My name is Florian, I’m 20 years old and I come from Hungary. In October 2023, together with several classmates, I travelled to Rzeszów to take part in a two-week Erasmus+ VET programme focused on environmental protection.
From the very beginning it was clear that this would not be just a regular school trip. The programme combined educational activities with the chance to meet new people and discover new places. An important part of our stay were language and intercultural workshops led by volunteers from different countries. Each of them shared stories about their culture, traditions and experiences. These conversations helped us realise how diverse the world is — and how much we can learn from one another.
During the two weeks we also visited places connected with environmental protection and sustainable development. We had the opportunity to talk to members of the local community and learn how people in the region understand environmental challenges and what actions they take to address them. These meetings made us realise that protecting the environment is something that goes far beyond the borders of a single country.
One of the places that left a strong impression on me was Łańcut Castle. As someone who paints as a hobby, I was fascinated by the portraits and landscapes displayed there. It was also interesting to see the historical weapons and other forms of art preserved in the castle. Encounters with history like this make you appreciate what we have today in a different way.
Rzeszów felt like a completely new world to me at first, and everything seemed unfamiliar. But very quickly we started to feel comfortable there. Through shared activities, conversations and everyday experiences, those two weeks passed surprisingly fast.
Programmes like VET are about much more than learning. For me, this experience was also a moment to reflect on my future. It helped me think more clearly about what I would like to do in life and which direction I might want to follow.
When I look back at those two weeks in Rzeszów now, I know one thing for sure — it is an experience I will remember for a very long time.
The project was funded by the Erasmus+ programme.
