START ME UP – APV

START ME UP - APV

"Hey Jaro, there's an open spot for Erasmus+ in Italy, are you in?" This is how my fourth adventure began in May 2023. Since I received the Erasmus recommendation from a friend who frequently participates in Erasmus programs, I knew it was a serious project. It was May 24, 2023, and I embarked on my fourth Erasmus trip. However, this time it was my first time flying. And straight to Venice! I had a slight stress about the flight, but there was nothing to fear. The airport staff was kind, my luggage was fine, and so my journey could continue to the Italian city of Valdagno for the APV (Advance Planning Visit) of the START ME UP project.

In Valdagno, the project organizer, Alexandra, was already waiting for me, along with a group of leaders from Germany, Spain, and Romania. Together, we had a delicious dinner and got to know each other better. The next morning, the program of our short-term leadership meeting officially began. We went to see the local organization, reviewed the program from the PDF we had received in advance, and planned out the days of the program. In June, when we come for the youth exchange, we will go on a small hike and a trip to a city – we will decide between Venice and Verona. The project's theme is ecology, so we will not only talk about the topic but also have activities in nature. The rest of the APV program was as follows: we visited a local park with a beehive, they invited us for a delicious lunch, and in the afternoon, we went to the town of Recoaro, the place where we will be accommodated in June. On the last day, as part of the journey back to Slovakia, I also ran into the center of Venice – a beautiful city, full of tourists, gondolas, culture, and musical instruments from street artists. That atmosphere cannot be described, you have to experience it.

I highly recommend everyone who has ever considered an Erasmus+ project to go. Like me, you can step out of your comfort zone. If you haven't flown yet, you will fly. If you don't speak perfect English, it's okay, you will learn. You will meet great people, discover interesting places, and have experiences for a lifetime.

Last but not least, I want to thank the Youthfully Yours SK organization for facilitating these projects for young people, a big thank you.