My memory from the exchange in Türkiye, Eskisehir, during the project “Young Hands Touching Agriculture” is full of positive emotions and unforgettable experiences.
It was a time that not only broadened my horizons but also taught me many practical skills connected with local agriculture. During the project, I participated in many interesting activities such as building a greenhouse, baking bread, preparing preserves, as well as visiting local farms and beautiful lavender fields. Each of these activities was not only educational but also very rewarding. Building a greenhouse taught me how important teamwork is, and how natural resources can be used effectively. Baking bread and preparing preserves allowed me to discover traditional Turkish recipes and techniques that I will certainly want to try at home.
I met many amazing people from different countries: Türkiye, Italy, Romania, Lithuania and Poland. I found exchanging experiences and getting to know other cultures extremely valuable.
One of the biggest surprises for me was discovering how different Turkish cuisine is from what I was used to. Local food was extremely delicious and full of aromatic spices. The project organisers, as well as local residents, were very welcoming and always ready to help.
I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to take part in this project and for the support I received from the LEVEL UP organisation. I would especially thank the organisers who made our stay not only educational but also full of joy and wonderful memories.
Exchanges are not only a great opportunity to broaden one’s horizons, but also to gain valuable experiences and skills. Depending on the topic of the exchange, you can learn many practical things – from farming techniques and cooking to organisational and teamwork skills. The trips are also great fun and unforgettable adventures. Visiting new places, tasting local cuisine, attending local celebrations and festivals – all this creates memories that stay for a lifetime.
Antonia, 18 years old, youth exchange Young Hands Touching Agriculture, Eskişehir, Türkiye.
I went to the Erasmus project in Türkiye without any expectations. However, the organisation of the project surprised me positively.
Every day we tried different Turkish dishes, so now I know very well what the locals eat in that area.
The main aim of the project was to explore the topic of agriculture by young people. We planted tomatoes, baked bread and made preserves in jars. The residents of the village where we were, welcomed us with open arms and despite the language barrier, tried to show us their customs.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in the project and visit Eskişehir. I met a lot of new people with whom I could talk in English and learn some phrases in other languages.
I highly recommend such trips. I could encourage people to do Erasmus projects by giving a presentation or a short webinar.
Amelia, 18 years old, youth exchange Young Hands Touching Agriculture, Eskişehir, Türkiye.
During the project, we had the opportunity to learn about the culture of Türkiye and get to know more about agriculture. We visited an authentic Turkish village, where we made our own tomato puree and bread, which was baked in the only oven in the village.
We also visited greenhouses, a silk farm and a seed farm.
I really liked the fact that there was one day devoted to visiting the city of Eskişehir. Additionally, we ate typical Turkish dishes for lunch every day, which allowed us to get to know Turkish culture even better.
I will very fondly remember all the evening outings with the project participants. There was always a pleasant atmosphere.
I believe that Erasmus+ projects give an inimitable opportunity to experience other cultures, learn something new and grow as a person. I would definitely recommend them to everyone!
Monika, 18 years old, youth exchange Young Hands Touching Agriculture, Eskişehir, Türkiye.
I am glad that I could take part in a project about agriculture. Thanks to the exchange, I had a chance not only to visit the city of Eskişehir but also nearby villages. We had an opportunity to meet lovely people in these small mountain villages.
Together with them, we made our own preserves, bread and homemade meals.
It was great to participate in visits to crop fields e.g. tomatoes, watermelons, peppers. An equally interesting experience was at a silkworm farm, where we were able to learn about the process of creating threads. As a souvenir, we got a few cocoons which, when kept in hot water, are great for preventing wrinkles (something I will definitely test).
During the exchange, I met amazing people from Türkiye, Romania, Italy, Lithuania and Poland. Together with them, I created memories that will stay with me for a lifetime.
The project coincided with the EURO 2024 finals. It was an amazing experience to watch a match among young Italian people in a Turkish pub. It was definitely the best match and probably the only one I watched in full focus.
Throughout the week, I tested local delicacies I had never heard of before. The entire Turkish team explained all the customs to us so that we always felt comfortable.
Contact with the Polish coordinator of the project was unproblematic, the LEVEL UP Association watched over our trip. I would like to thank Monika for giving me the opportunity to go on this exchange. I didn’t waste that time and I made the most of it. Special greetings go to the aunt, a resident of a Turkish village, who brought back childhood memories for me.
I would recommend an international trip to anyone. Just keep trying, keep talking, keep getting memories. That is something that can’t be regretted.
Patrycja, youth exchange Young Hands Touching Agriculture, Eskişehir, Türkiye.