NEWS

Discover EU Inclusion

Adventure

Hunters

08.08.2024 - 27.08.2024

A Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth

About the Project

This page aims to share the amazing experience of our young participants who embarked on a 20-day journey across Europe. Funded by Erasmus+ DiscoverEU Inclusion, the project was designed to empower these young individuals by addressing their personal challenges and equipping them with valuable life skills.

The project began with their desire to overcome the challenges they faced in their daily lives. As ambitious youngsters, they sought to step outside their comfort zones, explore the world, and gain skills that would help them grow personally and culturally.

Our Objectives

The project focused on two main objectives:

1st Objective

To build the participants’ self-confidence by encouraging them to make independent decisions and manage challenges during the journey.

2nd Objective

To expand participants’ personal and cultural horizons through meaningful interactions with diverse communities and cultures.

Desire to grow

Driven by their motivation to grow, the participants played an active role in every stage of the project, from planning the itinerary to organizing logistics. With guidance from their group leader and support from ARYAS NGO, the project became more than a journey, it was an opportunity for them to embrace new experiences, develop critical life skills, and foster a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity.

Our Journey

The Adventure Hunters journey took participants through Hungary, Austria, Italy, and Spain over 20 days, offering them the chance to experience Europe’s cultural diversity and grow personally. The group explored iconic landmarks like the Doge’s Palace in Venice or the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, learning about history, art, and local traditions.

Traveling by train and public transport, they prioritized sustainability while managing all logistics themselves, from accommodations to daily activities. Reflection sessions and travel journals allowed them to track their growth and document their experiences.

Live, Explore, Grow!

Key Results

Increased Self-Confidence

Participants gained independence by managing travel logistics, making decisions, and overcoming challenges on their own.

Enhanced Cultural Awareness

Through interactions with local communities and visits to cultural landmarks, participants developed a deeper understanding and appreciation of European diversity.

Improved Life Skills

The journey fostered skills like problem-solving, communication, adaptability, and teamwork.

Commitment to Sustainability

Participants practiced eco-friendly behaviors such as using public transport, reducing waste, and supporting local businesses.

Broader Impact

The project inspired peers through social media posts, presentations, and a project video, showcasing the value of Erasmus+ DiscoverEU opportunities.

Our Mathematics

Numbers behind our adventure:

0

Days around Europe

0

Countries to explore

0

Cities to discover

0

New friendships

50

Kilometers to travel

0

Museums to visit

0

Times we got lost

0

Trains to change

ALL

Places to come back

Testimonials

“It was the most intense journey of my life, exceeding all my expectations, and I left with a bundle of memories and experiences I will never forget. I am extremely grateful for having had this opportunity to travel at the age of 18, something I never imagined possible. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience and undoubtedly learned multiple life lessons from this project. I encountered difficulties at every step, but the most important thing is that we managed to overcome them with calmness and a desire to stay united and communicate any issues that arose.“

“DiscoverEU gave me the opportunity to explore a variety of destinations, each with its own culture, history, and traditions. I was able to discover Europe’s diversity in an authentic and personal way. This experience contributes to a deeper understanding of different cultures and an appreciation of the historical heritage of each region.”

“Traveling by train across Europe was an absolutely incredible experience! At 18, I wanted to explore as many places as possible and live a true adventure, and this way of traveling proved to be perfect. The ability to hop from city to city without the stress of airports allowed me to enjoy every moment and discover breathtaking landscapes along the way.

I love how free you feel when traveling by train, especially when you have the chance to pass through cities and regions you might not have otherwise seen. I had the opportunity to meet interesting fellow travelers, make spontaneous stops, and take the time to admire each destination. Moreover, I realized just how sustainable traveling this way can be!

Every stop, from relaxing beaches to historic monuments, brought something new. This journey opened my eyes to Europe’s cultural diversity and taught me to appreciate each experience. In a way, I rediscovered my passion for adventure and exploration.“

Fun stories…

"One evening in Barcelona, we decided to explore the El Born neighborhood. We stopped at a small local restaurant to try tapas and were pleasantly surprised by how friendly the locals were. A bartender noticed our struggle with the Spanish menu and stepped in to help, offering excellent suggestions and patiently explaining each dish. By the end of the evening, we had even made friends and spent the rest of the night together, listening to traditional Spanish music and dancing flamenco."

"While trying to buy a souvenir in Barcelona, I wanted to ask for a bracelet in Spanish but accidentally said “pescado” (fish) instead of “pulsera” (bracelet). The shopkeeper started laughing, and I joined in once I realized my mistake. I left with the desired bracelet and a funny story I’ll always remember."

"In Venice, I got separated from my group in the crowded city and wandered alone through its maze-like streets. Instead of panicking, I decided to explore and discovered charming places I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. After a few hours of adventure, I reunited with my group, turning the experience into a memorable part of the day."

"One afternoon in Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona, we decided to visit the botanical garden. While admiring the exotic plants, we noticed a group of cats roaming freely around the park. One of them approached us and started playing with my backpack, catching our attention. It was amusing to see how the cats had their own "play area" in the botanical garden, and we spent a few playful moments with them."

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What was the most important lesson?

The most important lesson I learned during this journey was how essential it is to be open to whatever comes, embrace spontaneity, and not fear the unknown.

I realized that the most memorable moments were not necessarily the ones planned in advance but the unexpected ones: conversations with strangers, small discoveries made while wandering without a fixed destination, or spontaneous stops in less touristy spots.

The most important lesson I learned from the DiscoverEU journey was the importance of efficient communication within a group. I realized that good collaboration among all team members is essential for things to run smoothly, especially when traveling. Through open discussions and sharing responsibilities, we managed to handle challenges and enjoy every experience. Clear communication helped us avoid misunderstandings and organize ourselves better, making the trip much more enjoyable and memorable for everyone.

The most important lesson I learned during the DiscoverEU journey was to appreciate and cherish the present moment.

In a world often hectic and filled with distractions, I realized how essential it is to live every moment fully and to enjoy the experiences I am living now, without worrying too much about the future or dwelling too much on the past.

If I could do something differently, I think I would try to manage my budget better. In my enthusiasm to explore as much as possible, I sometimes spent without thinking too much, and I wish I had been more mindful. Also, perhaps I would have chosen to spend more time in certain places instead of trying to see as many destinations quickly. Sometimes, it’s more valuable to explore in depth than to rush.

This experience showed me that, no matter where the journey takes you, it’s important to enjoy the travel itself, not just the destination!

The project “Adventure Hunters” was financed with the support of European Commission through Erasmus+ Programme. This blog reflects only the author’s views, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.