Youth Exchange Blog: "PowerUp!" in Viroinval, BELGIUM by Kärt
I decided to participate in youth exchange in Belgium because I wanted to experience camping away from home and meet people from other countries. When I discovered that the camp was only for girls, I was even more excited because I thought it would provide a safe and supportive environment where everyone could comfortably share their thoughts and experiences.
It was my first Erasmus+ project, so before travelling to Belgium, I felt excited but also nervous. I looked forward to visiting another country, trying new activities, and communicating in English. However, I wondered whether I would be able to speak English well enough and make friends. Despite these worries, I decided to be brave and give it a try.
Before the exchange, I prepared for the journey and approached the project with an open mind. During the camp, I contributed by participating in group discussions, creative workshops, and teamwork activities. I shared my ideas, listened to the other participants, and supported the girls around me. When I arrived, I met girls from different countries and backgrounds. At first, I was quiet because I did not know many people, not even all of the participants from my own country. As we began taking part in activities, the atmosphere became friendlier and more relaxed. We introduced ourselves, worked together, and slowly formed connections. Realizing that some of the other girls had also felt nervous made me feel less alone. Sometimes, it was difficult to express myself in English, but everyone was patient and supportive. This encouraged me to continue speaking without being afraid of making mistakes. Each conversation helped me improve my communication skills and become more confident.
Being part of a girls-only group made the experience especially meaningful. It created a comfortable environment where we could speak openly and support each other. Although we came from different backgrounds, we found many things that connected us. I learned how important it is to respect and understand other people. The camp also taught me to be more independent. I had to take responsibility for myself and manage my time. Although this was challenging at first, it became easier each day. I began to trust myself and realized that I could adapt to an unfamiliar environment.
One of my favourite activities was cliff climbing. It challenged me and encouraged me to try something unfamiliar. I also enjoyed the creative workshops and spending time with the others outside the organised activities. These moments allowed us to talk, laugh, and get to know each other better. For future exchanges, I would suggest including more outdoor and team-building activities. I would also provide more free time for participants to form friendships. More introductory activities at the beginning could help shy or nervous participants feel comfortable more quickly.
My three most memorable experiences were travelling to Belgium, forming friendships with the other girls, and participating in the outdoor activities. Travelling was special for me because I haven't had many opportunities to visit other countries. The outdoor activities encouraged me to leave my comfort zone and try new things. By the end of the exchange, I felt more confident speaking English, meeting new people, and facing unfamiliar situations. I learned about teamwork, communication, independence, and respecting cultural differences. The camp showed me that people can form strong connections even when they come from different countries. Saying goodbye was the most difficult part because we had created many happy memories together, although I was also glad to return home. I came home with new friendships, greater confidence, and many stories to share.
I would recommend an Erasmus+ youth exchange to other young people because it is a wonderful opportunity to travel, learn, make friends, practice languages, and become more independent. It may feel scary at first, but it can become an unforgettable experience. The girls-only camp in Belgium helped me learn more about other people and about myself. It is an experience that I will always remember.
