. I was surprised by their openness and positive attitude. Every single person there made this exchange unforgettable. This trip helped me meet new people, which had previously stressed me out. Thanks to the project, I was able to learn more about the situation of refugees in other countries. I had the opportunity to hear about it from people coming from different parts of Europe. These were not dry facts, but true stories that touched our hearts much more. I fondly remember the daily activities, and most of all the spontaneous trips to the beaches (even during a downpour or breaks between classes) and the evening conversations we had together. Thanks to this project I also improved my fluency in speaking English. Every day we had the opportunity to learn about the country we were in through the local cuisine. Our coordinator provided us with the necessary information before the exchange, and she was in contact with us during the entire trip. I would like to thank the LEVEL UP Association. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have had the chance to experience this adventure and the atmosphere that comes with Erasmus + projects. Although this was my first youth exchange, it definitely won’t be the last!
Going on a youth exchange is something indescribable, it’s out-of-the-box education with great memories, but you have to experience it for yourself. Go and check it out for yourself!
Ewelina, 18 years old, youth exchange in Polychrono- LEAVE NOONE BEHIND
I met wonderful people from Türkiye, Germany, Sweden, North Macedonia, France, and Greece, and made beautiful memories with them that will stay with me till the end…
I spent a week of December in sunny Greece on the Chalkidiki peninsula in the town of Polychrono. It was another trip that reaffirmed the Erasmus+ motto “Changing lives, opening minds.” Nothing describes this project as well as that sentence. I met wonderful people from Türkiye, Germany, Sweden, North Macedonia, France, and Greece, and made beautiful memories with them that will stay with me till the end. It is a project that showed me a different perspective on life. I saw what the world of refugees looks like, what their daily life is like, and what problems they have to face. I learned that one should not ”judge a book by its cover.”
I am extremely grateful to the LEVEL UP Association for the opportunity to go on this project. Even if I were to read every book, I still wouldn’t know what words to use to describe this trip to you; you just had to experience it.
I highly recommend international trips and I learned the most through them. 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 with wonderful people that will stay with you forever.
Julia, 23 years old, youth exchange in Polychrono – LEAVE NOONE BEHIND
The project focused mainly on the refugee situation and solutions to various problems related to this topic. Moreover, we spent a lot of time integrating and sharing experiences. My best memory was swimming in the sea. I really appreciate the opportunity to socialise and spend time with kind people while being surrounded by beautiful views…
On 11th-19th December, I participated in the Erasmus+ project “Leave Noone Behind.” Aside from Poland, there were 6 other countries – Greece, North Macedonia, Sweden, France, Türkiye, and Germany. We all had a great time there. The project focused mainly on the refugee situation and solutions to various problems related to this topic. Moreover, we spent a lot of time integrating and sharing experiences. My best memory was swimming in the sea. I really appreciate the opportunity to socialise and spend time with kind people while being surrounded by beautiful views. I definitely learned more about the problems of refugees and how people in different European countries cope with them. The biggest barrier for me was opening up to new acquaintances and getting out of my comfort zone. I also have very fond memories of the cultural evenings, during which we were able to get to know the participating countries better and taste their regional products. I would like to especially thank the people in my group, but also all the participants of the project, and the organisers, because if it weren’t for the cooperation of all of those people, this trip would not have been so memorable. Also, the organisation was at a high level, we were informed of everything. The food in the hotel was delicious.
I definitely recommend such trips to my peers. It is an opportunity to see a new part of the world, but most importantly to make new friends that can last a lifetime. International trips raise awareness of other cultures and teach about issues in the world. Projects are not only the substantive part, which is also very important and interesting, but above all, integration, nice people, and fun. During them unforgettable memories and friendships are formed.
Natalia, 18 years old, youth exchange in Polychrono – LEAVE NOONE BEHIND
The project focused mainly on the refugee situation and solutions to various problems related to this topic. Moreover, we spent a lot of time integrating and sharing experiences…
On 11th-19th December, I participated in the Erasmus+ project “Leave Noone Behind.” Aside from Poland, there were 6 other countries – Greece, North Macedonia, Sweden, France, Türkiye, and Germany. We all had a great time there. The project focused mainly on the refugee situation and solutions to various problems related to this topic. Moreover, we spent a lot of time integrating and sharing experiences. My best memory was swimming in the sea. I really appreciate the opportunity to socialise and spend time with kind people while being surrounded by beautiful views. I definitely learned more about the problems of refugees and how people in different European countries cope with them. The biggest barrier for me was opening up to new acquaintances and getting out of my comfort zone. I also have very fond memories of the cultural evenings, during which we were able to get to know the participating countries better and taste their regional products. I would like to especially thank the people in my group, but also all the participants of the project, and the organisers, because if it weren’t for the cooperation of all of those people, this trip would not have been so memorable. Also, the organisation was at a high level, we were informed of everything. The food in the hotel was delicious.
I definitely recommend such trips to my peers. It is an opportunity to see a new part of the world, but most importantly to make new friends that can last a lifetime. International trips raise awareness of other cultures and teach about issues in the world. Projects are not only the substantive part, which is also very important and interesting, but above all, integration, nice people, and fun. During them unforgettable memories and friendships are formed.
Patrycja, 18 years old, youth exchange in Polychrono- LEAVE NOONE BEHIND
My biggest fear, which I struggled with during my trip to picturesque Thessaloniki, and then to the no less beautiful town of Chalkidiki, was the conviction that no one would want to talk to me, that I wouldn’t be sufficiently experienced, well-read, fluent in English… And here we can add a dozen more similar concerns…
My biggest fear, which I struggled with during my trip to picturesque Thessaloniki, and then to the no less beautiful town of Chalkidiki, was the conviction that no one would want to talk to me, that I wouldn’t be sufficiently experienced, well-read, fluent in English… And here we can add a dozen more similar concerns. Nothing could be further from the truth. No words can describe how amazing, understanding, and open-minded people I have met there.
I was constantly accompanied by a feeling of gratitude and a slight amusement, no matter if we were doing something more “serious” like presenting a group project on the situation of refugees in our home countries, whether we were dancing together, guessing the facts about other countries, or just talking about the most trivial and ordinary things in several European languages.
From this project I can take away not only pebbles and seashells from the wonderful Greek beach where we managed to swim in the middle of December, but also knowledge about the culture and traditions of Greece, Türkiye, North Macedonia, Sweden, Germany, and France.
I also remember the feeling of understanding and community spirit between the participants, despite the differences that could separate us at first glance. Since, first and foremost, we are all human beings and should all be treated with equal respect, not excluding anyone, which, by the way, was the theme of the project.
In addition, I want to emphasise my gratitude to the LEVEL UP Association, and especially Julia, who was our coordinator, for their support, help with the smallest of issues, good communication, and the opportunity to experience something so unique.
I am convinced that everyone should go on a project like this at least once in their lifetime. A project that gives a huge dose of motivation, teaches understanding and empathy, helps to overcome one’s barriers and fight anxieties (speaking in public, making new acquaintances, having a conversation in a foreign language).
One then experiences a kind of separate “tiny life” full of valuable experiences and, frankly, it can be hard to return to everyday life after such an experience. However, once the longing for newfound friends is alleviated, comes the realization of how strong and open to the new and unknown one becomes.
Renata, 18 years old, youth exchange in Polychrono- LEAVE NOONE BEHIND
