As a participant in Erasmus programs, including a year-long stint as an EVS (European Voluntary Service) volunteer in Budapest, I can say without hesitation that the experience has been one of the most enriching and rewarding of my life.

Before embarking on my Erasmus journey, I was unsure of what to expect. I knew that I would be living and working in a foreign country, and that there would be challenges to overcome, but I was excited about the prospect of immersing myself in a new culture and gaining new skills.

When I arrived in Budapest, I was greeted with a warm welcome from my host organization (TE IS – Tegyünk Együtt az Ifjúságért Alapítvány), which had arranged for my accommodation and provided me with a thorough orientation to the city. Over the course of the year, I worked with local NGOs and schools, organising training courses, teaching languages and other topics with non-formal education to children and teenagers, and participating in a variety of community-building activities.

Through my experiences in Budapest and other Erasmus programs since 2006, I learned so much about myself and about the world around me. I gained new language skills, developed my intercultural communication abilities, and expanded my professional network.

Perhaps most importantly, I was able to form deep and meaningful connections with people from all walks of life, both within and outside of my host organization. Whether through sharing meals, exploring the city, or engaging in community service projects, I was able to build relationships that will stay with me for a lifetime.

Looking back on my Erasmus experiences, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities that I had, and for the people who made them possible. I know that the skills and perspectives that I gained through my time in Budapest and other Erasmus programs will continue to shape my personal and professional life for years to come.

I gained skills for life and for jobs

The journey was filled with challenges and opportunities that allowed me to develop a wide range of skills that can be applied in various industries. For instance, as an EVS volunteer, I gained invaluable project management experience that has proven useful in my professional career.

I was responsible for organising various training courses, events and activities, from language classes to community service projects. I had to manage a budget, create schedules, and delegate tasks to volunteers. Through this experience, I learned how to plan and execute projects from start to finish, and how to manage people and resources effectively.

Another valuable skill that I developed through Erasmus is process lead. I worked with a variety of stakeholders, including local and international NGOs and schools, such as Zöld Kakas Líceum, to design and implement languages programs for children and teenagers and several non-formal education workshops.

This involved conducting needs assessments, developing curricula, and evaluating program outcomes. I had to lead discussions, facilitate workshops, and manage feedback loops. I learned how to identify areas for improvement, and how to create and implement effective strategies to achieve desired results.

I also developed my intercultural and communication skills. As an EVS volunteer in Budapest, and in the several projects that I have participated since 2006, I had the opportunity to work alongside people from diverse cultural backgrounds, each with their unique perspectives, customs, and values.

I had to learn how to navigate these differences and find common ground, which helped me develop my intercultural communication skills. I also had to learn to communicate effectively in a second language, which helped me develop my language and communication skills.

These skills have proven valuable in my professional life, where I work with colleagues and clients from different countries and cultures. Thanks to my Erasmus experiences, I am confident in my ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds, and I believe this is a skill that is increasingly important in our globalized world.

Overall, participating in Erasmus programs has helped me develop a diverse set of skills that are applicable in various industries. It has given me the confidence and knowledge to take on new challenges and pursue my career goals with passion and determination.

If you are considering participating in an Erasmus program, I encourage you to take the leap. Whether through a year-long EVS placement, short term volunteering opportunities, a short-term study exchange, or an internship in a new field, Erasmus offers the chance to expand your horizons, make new connections, and grow as a person. It may be challenging at times, but the rewards are immeasurable.

I would encourage anyone considering an Erasmus program to take the leap and embrace this life-changing experience. It will challenge you, but the rewards are well worth it.