During the exchange, I felt like I was truly opening my mind to new experiences.
I gained the most from working in an international group, learning to look at the same problems from different perspectives, which was like an intellectual rollercoaster at times, but in the best form. I met people from all over Europe, with whom I quickly started to get along well despite our vast differences.
I was most surprised by the openness and freedom of the locals. Even when I was wandering around looking for the right stop, they reacted as if it was a part of the local folklore. The cuisine was incredible; I still dream of several of the flavours, and for a while, I even seriously considered emigrating just because of the food.
The organisers and the LEVEL UP Association did a fantastic job, as I felt great support before, during, and after the trip. My biggest barrier was the initial uncertainty of my language skills, but I quickly realised that no one expects perfection and that we are all there to collaborate, not judge.
I’m grateful for the people I met and for the opportunity to test myself in new situations. There were also some wonderful and funny moments, like when the whole group got lost in the city and accidentally discovered the best coffee shop in the area.
I’d like to thank both the trainers and the participants, as each person brought something unique to this experience. It was a project that gave me knowledge, memories and some valuable relationships.
I’d definitely encourage everyone to travel abroad! This experience not only provides the opportunity to learn about new cultures and people, but also develops soft skills, self-confidence and independence in a way that’s difficult to experience in everyday life. Every day is an opportunity to learn something new, both practical things and to perceive the world from a different perspective.
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Anna, 22, Youth exchange Kaunas, From passion to profession
I gained a lot from the “From Passion to Profession” project.
This exchange focused primarily on developing management skills and building a business. It taught me that any passion can be transformed into a profession. During our mobility, we had many activities that allowed us to develop practically, which I consider an excellent solution. I also improved my teamwork skills with people from other countries. I met fantastic, creative and inspiring people with whom I hope to stay in touch for a long time. I’ve already been to Lithuania before, so I was prepared for the conditions, culture and cuisine there. I find Lithuanian cuisine very tasty, valuable and not very different from Polish at the same time. Our work was very well organised. The organisers were well-chosen, communicative and open. An interesting story from the project is that I was the only Polish guy who ended up in a room with participants from Romania. Despite my initial concerns, I really enjoyed my time with them, and I think I couldn’t have found better roommates. I rate LEVEL UP’s support very positively. From the beginning, all information was provided quickly and clearly. Whenever I had any problem, a representative of the organisation helped me solve it right away. After the exchange, I also received a lot of support and detailed guidance on the next steps. I’m very grateful that I was able to participate in this project, develop so much and meet so many wonderful people.
I recommend such trips primarily because they’re extremely educational. During the projects, you not only gain knowledge about a specific topic, but you also gain a lot of practical experience. It allows you to open up to different cultures and languages, as well as to learn different perspectives. You also develop many soft skills, which are incredibly important. The Erasmus+ projects create a safe space for every participant – they allow trying new things, making mistakes and learning from them without pressure.
Hubert, 17, Youth exchange Kaunas, From passion to profession
The “From Passion to Profession” project in Kaunas was an incredible experience that will undoubtedly remain in my memory.
It was an opportunity to get to know myself, make friends, improve my skills – linguistic, creative, persuasive, adaptive (…), learn and simply have fun! During the project, I had the chance to meet many interesting people from different countries, which was a huge source of inspiration for me. Each participant had a different passion and way of seeing the world, which allowed me not only to broaden my horizons but also to learn how to work in a diverse group and develop a creative approach to projects. My biggest barrier was linguistic uncertainty at first, but it quickly turned out that language wasn’t an obstacle, but rather a way to integrate and learn from other participants. After all, we’re all in this together, aren’t we? There were also plenty of humorous moments during the project – for example, when I had to sing “Happy Birthday” in five languages!
And the exchange itself? We spent the first few days getting to know each other – it was a time when all the names got lost like you in a hotel, and English is slowly replacing Polish. As the days pass, you see the people you’ve just met are getting closer to you, and the project’s subject is getting more and more interesting for you. You already know that Leila lives upstairs, who has the best camera, when to go down so you’re not late for the workshops, and that it’s better to be on time for dinner. You immerse yourself in this world without return. And in the end? You simply don’t want to leave!
