Bulgaria

E. Cherneva: 

First of all, I want to express my gratitude to the project coordinators and facilitators. Thanks for the opportunity to be a part of this Erasmus adventure. I met many new people, exchanged experiences and I am extremely happy about it. In my feedback, I would like to note not only the positives of the project, but also some of the negatives, which, of course, should serve only for good purposes. I am a person of constructive criticism, and I consider it the most useful part in any meaning.

1) Overall organization. For an overall rating of the project I would give it a 7/10 as I think there were things that were not well thought out. 

2) Before the project. We were provided with a good and clear infopack in terms of information. In terms of design, it was quite burdensome and stressful (I might suggest to be careful about the color combinations, as they play an important role and the information to be even more synthesized). Here was something new for me - personally - homework before the project. I have to point out that this was a bit of a stressful part as most of us are working people, others are students and this of course coincides with the exam session considering the project dates. There is nothing wrong with pre-preparation, but this can also be inserted into the early days of the project (such as the TedTalks Video) and for the experiment of stepping out of the comfort zone to be implemented during the project.

3) Moment of arrival. From the moment we were gathered at Kaufland to the Hotel part, everything was very good. We had dinner, which is extremely important to note. The hotel was clean and warm.

4) First days. The activities were most varied and quite good in concept, but I think they initially lacked clear instructions and conclusions at the end of the exercises. I wasn't able to feel the safe space the first few days, so I only shared general conclusions about the topics.

5) Organized excursion. Unfortunately, I fell ill and was unable to attend. But I think it was well organized safely and ideologically.

6) Next days. In the following days, even though I was sick and missed two workshops, it seemed that the project facilitators took note of the feedback and provided clearer and more concise explanations of the tasks. The group felt more cohesive, but that would have been even better in the early days. This was the more fun part of the project. And I admit the ideas were good, we had a pretty big field to show our creativity.

7) End. Follow up activities. Regarding the subsequent activities, I want to share that I was strangely surprised. This is the first project where all this is MANDATORY and no one asks you if you have the opportunity, if it is convenient, if it is feasible and just to be asked for it. There is nothing wrong with these follow-up activities, they aim to consolidate knowledge, share it and grow the Erasmus field, BUT I believe that the way it is presented to the audience is important. I think a more liberal method would work better.

8) Departure. That part was fine. The whole group got organized at an early hour and drove to Wrocław. We also had breakfast prepared, which we are grateful for.

9) The process of having information provided. Overall I'd say we were informed and it all worked out in the end BUT there were things here and there that could have been done better. There was information that reached me from other people, not from the organizers, and the communication before the project was quite inhibited. I don't know if a part of the organizations didn't do its job or if information was just being withheld, but it didn't make me very happy.  

Organization 1 - the project organizations. A clearer infopack, an opportunity to receive the details before signing up for the project, as well as a learning agreement, so that the participants are aware if everything is up to them. It's not cool that they save you information, you buy tickets and then other things turn out. You have no right of withdrawal in such a case. Everything else is fine.

Organization 2 - sending organization. It needs to work on communication skills in the field of international relations and, in general, on providing adequate information to its representatives. Everything else is fine.10) Attitude of the organizers.
They were interested and caring in every aspect. Even when we got sick they helped us and cared about how we were feeling. There were slight obstacles in understanding sometimes, due to the cultural and language barriers, which is understandable.

11) Things I liked.
1) The food - everyone had food! Excellent!
2) The attitude of the hotels staff, cleanliness of the hotel.
3) Variety of the program. Interesting exercises.
4) Attitude of the organizers.

12) Things I didn't like at all.
The compromises that were made on our side (participants), namely to spend the night at our expense, and even the next day at the exact hour of the meeting (6 p.m.), things were not accurate. There was a delay, we were freezing, and I would say that was one of the reasons why most of the people got sick. And in this case of waiting, the organisators could make it possible that people arriving on the 2nd are waited for, us too (Bulgarian team). It was explained to us that if we arrive on 02.01. at 18:00 it will be too late.
I don't have a habbit of memorizing bad experience and I either quickly forget such things or I don't focus on them, but since the goal is constructive criticism - I share. I think that in terms of arrival and departure transportation, flexible options can be devised to suit 80% of the people.

13) What to focus on for the future.
*Flexibility.
*Creating a safe environment.
*Inclusion.
*Protecting the place from possible diseases - health care measures, regular ventilation, closing windows when not needed, doors, avoiding drafts.

And let's not forget nobody's perfect, and we all do mistakes! The best part is learning from them.

