Travel Learn and Discover EU

“Thanks to this project, I met wonderful people, discovered many beautiful places and made my dreams come true…”

I am very thankful that I had a chance to go on this journey and participate in the project. Thanks to this project, I met wonderful people, discovered many beautiful places and made my dreams come true. I was positively surprised by the kindness of the Italians, their approachability and the everlasting smile on their faces. I was also surprised by the charges for using cutlery or glasses.

I loved trying new things, my best memory is having dinner on one of the Venetian islands. During one day of our trip: we sailed on the boat to Murano Island, escaped from the huge group of tourists and the city bustle, ran through the grass, sat by the water looking at the beautiful views – this is one of those memories that will be with me for the rest of my days.

Another such memory is surely the visit in Como, swimming in the water with the view of the Alps. Together with Justyna and Laura we floundered in the icy water to get to the mini waterfall at the beginning of the lake. The biggest obstacle was probably tiredness, the weight of a backpack, and travelling through 4 countries in one day.

Primarily, I would like to express my gratitude for being given such an opportunity. This changed a lot in my life as I noticed that travelling does not have to be so difficult at all. I would like to thank my co-participants and the great leader – all of us supported each other during every crisis.

We encourage you to participate in non-formal learning mobilities because this is an inimitable experience, we can discover wonderful places as well as ourselves. I highly recommend such trips to my peers!

Filipina
Filipina, 18 years old | Discover it Yourself Travel through different European countries

“The organisation of this trip on my own was a really interesting experience for me. in the group I was travelling with…”

This trip was and will definitely be an unforgettable experience for me. Right from the beginning, we had guaranteed great support from LEVEL UP. You could also take English classes if you were not confident in this language. Personally, I did not take such classes, but I know a lot of participants took advantage of that.

The whole organisation of the project was very affordable. The organisation of this trip on my own was a really interesting experience for me. I had an opportunity to see a huge part of Europe: the Czech Republic, Croatia, Austria and northern Italy. We visited Prague, Vienna, Zagreb, Venice, Verona, Milan, Como and Zurich.

From all of those places, Como was by far the most memorable. We spent a day at the lake together with other teenagers from all over the world, bathing in the warm water among the Alps. I also tried authentic pizza, Venetian carbonara, gelato, Czech dumplings, and much more. I even visited museums like the Venice Glass Museum or Belvedere Museum in Vienna.

Personally, I love travelling by trains. Obviously, not everything went according to the plan, but this taught me that it is possible to get out of any difficult situation. I am very happy that I could break the language barrier. After personally booking seats and asking conductors for help, I can confidently say that my English does not have to be perfect to make my dreams come true.

Additionally, I have to mention the amazing girls with whom I realized my trip! We got along great from the first day. These trips are a great opportunity for growth, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone who has the chance.

Justyna
Justyna, 18 years old | Discover it Yourself Travel through different European countries

“We are going to remember such moments and think about how they influenced our journey for the rest of our lives…”

After the project, I already know how not to organise and not get emotional over such a trip. First of all, you should not stress more than necessary. If you split big goals into smaller ones – they suddenly appear achievable. Secondly, you should not have a closed mind. The more we open up, the more values we notice.

Thirdly, do not hesitate to leave your comfort zone and meet new people. Friendships made here may be for the rest of your life. Fourthly, try local food and languages. Local people are often willing to introduce you to their world. Pizza in Warsaw is not going to taste the same as the one in Venice! 😉

Fifthly, be brave but prudent. Sixthly, do not forget about basic human gratitude. Gratitude for the sunrise, the rainfall, the untypical way to the destination, and of course for the opportunity from LEVEL UP!

I encourage you to participate in non-formal learning mobilities because this is the opportunity to “open the window to the world”. Independent trips are an important element of becoming independent. Memories and experiences are those things that build our “self”. We are going to remember such moments for the rest of our lives.

Laura
Laura, 18 years old | Discover it Yourself Travel through different European countries

“We were surprised by local people who offered their help and gave us smiles every step of the way…”

First and foremost, I have incredible memories and experiences from the project. As the Team Leader, I learned how to work with people I recently met, how to work under pressure of time, and how to relieve stress in nervous situations.

I met wonderful people in my group with whom I hope to keep in touch for many years. We discovered new cuisines, especially Italian flavours. We were surprised by local people who offered their help and gave us smiles every step of the way.

I am thankful that I could participate in this project. It taught me new things, and the memories will stay with me forever. During the whole trip, I received a lot of support from LEVEL UP. I would like to express my gratitude to the organization and my group for their active participation.

I encourage you to participate in non-formal learning mobilities because this is a great experience and it brings many practical skills into your life.

Marcelina
Marcelina | Discover it Yourself Travel through different European countries

“The project let me experienced incredible and unforgettable adventures…”

I will remember my journey for the rest of my life. The project let me experience incredible adventures. I had the opportunity to get to know different cultures, meet people my age, and see breathtaking views. I learned how to work under pressure and adapt to a changing environment.

Thanks to this trip, I found out that my favourite cuisine is Italian. The most delicious lasagna I have ever eaten was in a local restaurant, not to mention the tiramisu in Venice. Venice is an incredible city with picturesque streets and public transportation that consists only of boats – it really surprised me!

I am deeply grateful for the freedom with which we were able to plan our trip. I encourage you to participate in such mobilities because it is an opportunity to get to know yourself. You will find out how you react in unpredictable situations and learn what your strengths are.

Marta
Marta, 18 years old | Discover it Yourself Travel through different European countries

“Every country, we visited, had its own and unique charm…”

The project allowed me to see how life looks in other countries and admire nature that cannot be seen in Poland. Every country we visited had its own unique charm. It also allowed me to appreciate aspects of Poland that are missing elsewhere.

During the trip, I met an awesome girl named Maria on the train. She was born in Italy but had Egyptian parents and spoke three languages. It was interesting to hear her try to say “Hi” in Polish – she accidentally said the word for “father-in-law” instead! This encounter showed me that humans are truly social beings.

The project taught me independence and responsibility. I learned how to manage stress, budget well, and find compromises within a group. It showed me that even with “poor” English, you can get help. I remember a pharmacist who was incredibly helpful when I had a cold sore – she explained everything despite the language barrier.

I am very grateful to LEVEL UP, especially to Vice President Justyna Panevska and Ms. Agnieszka Pawłowska-Kalinowska, for their commitment and belief in us. Without them, ambitious students who don’t necessarily have the best grades wouldn’t have these memories. I also thank my siblings for their support during the trip.

Try it and you will see how many benefits it can bring. The journey itself is the answer to questions we didn’t even know we had. No one can take these observations away from us.

Oliwia
Oliwia, 18 years old | Discover it Yourself Travel through different European countries
Source: levelupngo.com/discover-it-yourself-venice/