From July 14–23, 2026, the town of El Borge (Málaga, Spain) hosted the Log Out, Look Around youth exchange — a week dedicated to digital detox, mental health, and reconnecting with nature. Participants from Ukraine, Poland, Italy, and Spain explored together what it means to rely less on gadgets and more on the real people and moments around them. What came out of it is best told by the participants themselves. Here are the reflections of young women who returned home with new experiences, new friends, and a slightly different outlook on the phone in their pocket.
Yulia
Sometimes you need to travel to another country to be reminded of something simple: the most meaningful moments happen around us when we take the time to notice them.
Log Out, Look Around became much more than just the name of a project for me. It became a reminder I want to take home.
During these days in El Borge, I met people from different countries and backgrounds, and each of them left a lasting impression on me. New conversations, shared activities, laughter, support, cultural exchange, and unforgettable memories—these are the moments that make a journey truly special.
I realized that my phone can save thousands of photos, but it can never capture the feeling of walking through quiet streets, laughing around the same table, or those late-night conversations that stay with you long after they end.
Thank you to everyone who was part of this experience. Thank you to the organizers for creating such an inspiring space to learn, share ideas, and connect with one another. And thank you to myself for saying “yes” to this opportunity.
I’m going home with new friends, fresh inspiration, and memories I’ll always treasure. I truly hope our paths cross again somewhere in the world.
Until the next adventure. 🤍
Sasha
If someone had told me that I would go on an Erasmus+ project and come back feeling like I had lived a small, separate life, I probably wouldn’t have believed them.
Many people think that projects like this are scary: traveling alone to a new country, living with people you’ve never met before, and speaking English every day. But the hardest part is actually deciding to apply. After that, an amazing experience begins.
Erasmus+ is much more than just traveling. It’s about meeting people from different countries who can become very close to you in just a few days. The time I spent with my team was especially meaningful. We worked on tasks together, supported each other, laughed a lot, shared our stories, and created memories that I will keep with me for a long time.
It is also a great opportunity to learn more about the culture of the host country. Not only through sightseeing or traditional food, but also by talking to local people, learning about their lifestyle, habits, and way of thinking. These moments help you understand how different we all are, but also how much we have in common.
Workshops and the project topic were an important part of the experience. We discussed important issues, worked in international teams, learned through non-formal education, took part in interactive activities, discussions, and creative workshops. It is a way of learning where you don’t just listen to lectures—you share your ideas, communicate with others, and learn from each other.
Of course, the experience was not only about the project. In the evenings, we walked around the city, danced, played games, organized cultural nights, explored new places, went on trips, watched sunrises, talked for hours, and simply enjoyed every moment. These are the moments where the best memories are made.
It was an unforgettable exchange experience, and I am so happy and grateful to everyone around me for sharing it together.
Valeria
To be honest, before leaving, I had a few doubts and fears: how everything would go, whether my English would be good enough for daily communication, and what it would feel like to be far from home among new people. But all those worries disappeared within the very first hours!
It was an incredible experience. The project in Spain gave me the chance not only to practice my English in real life and make friends from all over the world, but also to truly recharge, learn so much new stuff, and just have an amazing time.
The atmosphere was so warm and supportive that any fear instantly turned into excitement.
If you are still hesitating or afraid to apply — don’t even second-guess yourself! Trust me, this is the kind of experience you’ll remember for a lifetime. Just go for it!
Maria
I’m writing this while sitting and waiting for the train from Chelm to Kyiv. It’s been almost a full day since the project ended, and yet somehow I still can’t stop crying.
Every Erasmus+ experience is like a tiny life, with its own inside jokes, challenges, fears, hopes, and a unique atmosphere. This youth exchange was no exception 🙂
In one week, I learned a lot about internet and smartphone addiction, healthier alternatives to spending my free time, and ways to cope with stress. I also learned how to dance flamenco, how to survive the Spanish heat, how to celebrate Spain winning the World Cup, how to jump into a fountain out of happiness and continue functioning with only three hours of sleep afterwards, how to make traditional Greek iced coffee, and, of course, all about the similarities and differences between the Polish and Ukrainian languages.
That wasnt my first project, but I never expected to become so attached to the people and the programme itself
A week doesn’t sound like a long period of time, but I honestly don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say it felt like living through several months worth of experiences
The group created such a kind, supportive, and at the same time diverse atmosphere. Anyone could have found something meaningful. The breathtaking nature, the village of El Borge itself, and its warm and welcoming people made it impossible not to fall in love with life all over again. This project reminded me that there is still so much beauty in this world. With those feelings and with deep gratitude and inspiration, I’m now making my way back home
I will always be grateful to the European Club and our hosting organisation for giving us this amazing experience. Genuinely, I recommend experiencing something like this at least once in your life.
See you soon!
