Empathy

Dávid

"Between May 10 and 15, I had the opportunity to participate in the Empathy youth exchange in the charming capital of Spain, Madrid. Throughout the project, the organizers helped us deepen our understanding of empathy as a skill through a variety of activities and tasks.

I especially enjoyed the presentation given by a coach who works with company executives. Drawing on the experiences of their own clients, they highlighted the importance of empathy and clearly demonstrated why this skill is essential in a corporate environment as well.

Fortunately, the organizers also dedicated a day to exploring Madrid, which made the experience even more memorable. Overall, this project will remain a very enjoyable memory for me, mainly because of the wonderful group of people and the excellent location."

Máté

"In May 2026, I had the opportunity to participate in an Erasmus+ project in Madrid that focused on developing empathy and self-awareness. The program was not only professionally enriching but also a deeply meaningful personal experience. For one week, I worked together with young people from different countries, explored new perspectives, and gained experiences that will have a lasting impact on me. In addition, I was fortunate to be part of a highly cohesive, experienced, and motivated Hungarian team. Through the shared activities, evening conversations, and group tasks, we quickly formed a supportive and open-minded community.

One of the most important themes of the project was empathy. Through interactive activities, discussions, and collaborative challenges, we learned how important it is to pay attention to the feelings and thoughts of others. During the week, we took part in several exercises that focused on building empathy in both community and workplace settings, while also highlighting its significance. We also participated in a mindfulness session, which I found particularly thought-provoking. In our fast-paced daily lives, it is often difficult to slow down and focus on the present moment, which is why it is so important to explore practices that help manage stress and maintain mental well-being. We engaged in breathing exercises and self-reflection activities that helped us approach everyday situations with greater calmness and awareness.

During the week, I also had the opportunity to explore Madrid, which was an incredible experience. The lively streets, historic buildings, and vibrant Spanish culture gave a unique atmosphere to the days we spent there. I was delighted to visit some of the city's most famous landmarks, walk through the city center and Retiro Park, and experience the local way of life firsthand. One of the most memorable moments for me was visiting the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. It was a special feeling to see in person a place that I had previously only known through television broadcasts and the internet.

The week also came with its challenges. I had to adapt to a completely new environment while staying in a local hostel, communicate regularly in English, and step outside of my comfort zone. However, these situations were exactly what helped me grow. By the end of the project, I felt much more confident communicating in English and more open to meeting new people and embracing new situations.

Overall, the Erasmus+ project “Empathy: Youth and Mental Well-being: Recognize, Share, Support” provided me with countless positive experiences. Not only did I gain valuable insights into empathy and mindfulness, but I also met inspiring people with whom I will likely stay in touch in the future. Madrid has become a city that I will always associate with wonderful memories. This one week was educational, inspiring, and truly unforgettable."

Laura

"Between May 8 and 15, I had the opportunity to participate in an Erasmus+ project in Madrid, Spain, where the central theme was empathy. A total of 52 young people from seven countries took part, and during the week we spent together, we truly became a community.

Throughout the program, we explored Madrid’s landmarks, learned about Spanish culture and cuisine, and participated in a variety of activities designed to support self-awareness and the development of empathy. We tried guided meditation, discussed the conscious management of emotions and the importance of mental health, and shared personal experiences in smaller groups. These conversations helped break down initial barriers and created opportunities for deeper and more genuine connections.

In addition to the educational activities, every evening we had the chance to discover the cultures and cuisines of two different countries during the intercultural evenings. We tasted traditional dishes prepared by the participants and expanded our knowledge through quizzes, group singing, and dancing. In my opinion, these evenings played the greatest role in building our community, as no one could resist a good rhythm or a song sung together! Our Hungarian cultural evening was also a great success: after serving our homemade lecsó, we taught the international group how to play “The Devil’s Path” and limbo.

Overall, it was an incredibly inspiring week filled with memorable experiences and new friendships. I not only learned a great deal about empathy and mental health, but I also discovered how quickly people can become an accepting and supportive community despite cultural differences."

Orsi

"Mental health and empathy were the main themes of the Erasmus program I attended in Madrid from May 10–15, 2026, representing Youth Bridges Budapest alongside five other Hungarian peers.

The “EMPATHY: YOUTH AND MENTAL WELL-BEING: RECOGNIZE, SHARE, SUPPORT 2025-1-ES02-KA152-YOU-000174833” project provided young people and group leaders from 8 countries with the opportunity to explore, discuss, and experience countless aspects of the topic through non-formal, exploratory, and action-oriented learning methods, aided by group sessions and creative tasks. We designed a project logo and an awareness-raising video, created paintings expressing our feelings, and participated in professional discussions, mindfulness workshops, and treasure hunts. 

Since we worked in mixed-nationality groups every time, we were able to discover the differences and similarities that arise from how the topic of mental health is viewed and addressed in our respective countries. In the evenings, through joint cooking sessions and entertaining cultural presentations, we gained insight into Greek, Spanish, Finnish, Bulgarian, Turkish, Italian, Croatian, and Hungarian traditions."