This summer, young people from Macedonia had the opportunity to take part in the Erasmus+ youth exchange “Trailblazers: Learning with Nature 2” organized by NaturKultur, held in Berne, Germany. The Macedonian team was made up of Anamarija, who took on the role of team leader, David, Ana, Nikola, Anastasija, Nino, and Ina.

Far away from classrooms and everyday routines, the participants spent their days learning through direct experiences in nature. They slept in tents, took part in workshops, explored environmental topics, and discovered new ways of understanding and protecting the natural world. Living and learning together also challenged them to step outside their comfort zones, work as a team, communicate with people from different backgrounds, and build friendships across cultures.

But perhaps the most valuable lessons were the ones that could not be found in any textbook: learning to appreciate the environment, discovering their own strengths, and realizing how much can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.

Here is what the participants had to say about their experience:

AnaMarija: 

This youth exchange was a very unique one, especially because I signed up for the role of a team leader. While at the project, I had to take into consideration my team’s opinions about the program while also keeping up with the requests of the organizers, and this turned out to be the biggest challenge. It is not easy to satisfy a large group of mixed ages and backgrounds, but it was once again proven that when we all try and put others’ needs before our own, we can succeed no matter what.

On the other hand, I truly got to know many of the participants individually and connect even beyond the project, and for this chance, I am extremely grateful.

David: 

During my Erasmus+ camping project, I learned through nature, teamwork, and new experiences outdoors. Spending time in nature helped me develop new skills, become more confident, and appreciate the environment in a different way. This experience showed me that learning can happen outside the classroom, and I’m grateful for the opportunity Erasmus+ gave me.

Ana: 

This Erasmus+ project was one of the best experiences I could ever have. I learned so many new things that I could never learn at school. I met people whom I will never forget and became part of a community that will always have a special place in my heart. I also met people I know I can trust. I’m very grateful that I had the chance to be part of this project, and I would be more than happy to have another opportunity like this one.

Anastasija: 

This was my first Erasmus+ project, and it was awesome! I would definitely apply again. The memories and the feelings I experienced are irreplaceable. We connected so well with people from different nationalities, and that was the best part. Now I have friends all over the world.

Ina:

I didn’t expect this project to become such a big part of my summer, but it did. I laughed, learned, challenged myself, and met amazing people who made this experience unforgettable. We learned so many new things, discovered different cultures, and created friendships that I believe will last for a long time. I’m really grateful I had the chance to be part of this project, and I would do it all over again.

Nino:

This Erasmus+ project taught me that stepping outside my comfort zone is sometimes the best way to make unforgettable memories. I made so many new lifelong friends whom I already miss now that the project is over. I encourage anyone who is thinking about signing up for an Erasmus+ project to do it, because you will learn things that you will need in life and make memories you will never forget.

Nikola:

This was my first Erasmus+ project, and I really enjoyed it. I met new people from all over Europe, and everyone was nice and friendly. I gained camping experience, tried new food, and learned interesting facts about the participating countries.

Sometimes, the best memories are made under the open sky, around a campfire, through the challenges we overcome together, or in a simple conversation with someone from another part of the world. These are the moments that make an Erasmus+ experience special, moments that stay with us long after we return home. That is the true spirit of Erasmus+: to explore, to learn, to connect, and to return home with a little more of the world within you.

Nino Gjorgjievski and the team

Project partner: NaturKultur e.V.