Youth Exchange Blog: "PowerUp!" in Viroinval, BELGIUM by Lisänn

I decided to join the project because it took place in the summer when I had more time and I didn't have to stress about school. I haven't participated in projects before and didn't have any special expectations, I was more curious about what would happen.

What I did before the program was to make sure that I had all the necessary paperwork and insurance. During the project, I contributed by participating in activities and talking to people.

During the project, my English improved, and I also realized that you don't need perfect English to communicate with others because body language is always there. And there wasn't one specific activity that I liked the most because all the activities were very enjoyable and fun.

Next time I will think more carefully about what to bring and what not to bring.

Most memorable are those moments when people are just chatting and it's all surrounded by laughter. The most painful but at the same time heartwarming moment was saying goodbye and making agreements that this would not be the last meeting. I didn't have to feel homesick during the project because the people I spend time with are just so nice and lovely.

Yes, I would recommend youth exchanges because you can't get that kind of experience and immersion in the language anywhere but on projects like this.