Experiences shared by the participants from Poland
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Experiences shared by the participants from Poland
Antonia 17 years old:
“The program took place in Serbia, in a small village called Kishegyes. Thanks to the exchange program, we had the opportunity to get to know the place and its people. We conducted a survey among locals about their basic knowledge of healthy eating habits and various diets.
Each day featured different activities that combined theoretical knowledge with practical application. We worked in different groups, which gave us the chance to meet new people from the Czech Republic, North Macedonia, Serbia, Hungary, Romania, and Poland. Together, we brainstormed, created recipes, and cooked meals. The sessions were based on the knowledge of the project organizers, but we also had the chance to meet and talk with a dietitian.
At the end of each day, cultural evenings were organized, where we learned about traditional dances, interesting facts, and signature dishes from the participating countries. Additionally, we went on a trip to Novi Sad, where we dined at a vegan restaurant and then had free time to explore the city.”
Piotrek, 16 years old:
The E+COOKBOOK=Equality project was my first ERASMUS+ trip, and although I had heard many stories beforehand, I had no idea what to expect.
I was told that everything depends on the other participants in the program. They turned out to be better than I could have ever imagined; there was time for fun, but we also had deep, engaging conversations. I am sure I will remember them for a long time.
The project itself, while incredibly enjoyable, also allowed me to better understand people with dietary needs different from my own. Before this trip, I approached the topic with little awareness, but this exchange completely changed my perspective. I gained a wealth of knowledge about different dietary requirements and also learned how to prepare food more mindfully.
When I arrived in Serbia, my knowledge of Balkan countries was minimal. What surprised me the most was the popularity of the Hungarian language and the high proportion of the Hungarian minority in this area. This piqued my interest so much that I started asking people from Balkan countries about it, and they gladly satisfied my curiosity.
For me, the organization was excellent, even though I have no frame of reference for this type of trip. The food was delicious, and there was no problem with asking for seconds. Although this was my first trip of this kind, I felt very comfortable – whether it was about using English or having confidence, neither was an issue before the project, and it stayed the same during it.
Ula 17 years old:
At the end of August, I participated in the E+COOKBOOK=Equality youth exchange, which focused on dietary restrictions.
As someone who has allergies, this topic was not unfamiliar to me – in fact, it was one of the main reasons I applied for the project. Although I had some doubts initially, the program exceeded all my expectations.
I learned a lot about various diets, dietary restrictions, and substitution options for certain ingredients. I am confident that this knowledge will be of great use to me in the coming years. Additionally, I significantly improved my teamwork and conflict-resolution skills. Sometimes, it wasn’t easy – especially on the final day, when we were preparing dishes for our collective cookbook. Everyone had their own ideas about how to organize the kitchen work, but in the end, we managed to find a compromise, and everything turned out great.
During the project, I also enhanced my English language skills. I found it easier and more fluent to communicate, got accustomed to different accents, and became more confident in using the language.
I was particularly pleased that six different countries participated in the project. This cultural diversity made the exchange even more exciting. I learned a lot about the customs and dances of the participating countries, and it was fascinating to compare beliefs, which often depended on where we came from.
Apart from the experiences and knowledge, the most important part of the exchange for me was the people I met. The whole group had amazing dynamics, and I had the opportunity to meet incredible, unique individuals. I am still in contact with them, and I hope this continues for a long time. Saying goodbye on the last day was especially difficult because the time we spent together was truly unforgettable.
This was my first visit to Serbia, and both the nature and the people left an incredibly positive impression on me. Before the trip, I had a somewhat stereotypical view of the country, but now I know the reality. The village where we stayed was particularly charming, and I will never forget the long walks across fields to the store.
One day, we had a full-day excursion to Novi Sad. I really liked the organization because we had plenty of free time to explore the city on our own. The visit to a vegan restaurant was the start of the day, and then each team had a few hours to focus on what interested them. The architecture impressed me especially, and the city as a whole left a fantastic impression.
I am also very grateful to the organizers for the tailored meals. Despite my dietary restrictions, I didn’t have to worry, and I didn’t miss a single meal. Every dish was customized to suit my needs. This was the first time in my life that I participated in a trip where this was not a problem.
