🇵🇹 My 10 Days in Portugal: Finding My Voice Through Connection and Culture 🇮🇹🌍

By Lorenzo, 21, Italy

When I first heard about the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange in Portugal, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Ten days in a small coastal town, surrounded by people from six different countries — it sounded exciting, but also a little intimidating. I had never travelled alone before. ✈️

But from the moment I arrived, I knew something special was about to happen. The project brought together young people from Italy, Spain, Türkiye, France, Poland, and Denmark — each of us carrying different stories, accents, and perspectives. The theme was simple but powerful: “Finding Your Voice in a Connected World.”

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🎤 Learning to Express Myself

During the first days, we joined workshops on communication, identity, and public speaking. I remember standing in a circle, trying to introduce myself in a way that truly reflected who I was — not just “Lorenzo from Italy,” but someone curious, sometimes shy, and eager to learn.

The facilitators encouraged us to speak not just with words but with art, movement, and creativity. I painted for the first time since childhood, joined a spontaneous dance session with Spanish participants, and even performed a small monologue on stage. For a moment, fear disappeared — replaced by laughter and connection.

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🧩 Cultural Nights and Shared Stories

Every evening we had Intercultural Nights, where each country shared their traditions.
I’ll never forget the night of the Turkish group — they brought music, dance, and desserts that filled the whole room with energy. The Polish team sang a folk song that gave everyone goosebumps, and the French group made us laugh with a mock “Paris fashion show.”

When it was Italy’s turn, we made bruschetta, played a round of Guess the Italian gesture, and ended with a group karaoke of “Volare.” Everyone joined in — off-key, but full of heart. 🎶

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🌅 Moments That Stay With You

Our accommodation was a youth centre near the ocean. Every morning, I’d wake up early to watch the sunrise over the waves. Those quiet minutes became my favourite part of the day — a reminder that I was far from home, yet somehow exactly where I needed to be.

We did team challenges on the beach, group reflections under the stars, and community activities with local residents. One afternoon, I talked with an elderly fisherman who told me, “The sea teaches you patience and courage.” I wrote that sentence in my notebook — and I still read it sometimes when I need motivation.

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💙 What I Took Home

When the last day arrived, we sat together in a circle to share our feelings. No one wanted to say goodbye. Some cried, others smiled quietly, holding on to memories and contact lists full of new friends.

From this Youth Exchange, I didn’t just bring back photos or souvenirs — I brought confidence, empathy, and a stronger sense of who I am.
Before Portugal, I often doubted my abilities. After Portugal, I knew I could handle more than I thought.

That’s the magic of Erasmus+: you arrive as one person and leave as another — more open, more inspired, and more connected to Europe than ever. 🌍✨

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💬 Lorenzo’s Message to Future Participants

If you’re thinking, “Maybe one day I’ll join a project,” — don’t wait for someday.
Apply. Pack your bag. Go.
The best version of yourself might be waiting in another country. 💙

📎 Discover Erasmus+ opportunities: https://youthworkshub.org