Hi! My name is Martyna, but everyone knows me as Tina. Thanks to Euromed Eve Polska, I had the incredible opportunity to take part in an Erasmus+ project in Ankara, Turkey — and honestly, it was one of the most enriching experiences of my life.From the very beginning, I felt something special was about to happen. I met so many inspiring, open-minded, and easygoing people from different countries and backgrounds. Everyone brought something unique to the group — knowledge, stories, experiences, talents. It amazed me how naturally we connected, despite our differences. In fact, those differences didn’t separate us — they brought us closer together and made our group even stronger. I never expected to feel so comfortable and in sync with people I had just met, but it happened effortlessly. We shared laughter, ideas, late-night talks, and unforgettable moments that I’ll carry with me for a long time.One of the most beautiful parts of this experience was the cultural exchange. We didn’t just talk about our cultures — we got to live and feel them. I had the chance to try traditional foods, learn dances, and even wear a traditional Turkish outfit, which was such a fun and meaningful moment. Everyone was proud to share a piece of where they came from, and it made me realize how important and powerful it is to celebrate who we are and where we come from. Sharing those traditions brought us even closer together and made the experience feel even more personal and real.The setting of the project added another beautiful layer to everything. We lived at a horse club, surrounded by animals and nature, and that alone made a huge impact on me. I’ve never spent so much time outdoors or felt so close to nature. One of the most touching moments was when a cat gave birth to a litter of kittens while we were there. We had the chance to witness their first moments in the world and care for them during our last days. It’s hard to put into words how grounding and emotional that was. I never thought I’d say this, but this project didn’t just help me connect with people — it helped me connect with nature too.Of course, the project wasn’t just about bonding and spending time in a beautiful place. It was also about learning — and we learned a lot. We had workshops, discussions, and group tasks that made us think critically about important issues, especially the challenge of finding the truth in a world full of misinformation. I realized how difficult it can be these days to distinguish fact from fiction, especially online. We explored ways to recognize fake news, how to verify information, and how to be more conscious of what we consume and share on social media. One of the highlights of the project was taking part in a scientific conference, where we had the opportunity to reflect on everything we’d learned and experienced. It felt incredibly meaningful to see our participation recognized in such a formal setting — and during that event, we also received our Youthpass certificates. It was a proud and emotional moment, and a perfect way to wrap up the whole experience.Looking back, I gained so much more than I ever expected. I didn’t just learn new skills — I gained friendships, unforgettable memories, a deeper understanding of different cultures, and a stronger sense of who I am. Erasmus+ gave me the space to grow, to listen, to learn, and to see the world from different perspectives. It wasn’t just a trip abroad — it was a journey inward too. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.
