Our Erasmus+ Youth Exchange in Paris
A Story of Learning, Friendship, and Christmas Magic**
When we — Laura, Artyom, Margo, Marine, and Gayane — arrived in Paris for our Erasmus+ Youth Exchange, none of us fully knew what to expect. We knew it was about AI, leadership, and digital skills, but the truth is, it became something different. It became a week of discovering new things, laughing together, sharing ideas, and creating memories that will stay with us for a long time.
Learning in a Way That Felt Real
The sessions we had weren’t “lessons” in the strict way. They felt more like conversations, moments where we could ask questions, experiment, and understand how things work in real life.
Getting Comfortable With AI
We talked a lot about ChatGPT and AI tools — not in a boring technical way, but in a way that helped us understand how we, as young people, can use them:
•for studying
•for work
•for creativity
•for everyday life
We learned how to write prompts, how to check information, and how to use AI responsibly. It was eye-opening, and honestly, fun.
Becoming Creative With Canva
The Canva sessions were full of colors, ideas, and teamwork.
We tried designing posts, presentations, and small projects, and we saw how design helps us express ourselves in a simple, effective way. It felt empowering to create something visually beautiful even if you’re not a “designer.”
Leadership, But Not the Scary Kind
We also had moments where we talked about leadership and teamwork. Not the formal “textbook” leadership, but the everyday kind — learning to listen, learning to trust each other, and learning to speak up when needed.
These sessions helped us see our strengths and the importance of supporting each other as a group.
Staying Safe Online
One of the most useful moments was discussing online safety:
how much we share, how easily information spreads, and how to protect ourselves.
It made all of us think twice about how we use social media and how we want to present ourselves online.
Paris, Christmas, and Small Moments We’ll Never Forget
Outside the sessions, Paris gave us a feeling none of us will forget.
The Christmas lights, the busy streets, the warm cafés, the cold air, the smell of fresh pastries — everything felt like a movie.
We visited the places everyone dreams about:
the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre area, Christmas markets, beautiful neighborhoods.
But the best moments were the small ones: laughing on the metro, getting lost together, trying new food, taking pictures, sharing stories about our lives.
Those moments made the exchange feel alive.
What We Took Home
When the exchange ended, we didn’t leave with certificates only.
We left with:
•new skills
•new confidence
•new friendships
•new memories
•and a new understanding of how technology, leadership, and creativity fit into our future
Each of us grew in different ways, but we grew together.
Our Story, Our Paris
For us — Laura, Artyom, Margo, Marine, and Gayane — this Youth Exchange wasn’t only an Erasmus+ project.
It was a week that mixed learning with joy, discovery with fun, and knowledge with Christmas lights.
We came home inspired, grateful, and a little changed — in the best way.
And this is our success story
