Michela spent about one week in Bielefeld, taking part in activities and discussions with fellow students from different countries. Despite the short duration, the experience proved to be intense and inspiring.
Her motivation to join the mobility was rooted in a previous international experience. While she was still in high school, Michela participated in an Erasmus+ project in Macedonia – an experience she remembers as one of the best of her life.
“I wanted to experience something similar again,” she explains.
During the week in Bielefeld, Michela had the chance to practice and improve her English while interacting with students from different countries. The mobility also gave her insight into how school systems work in different parts of Europe, broadening her academic perspective.
One of the most important lessons, however, went beyond the classroom. Meeting people from different backgrounds helped Michela understand how important it is to look beyond stereotypes and be open to new perspectives.
The experience also contributed significantly to her personal development. Speaking and collaborating in an international environment helped her gain confidence and improve her ability to present ideas in front of others.
“Absolutely, I gained a lot of confidence in myself,” she says. “I also became better at speaking in front of many people and changed my perspective on life.”
When reflecting on her favourite moment, Michela admits that choosing just one highlight is not easy.
“The entire stay was literally amazing,” she says. “But probably the most special moment was when I first met all the other participants from Cyprus, Germany and Ukraine. It was really nice getting to know them – their stories and their personalities.”
Looking back, Michela describes the mobility as a life-changing and eye-opening experience.
She strongly encourages other students to take part in NEOLAiA mobilities, even if they feel unsure at first.
“Do it, no matter what,” she says. “It doesn’t matter if you’ve never been abroad before, if your English is not perfect, or if you’re afraid of not being as good as the others. You will live one of the best experiences of your life, grow as a human being, and make lifelong friends from all over the world.”
For Michela, the week in Bielefeld was more than just a trip – it was a reminder of how powerful international experiences can be in shaping both academic paths and personal perspectives. 🌍
