What have I learned during this project?
At first, of course I learned a lot of hard skills such as starting a fire, correctly packing a backpack and cooking food on a fire. I understood the concept of living in the nature in tents, I learned how to dress correctly for temperature, the basics of first aid, and some self-defense moves. The workshop about Estonian nature helped me to learn animal species like snakes, ticks, dangerous flies and how to behave with them. Now I can say that I probably would have stayed alive if I got lost in the forest. Like, it’s possible and I know a lot about surviving.
But the most effect on my life was given by the 30km hike. I am not a person who likes walking, so this hike took enormous amounts of my effort. In my usual life I have a tendency to drop things when I feel like they are too hard for me. Well, while hiking I only had two choices: complete the hike or give up (and probably die in the forest xD). So the second option didn’t really excite me.
After around 6 hours of walking, I started to understand how to control my pain, emotions and thoughts. I just had to go until the end, it was like a challenge to me. I can probably say that this experience was the hardest in my life. After the hike I healed my blisters, my skin on my feet and that was all. I learned to control my mind state during stressful situations, handle pain and focus on the goal. These were the most valuable things for me.
I was very impressed by the people I met there, and I really learned a lot from them. I fell in love with Spanish people so much that I decided to learn Spanish language this year!
People there had a big effect on me with their personalities, their open-mindedness and their love for this world. It’s much easier for me to express and show my thoughts, feelings after being in such a tolerant and supporting group. I started to notice a lot of new habits for me in my usual routine. For example: I eat less, I hear people easier than before, I look people straight in the eyes, I started running, I am not triggered with disagreements with people, I am more confident in myself, and overall I feel amazing after this project. And I feel like it’s because of the people and my environment which I was surrounded by during this project.
My brightest memory
My favorite moment of the project was totally the sauna! Alesja hit us with birch branches, we discussed corruption, homophobia and cultures overall. And then we jumped all together into the river! It was amazing, I felt our team spirit while we were plunging at one, two, three holding our hands.
This evening I was without my glasses and without my shoes so I was like a blind puppy. I was very surprised when suddenly everyone started to offer their help. Guys held my hands, gave me their shoes, and carried me on the back. I felt so appreciated. After it we were staring at the stars, the night was very beautiful.
I am incredibly grateful for this project! Thank you very much for giving me this unforgettable opportunity ♡♡♡
Jelizaveta Anushkina, 17 years old
This was my first project, and I couldn’t imagine that I would be able to learn so many interesting things. I don’t have only one thing that this youth exchange taught me. Maybe the most important thing that I learned is not to be afraid to show your emotions. Because in the project all people were emotional, they were not scared to show real emotions. When they wanted to cry, they cried, and when they wanted to laugh, they were laughing.
If you needed help, you could always ask for assistance from them and they were always happy to help you. I will never forget the people on this youth exchange. I learned how to be calm and listen to other people. It wasn’t too hard to listen to each other in the workshops, because all the workshops were interesting.
After the project I became more positive, because the environment was friendly and safe.
I said that it was my first youth exchange, but it also was my first hike. Now I know how to survive in the forest and live in a tent. Now I know how to count my strength. After the hike I became stronger physically and mentally. It was a very interesting experience. I want to go to more projects related to nature, or just go to other youth exchanges in the future!
Carina Vassiljeva, 15
I don’t think I have one specific memory from the youth exchange, because every day was special for me and I have a lot of good memories. I met amazing people and from the first day they seemed very good and kind to me. They always wanted to help you and it was so cute. Everyone was very friendly and open and it was unusual for me, because there are few such people in my environment.
I think that my life after the project was changed for the better. I became much calmer and happier. I learned to enjoy the little things.
It was the best days of my summer and of my life, too. I have only good impressions from my first project, and I’m so grateful for this opportunity. And of course, I have improved my English, which I am very happy about.
There is nothing that I didn’t like. Maybe only the first hiking expedition, because it was 27 km long, but it was a really interesting experience and it made me stronger afterwards. I really liked the workshops about mental health, because it’s really important for people of our age. I learned how to work in teams with people from other countries, and learned a lot about the culture and traditions of other countries which now I really want to visit.
I will never forget it. I miss everyone and hope that we will meet again on another project.
Laura Vlassova, 15
Initially, I perceived this project as a good way to relax with a good company. I thought that I would learn English and get some new knowledge, but I didn’t have particularly high hopes for the project. It turned out that I was wrong.
Already in the first days, even before the outdoor part, I was surprised by the participants from other countries, their culture and their friendliness. We talked a lot and spent time together, we had a lot of topics for discussion. I also really remember our activities, such as a sauna evening and a hike to the swamp.
During the entire project, we were taught a lot. I already knew something, but many things were new. Sometimes there were difficult moments, such as the first day of the hike, when we had to walk 27 km. It was hard, but our team leaders constantly helped us (thank them very much), and the rest of the way was easier, even considering the rain. It was also very sad to leave.
During these days, we became very close. In conclusion, I want to say thank you to the organizers, team leaders and other participants for such a wonderful trip that gave me so many emotions.
Ilian Tommik, 17
Check out the project’s photo album