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I am a first-year law student in Tbilisi… I was shocked when they told me my first try to participate in “ERASMUS+” project was successful and I was going to Portugal.

The first thing the project gave me was here in Georgia – other Georgian awesome students who were coming with me. We had to prepare some activities together for our cultural night, plan our trip in Porto, and generally, get ready for the journey and the project. I got to know them well and our friendship has been strengthened during the project.

At the start, I had to face a few difficulties. I did not even know how to book a hostel abroad, flying tickets and other stuff like that. To be honest, I was afraid, since it was my first time and I was not sure how I would manage some difficulties and how I would communicate in English, but I had great expectations and I was right.

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My team decided to stay two days in Porto before the project. I’ve spent wonderful time in the magical city – exploring the city, getting to know with locals and foreigners, tasting traditional wine and meals… It was awesome! And the time has come, when we were to go to Vila Nova De Tazem, lovely and peacefully village.The youth exchange program was definitely challenging for me. During the program I have been seeing how I was growing up personally, how my language is getting better and how I was overcoming my fears and complexes. I am so thankful for the atmosphere created by the Erasmus + students and the society, which helped me to develop in so many different ways. They were so caring, they were not motivated to find something bad in you, to catch some mistakes and laugh at.. Instead of this they were ready to help you any time you want, I was feeling from them their huge desire to become my friends, to have communications with me, have fun together and get closer.

There are many problems about gender equality in the world and especially, in Georgia. We shared and compared our experiences and had some good discussions about the problematic aspects of the matter. We have spoken about other important issues, such as problems of educational system, climate action, peace, justice and not only, we shared our personal interests, hobbies, opinions and so on. We all have made our contribution in making a difference and making the world a better place to live, at least, for a bit.

During the project, we’ve visited a cheese factory, winery, explored amazing nature in Vila Nova De Tazem; met school and university students in the beautiful city of Seia. I got to know with Portuguese culture and not only with Portuguese one, because we had different countries’ cultural nights every evening. I learned a lot about these countries, tasted their cuisine, and learned their dances, as well. All of this helped me to broaden my mind by gaining wonderful experiences.

The project, which was my first “ERASMUS+” project, is great motivation for me, not to stop, continue doing something beneficial. Participating in the project made me feel that I am worthy, I am not working hard in vain and I have achieved something.  Before writing the essay, I’ve read my motivation and expectations letters, which I had written in my application and I am proud to say, that the project exceeded my expectations.

In the end, I have to thank my parents, NGO BITISI, project organizers and all my intercultural friends for making this week the best one of my whole life.   

I tried so hard, but it’s almost impossible to express your feelings and experiences about Erasmus + with words. You have to experience it! Now what I know for sure is that Erasmus+ is like a drug – if you try it once, you will become addicted to it.