It’s hard not to be grateful. For every person you’ve met, lots of memories, the photo (even the blurry and indistinct ones), the shared meal, the smile, the kind gesture, the hug, the idea, the look, the moment… for everything you’ve experienced. And that’s what will stay with you forever.
I highly recommend that you participate in exchanges! I call each such trip “life-changing” because every project teaches me something new, helps me open up to others, broadens my perspectives, inspires me and motivates me to act. It’s something that can’t be described – it simply has to be experienced.
Z projektu wyniosłam niesamowicie dużo – znajomości, które przerodziły się w przyjaźnie mimo licznych różnic w charakterach i sposobie podejścia do życia, świadomość, że nieważne, jak zła wydaje się sytuacja, to zawsze jest jakieś wyjście, a także nowe przeżycia i doświadczenia, które zostaną ze mną na całe życie i które będę opowiadać następnym pokoleniom. Dzięki temu wszystkiemu naprawdę bardzo dużo się nauczyłam – szczególnie o sobie i sile swojego charakteru. Nauczyłam się również planowania i organizacji trasy wyprawy oraz poprawiłam swoją umiejętność orientacji przestrzennej. Uważam też, że całe doświadczenie niesamowicie otworzyło mnie na innych ludzi i poszerzyło horyzonty.
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Julia, 17, Youth exchange Kaunas, From passion to professional
When I went on an exchange in Kaunas, I never expected that strangers would become so close to me in such a short time.…
I met so many wonderful people from Greece, Italy, Romania and Lithuania, relationships with whom will be my most precious memories of the project. The people I met made these 10 days feel so warm, and each of us cried a lot on the last day of the exchange.
The project was so creative and inspiring that it was sometimes hard to believe how much we could learn in such a short time. We could experience different perspectives, ideas and energy, working in international groups, but somehow everything combined with each other perfectly. No one expected us, the participants, to speak English perfectly because the most important things were cooperation, support and having fun. In the meantime, there were also the classic exchange experiences: discovering the best places by accident, strange and funny situations or conversations that ended VERY late.
The facilitators were wonderful, willing to answer any questions we had and to help us in any situation. The LEVEL UP Association has been in constant contact with us since we qualified for the project until now ;).
It was hard to return to everyday life when you leave behind so many good people, memories, shared meals and conversations that will forever put a smile on your face.
And seriously: if anyone is considering an exchange, just go for it. Experiences like these will stay for a long time.
Patrycja, 19, Youth exchange Kaunas, From passion to profession
I gained a lot from the “From Passion to Profession” project. …
I particularly made friends who broadened my horizons. The project’s subject was also very interesting, as I left Lithuania with an idea for my own business. It was also great to test my language skills. I met wonderful people, some of whom I talk with to this day! In Lithuania, I was surprised by how similar we were – Poles and Lithuanians – which sometimes looked hilarious, compared to other participants of the project. Ms Claire, our organiser, was wonderful! And so was Zuzia, who supported us before the project :))
The biggest challenge for me was sometimes communicating in English, especially during classes where we talked about very specialised topics (but it wasn’t that terrible), and keeping up with the fast pace of 11 days away from home, but with the participants all the time.
There were many strange moments during the project, but I think my funniest memory was the Polish evening, as well as the Greek evening, where the great atmosphere made us smile for several hours, and then we organised an integration meeting in our room!
I’d like to thank the Polish team attending this project because getting to know you all was wonderful!
Of course, this is another trip under the Erasmus+ programme, and I’m always grateful for how much I learn, how much I experience, and who I meet! These programmes are a wonderful space and history that will stay with us for good. I’m glad that I can feel both Polish and European during such a trip.
Weronika, 21, Youth exchange Kaunas, From passion to professional
