The ‘’Just Relax’’ project, taking place in a picturesque Serbian town, allowed me, to a significant extent, to better understand the meaning of relaxation in the current hectic times when the supreme value is productivity and the number of finished tasks.
During this youth exchange, the additional advantage was the opportunity to conduct workshops for other participants. It was a very valuable experience of work and training in English. I am extremely grateful for the well-organised group I cooperated with as a team leader. I could meet wonderful young people who became my inspiration. The organisers and LEVEL UP Association were truly helpful in all aspects, starting from recruitment to the return to Poland. I’m already looking forward to our next adventures together.
Exchanges related to Erasmus+ programme are an exceptional opportunity for the youth to develop competencies they would never learn to this extent in traditional education. It’s a great experience that shapes us for the future.
Aleksandra, 22 years old, Just relax, youth exchange, Mali Idos, Serbia, Just Relax
It’s an amazing experience!
The “Just Relax” project was my second youth exchange under the Erasmus+ programme. For a long time, I was afraid of an almost 24-hour trip from Poland to Mali Idos, but thanks to my great Polish team, who accompanied me from the very beginning, the long journey became an adventure and a great opportunity for integration. The project let me escape an everyday city hustle and immerse myself in a picturesque Serbian village where I could get to know the local cuisine and culture. During diverse workshops, I learnt techniques of time management and recognising stress factors. I could also try yoga and take part in a local music festival, which was a truly unforgettable experience. I am extremely grateful for the continuous support of the coordinators and facilitators, who were present on-site. I would also like to thank our leader, Ola. We couldn’t have dreamed of a more lovely, funny and engaged person. Your support and positive energy were invaluable to us. The participation in the “Just Relax” project was a fabulous adventure that let me not only rest and relax but also learn a lot. The whole experience will surely remain in my memory for a long time.
If you are thinking about an international trip, don’t hesitate! I sincerely recommend participation in such projects, especially under the Erasmus+ programmes. It’s a unique initiative that may even change your life, allowing you to discover an entirely new part of yourself. At the meeting where I will share my experiences from the project, I hope I will encourage my friends and peers to try and discover all the possibilities that Erasmus+ offers the youth.
Gabriela, 17 years old, Just Relax, youth exchange, Mali Idos, Serbia, Just Relax
The project in Serbia will stay in my memory for long.
I met many unique people from the entire world, exchanged experiences, improved my linguistic skills in English, Czech and Turkish, but most importantly, I opened my mind to other cultures. I learnt what true relaxation is and how different relaxation forms influence our lives. The limited amount of time during the day, constant workshops, integration until late nights and very demanding group work were a big challenge, but it let me use the time spent in Serbia to the maximum. The biggest surprise for me was how, in such a short time, people we did not know before could become very important to us. I’m incredibly grateful to LEVEL UP Association for giving me a chance to level up my life. I feel the project helped me in developing my soft skills, which will facilitate my future work.
Karol, 20 years old, Just Relax, youth exchange, Mali Idos, Serbia, Just Relax
Now, when I’m some time after returning from this amazing adventure, I can certainly say it is an unforgettable experience.
Participation in an Erasmus+ youth exchange was my dream for a long time. However, because I’m 17, most trips I could find were for adults, which didn’t make it any easier for me to fulfil my dream. Actually, I had no expectations before the trip. Of course, excitement and a hint of stress were no strangers to me, but due to a lack of experience, I didn’t know what to expect. Now, when I’m some time after returning from this amazing adventure, I can certainly say it is an unforgettable experience. By writing “unforgettable experience,” I mean every group work, every play in diverse games (including my lost ones in Uno), delicious food, unique cultural evenings, but also all conversations: whether those in the morning after waking up or those late at night. The whole trip taught me and gave me a lot, starting from relaxation techniques and time management, to a lesson in independence and overcoming my barriers.
However, I’m most grateful for the people; those from other countries, but also my most loving Polish team that offered me unlimited support. Thanks to them, the trip was so special.
I would also like to thank the LEVEL UP Association for the organisation, but also for the help and answers to all, even the most stupid questions, during ticket buying.
Just thank you.
Dominika, 17 years old, Just Relax, youth exchange, Mali Idos, Serbia, Just Relax
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” – Saint Augustine.
My trip to Serbia as part of the Erasmus+ youth exchange programme was a tremendous experience, and I am truly grateful for it. We had great workshops – we experimented with diverse productivity methods, relaxation, breathing; there was also outdoor yoga. I also learnt that a backpack instead of a suitcase is a great choice. I used to always travel with a suitcase, but now I know that it’s much more comfortable with a backpack, even if a little heavy. For me, the most important were the people – both from other countries but also my Polish team: Gabi, Miśka, Karol, Olcia, and Zuzia. We got along perfectly – and the fact that we met after the project shows that it’s more than just a temporary acquaintance. There were a few unforgettable journeys, like the one on the border when they took our passports and made us get off the bus. At that time, it was not funny, but now we think of it as one of the funniest stories. Additionally, there were cultural evenings after which nobody wanted to go to sleep – lack of sleep was fully rewarded with atmosphere and laughter.
Big thank you to organisers and LEVEL UP – for support and great organisation – and to all the people I met. It was a trip I will remember forever.
And today? I am again reading the first page of this book, and I feel I am still discovering something new.
I definitely recommend all international trips to everyone, especially to young people interested in the world! It’s not only a chance to meet new cultures and people but also a great adventure and a lesson in independence. Every such trip offers new experiences, inspirations, and memories, which stay with you forever – really, it’s worth trying.
Ola, 17 years old, Just Relax, youth exchange, Mali Idos, Serbia, Just Relax
During the “Just Relax” exchange in Serbia, I had many unforgettable moments and gained experiences that changed my view on various issues.
What I gained most from the project was the ability to take care of my own balance and rest, which in today’s fast-paced world is essential. I also learnt how to work in an international group, which allowed me to see different perspectives and ways to deal with stress. I met wonderful people – both participants and organisers – who created an atmosphere
full of support and openness. I was surprised by the kindness of the residents and how much they could engage us in their culture. Serbian cuisine turned out to be delicious, and shared meals were a great opportunity for integration. The biggest barrier in the beginning for me was
communication in English, but I quickly overcame my fear and began to speak more freely. I’m grateful to the organisers and LEVEL UP for the professional preparation and support at all stages of the project. This exchange gave me not only knowledge and new skills, but primarily friendships and memories for life.
I definitely recommend such trips and encourage my peers to take part in them. Participation in an international exchange is not only an opportunity for travelling and getting to know a new culture, but most importantly, a chance for self-development. During such projects, you can overcome your linguistic barriers, gain more confidence and open up to new experiences. It’s also an opportunity to meet people from all over Europe, with whom you often make friendships for years. Such trips show that it’s worth being brave, leaving your comfort zone and trying new things. Thanks to them, we learn independence, cooperation and a better understanding of the world. I think it’s one of the best adventures you can have at a young age, and it’s absolutely worth taking advantage of!
Zuzia, 17 years old, Just Relax, youth exchange, Mali Idos, Serbia, Just Relax