VOICES June 2022

Page 28

erasmus+

Open your eyes – Erasmus edition What to do after finishing school? You feel it, huh? I was asking myself this question hundreds of times. There isn’t one solution. But, as I am older, I will give you guys some free advice.

I

was trying to suit the pattern that I HAD TO go to university after finishing high school. No gap year, no work, nothing. University. Prestige. But how to choose a university? I had no idea who was I, what I liked and what would be the best for me. So I made possibly the worst mistake and chose randomly. No joke. And now, few years after graduation… I am still trying to figure things out. This is why I am on Erasmus. I wish I had known about Erasmus programs earlier. It could completely change my life. Actually, it’s changing right now. In one of my favourite Polish movies, there is a quote: “what a gloomy absurdity to decide about life when you are a young moron.” I partially

agree. Mainly because we are not aware of possibilities. But what are the options? Non-formal education is the best, and Erasmus has a lot of different programmes for everybody. If I had known earlier, I would start to go to Youth Exchanges to meet people from all around Europe and practice languages. I cannot turn back time, but you can start now. Youth Exchanges are meetings for youth (mainly from 16-30 years old, the group leader has to be 18+ with no upper age limit) from European Union and partner countries. Usually, one youth exchange takes up to two weeks. This project aims to empower you to be a more active citizen and develop skills that can help you in the

future. Social skills are also necessary for life, am I right? At Youth Exchanges, you will have the opportunity to learn a lot about different cultures. You’ll have a chance to break the prejudices and stereotypes. Through various activities (workshops, debates, simulations or outdoor activities), you can learn new things and have a great time with other participants. Psst! Remember that it is not a boring school education, there’s a lot of fun – often in lovely places all around Europe. Where can you go on Erasmus? To all EU member countries, plus partner countries: Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Macedonia, Turkey and Serbia. So in your free time, you can go sightseeing, chill in nature or spend quality time with other participants.

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