Emil Ivanov 

Nikola Marinov

Reflecting on my experience at the Erasmus Training Course in Boleslawow, Poland, centered on "Get out of your comfort zone," I can't help but feel immensely grateful for the transformative journey it has been. The project was exceptionally well-planned, with internal agreements and timely communication that created a solid foundation. Being a member of a multicultural group of 36 individuals from 9 different nations gave the project a special character and transformed it into a rich mix of cultures that genuinely improved our learning environment. Learning to step out of my comfort zone was a major theme, and I vividly recall the acting exercises that pushed me beyond my limits, fostering adaptability and resilience in ways I hadn't expected.

Exploring the nuances between fixed and growth mindsets significantly altered my perspective on personal and professional development. The notion that failure can be a stepping stone to success resonated deeply, bringing forth a newfound sense of resilience and adaptability. The intercultural nights were a highlight, allowing each country to showcase its unique culture, traditions, and language. These nights became powerful expressions of diversity, fostering a profound appreciation for the richness of our global community. Celebrating our differences and learning from one another during these intercultural nights contributed to a strong sense of unity and understanding.

I am particularly thankful to our trainers Evaggelia and Orfeas, who brought a wealth of experience into the project, enriching our learning experience. Their guidance and expertise played a crucial role in making the program even more impactful. Looking ahead, I see potential for even more impactful learning experiences by enhancing interactive in-person activities, refining online follow-up strategies, and continuing to explore mindset concepts and strategies for embracing failure as a pathway to success. Ongoing communication and feedback are key to further improving the project's organizational aspects and overall effectiveness.

With my gratitude to all those who participated, I am eager to put the lessons I learned from the project into practice in both my personal and professional life.

Boyan Balgarinov

Reflecting on my immersive experience during the Erasmus Training Course in Boleslawow, Poland, themed "Get out of your comfort zone," I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for the profound impact it has had on my personal and professional growth. The meticulously planned project, characterized by internal agreements and seamless communication, provided a robust framework for our multicultural cohort of 36 individuals hailing from 9 different nations. The overarching theme of stepping out of our comfort zones was skillfully woven into the fabric of the project, challenging us to embrace discomfort through various activities. I vividly recall the fear and trust exercises that pushed the boundaries of adaptability and resilience, leaving an indelible mark on my understanding of personal limits and the potential for growth. Exploring the dynamics between fixed and growth mindsets was a transformative journey that significantly shifted my perspective on both personal and professional development. The sessions on understanding the positive aspects of failure as a stepping stone to success resonated deeply, fostering newfound resilience and adaptability that I hadn't anticipated.

Undoubtedly, the intercultural nights emerged as a highlight, serving as vibrant showcases of each participant's unique cultural identity. These evenings became powerful conduits for embracing diversity, fostering unity, and nurturing a profound appreciation for the global tapestry that our cohort represented. The exchange of traditions, languages, and perspectives during not only these intercultural nights but throughout the whole project created an atmosphere of unity and understanding that transcended geographical and cultural boundaries. The workshops and activities, ranging from leadership explorations to active listening exercises, provided invaluable opportunities for self-reflection and understanding others within the group. The project's design successfully created a conducive environment for learning, enabling each participant to delve into unexplored facets of themselves and their peers.

My deepest appreciation extends to the dedicated facilitators, Eva, Orfeas, and Agatha, whose unwavering commitment and expertise significantly enriched the learning experience. Even when I, for example, couldn't understand an activity, they didn't just give up the answer, they made us think, so we can really remember it. Their guidance and the thoughtful curation of activities played a pivotal role in creating an impactful program that left a lasting impression. The venue, with its comfortable and welcoming ambiance, complemented the overall positive experience. As a self-proclaimed enthusiast of all things potato, the heavenly food options further added to the delight of the project.

However, beyond the well-designed structure and engaging activities, it was the people that made this journey truly unforgettable. The camaraderie, shared experiences and diverse perspectives within the group created a dynamic and supportive community, making every interaction a source of inspiration. As I look ahead, I envision the potential for continued growth and impact in future Erasmus projects. Strengthening interactive in-person activities, refining online follow-up strategies and delving deeper into mindset concepts will undoubtedly enhance the overall effectiveness of these initiatives. Ongoing communication and a feedback loop will be instrumental in fine-tuning organizational aspects for an even more seamless experience. In conclusion, I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this transformative journey. The Erasmus project not only broadened my horizons but also deepened my understanding of the richness that diverse perspectives bring to the table. I carry with me the cherished memories, the lessons learned and a sense of anticipation for the continued growth and impact that these projects can offer.