“It was an honor to take part in an Erasmus+ project that is a bit different from the others. We had the unique opportunity to experience the charm of a small village in Spain and explore it, especially the beauty of its nature. Despite the unexpected bad weather, we managed to complete all planned activities. Nothing stopped us from having an amazing time, we even managed to dip in ice-cold water of the lake in Carucedo.
People in this project were ready to learn about other cultures without judgement and prejudice. Within our group, we shared about our traditions and values with one another and, in the process, discovered reflections of ourselves and our cultures in each other’s. We found many unexpected similarities and came to a realization that we’re not so different after all. Unplanned events such as celebrating Easter together and two participants’ birthdays made this project so much more exciting for me.
I believe the Bosnian team did a great job representing Bosnia and Herzegovina to participants from other countries. We made a strong first step towards making BiH more known and recognized on the international level. I developed life-long friendships too, and that is why I think this project was a total success.”
– Emina Topić
“A journey that began with hesitation turned into one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. Carucedo, a small village in Spain about five hours from Madrid, might be tiny on the map, but it made a huge impact on our hearts. At first, we were skeptical. Being far from the city with limited access to stores felt like a challenge. But what seemed like a drawback became a gift – a chance to connect with nature and with each other on a deeper level.
The food was incredible – traditional Spanish dishes like paella, plenty of seafood, and unique daily meals made every moment exciting. The cozy wooden cabins were very comfortable, and the organizers made sure we were constantly engaged through creative activities, games, and team tasks. One of the most memorable moments was hiking to Las Médulas – a surreal UNESCO World Heritage site shaped by both nature and history. As our departure day approached, we realized it was never about the place but the journey and the people. Saying goodbye was emotional and we learned that it is never easy to let go of people that you deeply connected with, without knowing if you will actually ever see them again, but if the connection was real we will sure find our way to meet again. This project taught us respect, teamwork, openness, and breaking stereotypes – and in doing so, it fully achieved its goal.” – Anesa Zahiragić
“This youth exchange was definitely the best of the three Erasmus+ projects I have attended. It felt different for many reasons, mostly because I grew professionally more than in the others. I had the chance to explore myself through the 8 competences, which are very important for us.
It was also special because I finally got to express my passion for dance and found a dancing buddy—my roommate—who made me feel more confident. We enjoyed many activities like country presentations, energizers, hiking, and intercultural nights. Staying in the village of Carucedo made this experience unique. It taught us to embrace nature and disconnect from city life. We traveled to the nearby town of Ponferrada, which was a better option than being in the city or a hotel. Living in bungalows and waking up to songs from each of our countries played by the organizers was fun and different.
This project was also special because it was my first time traveling by plane, making it even more exciting. I’m happy we bonded well as a group of 30 people. The project was not only about learning and fun—it also included TED Talks where we shared personal stories, showing everyone’s fun and vulnerable sides. I developed skills in the 8 competences, improved my dancing and acting, and reconnected with childhood hobbies like drawing. Some activities were challenging, such as the math game “Earn as Much as Possible” and learning traditional dances, which were difficult but rewarding.
We also had fun playing Spanish and Estonian outdoor games and Spanish board games. One unforgettable moment was swimming in the freezing Carucedo Lake after hiking Las Médulas—it was brave and fun. Overall, the project was a perfect mix of learning, fun, sharing emotions, and discovering new interests. It was an experience I will always cherish.” – Džejla Đulić
“My experience on this project was truly unexpected in the best way possible. From the moment we left Bosnia and traveled all the way to Madrid, there was laughter and positive energy. I’m really glad that everyone got along so well. The team from other countries was also amazing — although at the beginning we were a bit skeptical and thought someone might be unpleasant, it turned out we became like a small family.
The organizers were incredibly kind and thoughtful. Since my birthday happened during the project, they went out of their way to take me to the city, and later even surprised me with a cake. That gesture really meant a lot to me.
As for the project itself, I truly enjoyed the cultural exchange aspect — learning about other countries’ traditions, dances, and customs was fascinating. At the same time, I felt proud to present our own culture. This experience was enriching both socially and personally, and I would definitely love to do it all over again.” – Nedim Omerčević