Merhaba guys,
I’m Liliia from Ukraine who came to Ankara for a volunteering project and I’m here writing foryou to claim that international youth projects completely changed my life. That version of me from last year couldn’t even imagine that she would be able to overpower herself, comealone to another country and feel absolutely free and comfortable there.
As I reflect on my journey, I realize how international projects like Erasmus and ESC have played a pivotal role in shaping me into the confident individual I am today.
It not only broadened my horizons but also helped me conquer my fear of interacting with people fromdiverse backgrounds. Before going on my Erasmus exchange program, any thought of such experience with strangers from different cultures made me feel strong anxiety. I was always full of self-doubt and feared that I wouldn't fit in or be able to communicate effectively. However, leaving my comfort zone was the first step towards huge self-discovery. And believe me, nowhere else I was doing that often as on international projects. But that is exactly what made me grow up. Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds in foreign language, which was something unreal for me, became a daily occurrence. From shared meals to collaborative projects, all of this was a little leap forward to expand my worldview. As I immersed myself in conversationsand language exchange sessions, I felt the language barrier literally fading more and more every day. One average day, when we were just sitting and discussing life with girls I realised that I don’t feel embarrassed while speaking English anymore.
Yes, I still make mistakes, but who doesn’t? It was not just about that, but about gaining that self-confidence I was craving for a long time. I learnt to navigate cultural nuances and embrace differences, realizing that diversity is not a barrier but a bridge to understanding! Moreover, this sense of independence gained through living abroad revealed some resilience within me. Basic things like grocery shopping or navigating public transportation, gave me a sense of self-reliance. I discovered strengths I never knew I possessed, proving to myself that I was capable of overcoming challenges independently. And everyone should remember that you will never find out your possibilities without crossing your own borders. In retrospect, this experience in my life was not just about acquiring new skills; it was about a complete personal transformation. Through Erasmus and ESC, I discovered the power of stepping outside my comfort zone, embracing diversity, and exploring the unknown with confidence. As I continue on my journey, I get more and more invaluable lessons and the unwavering belief that with courage and stubbornness anything is possible!!!
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Believe in yourselves. Thank you for your attention.