“Participating in the Youth Exchange Evolution Challenge in Xàtiva, Spain through BRAVO was a unique experience that blended cultural exchange and individual growth. We were sharing the hostel premise with another project which gave us an opportunity to build an atmosphere where every moment of interaction was turned into a learning experience from one another. Throughout the program, we interacted with over ten nations’ participants, who shared their own tradition, thoughts, and opinions, creating friendships across borders.
For me the cultural evenings were the highlight. We co-hosted with the Portuguese group, and others presented traditions from Itlay, Slovenia, Turkey, Romania, believe it or not India and many more. The nights were filled with music, dance, food, and games in celebration of diversity.
In addition to the cultural exchange, the program’s activities encouraged us to reflect on adulthood and independence. Through sharing practical advice and personal experiences, we not only learned from one another but also strengthened key skills such as teamwork, adaptability, and communication. We also had the chance to briefly explore Valencia, giving us the opportunity to connect even more with the Spanish culture.” – Nadija Džolota
“As a senior in college, I wanted to join this youth exchange to explore other cultures, meet new people, and prepare myself for the adult world I am about to enter. Some of the workshops covered topics I was already familiar with, but I valued the chance to share my knowledge with others. At the same time, there were areas I personally struggled with, and I was grateful to receive guidance and new perspectives.
The most impactful part of the project was the human connection, interacting and building relationships with people I might never have met otherwise. Learning about different cultures and countries in such an engaging and interactive way was inspiring and eye-opening. I feel incredibly grateful to now have friends across Europe, from Greece to Romania, who I can visit and stay connected with. I will carry these lessons with me into adulthood and look forward to sharing the knowledge and experiences I gained with those around me.” – Ajna Čekić
“My experience in Xativa, Spain was truly transformative. During the youth exchange, I took part in workshops designed to build independence and practical life skills. These sessions focused on everyday responsibilities like cooking, cleaning, and managing a household, and they helped me gain confidence in areas I had not fully explored before. It was less about simply doing chores and more about learning how to approach them in a structured and sustainable way.
Cativa itself is a charming city, with beautiful streets, warm people, and a pace of life that made it easy to feel at home. The cultural exchange was one of the most enriching aspects. I was able to learn about Spanish traditions while also sharing my own culture, creating meaningful connections with people from different backgrounds.
This combination of independence, community learning, and cultural discovery made my time in Xativa unforgettable. It wasn’t just about visiting a new place, it was about building skills for life and understanding how culture shapes the way we live and connect with others”
– Muhamed Matar
“Attending the youth exchange Evolution Challenge in Xàtiva, Spain was an unforgettable experience that deeply impacted me. Over the course of the program, I had the chance to connect with young people from different countries, each bringing unique perspectives and stories. I loved the sense of community we built together and the friendships that grew so naturally in such a short time.
Through workshops and activities, I gained valuable insights into what it means to transition into adulthood and the skills I need to succeed in life, such as communication, adaptability, and teamwork. I learned new approaches to problem-solving and how important it is to stay open-minded when facing challenges.
This exchange not only helped me grow personally but also broadened my worldview. It inspired me to believe more in myself, take responsibility for my future, and stay curious about learning from others. The memories, lessons, and people I met in Xàtiva will stay with me for a lifetime!”
– Sara Purković