IntroductionFor today’s generation of young people, crossing borders has become a powerful way to grow, learn and connect. International experiences – whether through study programs, cultural exchanges or volunteer projects – are no longer seen as a luxury, but as an essential part of youth development. By living and working abroad, young people encounter new perspectives, test their independence, and discover skills that cannot be learned within the walls of a classroom. Adaptability, resilience, teamwork, and cultural awareness are just some of the qualities that flourish in these environments.
Across Europe and beyond, initiatives like Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps and numerous grassroots projects are giving thousands of young participants the chance to take part in meaningful experiences abroad. These opportunities extend benefits far beyond the individuals themselves: they strengthen local communities, encourage dialogue between cultures, and build bridges of understanding at a time when such connections are urgently needed.
Still, the journey is not without barriers. Financial limitations, language gaps, and uncertainty can prevent many from pursuing such opportunities. Yet for those who do, the impact is often transformative. International experiences equip young people with confidence and transferable skills that resonate in both their personal and professional lives – making mobility not just an adventure, but an investment in the future of society.
Why international experiences matterSpending time abroad is far more than a chance to see new places. For many young people, it becomes a turning point in their personal and professional journey. Living, studying, or volunteering in a different country pushes them out of familiar routines and into situations that demand creativity, adaptability, and open-mindedness. These experiences cultivate a set of skills increasingly valued in today’s world: cultural awareness, problem-solving, communication, and the ability to thrive under uncertainty.
Research consistently shows that international experiences enhance employability and leadership potential. Employers value candidates who can navigate diverse environments, work in international teams, and bring fresh perspectives shaped by intercultural encounters. Yet the benefits go beyond careers. Such experiences also strengthen empathy and global citizenship, encouraging young people to see themselves not just as members of one nation, but as part of a wider community.
Of course, the path is not always easy. Many face challenges such as lack of financial resources, language barriers, or the emotional difficulty of leaving home behind. But these very obstacles often become the most valuable lessons. Overcoming them builds resilience, independence, and confidence – qualities that last long after the program ends.
Importantly, the impact of international programs is not one-sided. Local communities benefit as well. Whether teaching languages, supporting NGOs, or contributing to cultural and environmental projects, international participants bring energy and ideas that leave a lasting mark. In this way, cross-border opportunities create a cycle of exchange where both young people and host societies grow together.
Spotlight on Antoni’s journeyWhen 25-year-old Antonis from Volos, Greece, decided to embark on a long-term volunteering project in Poland, he had little idea of how profoundly the experience would shape him. “I had joined Erasmus+ projects before, and I loved the mix of travel, teamwork, and learning,” he recalls. “But I had never stayed abroad for longer than a week. I was curious what it would mean to volunteer full-time in another country.”
The curiosity led him to the European Solidarity Corps, where he spent nearly a year in the city of Rzeszów. His role was, as he puts it “a little bit of everything.” From facilitating young exchanges to organising workshops, to visiting schools and hosting weekly events, his days were filled with activities that demand creativity, adaptability, and willingness to learn.
At first, the transition was difficult. Homesickness set in, and the Polish winter proved harsher than anything he had experienced before. “I thought I liked cold weather,” he admits with a laugh. “But after two weeks of not seeing the sun, I realised how much I missed it.” Adjusting to life with roommates and diving into responsibilities without previous experience in facilitation also challenged him. “I didn’t know how to design an event or run a project,” he says. “I asked a lot of questions, sometimes I worried how people would react. But in the end, this is how I learned.”
Despite the hurdles, memorable moments soon outweighed the difficulties. Weekly “Open Cafés” brought local youth together to debate, play games and share experiences with volunteers. School visits – around 30 in total – became highlights. “The classrooms were so welcoming,” he remembers. “The students were curious, focused, and excited to learn from us.” One of his favourite memories came during a cultural event, when he presented Greece through food, dance, and stories. “They were so open to learning about my culture. It made me proud and happy to share it.”
For Antonis, the experience was transformative. “It made me more confident, more relaxed, and more dynamic,” he reflects. “I realised I could facilitate projects, lead activities, and actually enjoy it. It even opened up new career ideas for me.”
His advice to other young people is clear: don’t hesitate. “Be adventurous. You might be scared at first, but you will be proud of yourself later. Opportunities like that don’t last forever – you are in your twenties only once. So why not do it?”
Through his journey in Poland, Antonis discovered not only new skills and friendships but also a stronger version of himself. His story shows that volunteering abroad is more than a temporary adventure – it is a path toward growth, resilience, and a deeper connection with the world.
Lessons learned and the bigger pictureAntonio’s experience is just one example among thousands unfolding across Europe and beyond. His journey highlights the transformative power of international volunteering, but also shows the importance of support systems that make such opportunities possible. Programs like the European Solidarity Corps and Erasmus+ provide not only financial backing, but also mentoring, training, and networks that help young people succeed abroad. Grassroots organizations play a key role too, offering safe spaces where volunteers can develop their skills, experiment with new ideas, and make valuable connections.
What becomes clear is that international experiences are not only about personal development. They also strengthen civil society. Young volunteers bring fresh perspectives into classrooms, NGOs, and neighborhoods. They inspire collaboration, cultural dialogue, and sometimes even policy change. The ripple effect of one volunteer’s journey can extend far beyond their own growth – it can shape the identity of entire communities and promote solidarity at a time when it is urgently needed.
Conclusion and call to actionAntoni’s story demonstrates that volunteering abroad is much more than a gap-year adventure or a line on a CV. It is about identity, resilience, and finding the courage to step outside the familiar. For young people, these opportunities can unlock new paths—whether in careers, relationships, or self-understanding. For host societies, they bring energy, diversity, and a reminder of what cooperation across borders can achieve.
At a time when many young people face uncertainty in education, work, and politics, international programs offer a way forward: a chance to gain skills, discover confidence, and build bridges where divisions exist. That is why opportunities that take young people beyond borders deserve continued support.
So if you are a young person wondering whether to take the leap, let Antoni’s words guide you: be adventurous. The challenges will be real, but the rewards will be greater. Beyond borders lie lessons, friendships, and opportunities that can shape not only your future—but also the future of the communities you touch. Antoni Faris fulfilled his European Solidarity Corps dream with the Polish youth organisation International Projects Association INPRO as his hosting organisation, while his sending organisation was United Societies of Balkans.
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