At Youth Works Hub, we love sharing the real journeys of our community. This time, we are proud to feature Serena, a 21 year old from Sicily, Italy. She started taking part in DiscoverEU, Erasmus+ projects and training courses at 19, and today she has visited around 30 countries. Here is her story, in her own words.
Hi, my name is Serena Valentino
I’ve faced my share of disappointments in life—regarding university, friendships, and love.
But I’ve also been incredibly lucky to travel and meet new people, which introduced me to the world of DiscoverEU, Erasmus+ projects, training courses, and more.
I started participating in these projects at 19, and now, at 21, I’ve visited around 30 or 31 countries.
During the time I was involved in these projects, I struggled with anorexia nervosa; the projects themselves played a huge role in helping me overcome that fear. Today, I am a healthy person who loves learning about new cultures, and I’ve made new friends—including my best friend.
The projects I’ve loved the most focused on sustainability, fashion, music, depression, cybersecurity, and so on.
My English used to be terrible, but thanks to these projects and the chance to travel the world, I learned the language not by studying it, but by speaking it.
This is my story.
What is DiscoverEU? 🚆
DiscoverEU is an Erasmus+ action that gives 18 year olds a travel pass to explore Europe, mainly by train, plus a discount card for accommodation, culture, sports and local transport.
In the October 2026 round:
📅 Applications run from 1 to 15 October 2026 (12:00 Brussels time)
🎂 You must be born between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2008
🚆 You can travel for up to 7 days within a period of up to one month, between 1 March 2027 and 31 May 2028
🌍 You must be a citizen or resident of an EU Member State, an Overseas Country or Territory associated with the EU, or Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia or Türkiye
👭 You can apply alone or in a group of up to 5 people
Because eligibility is based on your birth year and not on your exact age on the day you travel, it is completely normal to be 19 during your trip, and someone born in early 2008 could even be 20. Read our full guide: What Is DiscoverEU? Free Rail Travel Across Europe.
What are Erasmus+ projects? 🌍
Erasmus+ is the EU programme for education, training, youth and sport, with a budget of more than 26 billion EUR for 2021 to 2027. Since it started in 1987, over 16 million people have taken part. Here are two Erasmus+ formats open to young people:
🤝 Youth Exchanges: short group projects of 5 to 21 days, not counting travel, that bring together young people aged 13 to 30 from different countries, with a group leader who is at least 18. Learn more in our guide to Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges.
🎓 Training courses: part of Erasmus+ mobility for youth workers. Activities last 2 to 60 days, not counting travel, participants must be at least 16, and there is no upper age limit. See our guide to Erasmus+ Training Courses.
For the full picture, read What Is Erasmus+? The Complete Guide.
What Serena's story shows 💙
As Serena's story shows, these projects are about far more than the activity itself: new friendships, a language you learn by using it, and changes that stay with you long after you come home. You can read more about this side of the experience in The Untold Truths of Erasmus+, in what a Youth Exchange is really like and in our tips on making friends while on a project.
If you are thinking about your own wellbeing before or during a project, our guide to mental health and wellbeing abroadis a good place to start.
Want to read another community story? Here is Mariam's ESC journey in Tallinn.
FAQ ❓
Can you be 19 on a DiscoverEU trip?
Yes. Eligibility is based on your birth year. In the October 2026 round, applicants must be born in 2008 and can travel between 1 March 2027 and 31 May 2028, so many people travel at 19.
How long is an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange?
A Youth Exchange lasts 5 to 21 days, not counting travel, and is open to young people aged 13 to 30.
Is there an age limit for Erasmus+ training courses?
Participants must be at least 16, and there is no upper age limit.
Share your story 💌
Thank you, Serena, for trusting us with your story 💙
Have your own DiscoverEU, Erasmus+ or ESC story? Send it to us and we will feature it here, so other young people can see what is possible.
Ready to start your own journey? Learn how to find Erasmus+ and ESC projects or browse open Erasmus+ projects on Youth Works Hub.
