My name is Aria, and I’m originally from Iran, currently living in Austria. In August 2025, I took part in an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project called Ctrl+Alt+Secure: Building Cyber Resilience in the peaceful village of Rettenegg, Austria. Although I live in Austria already, this week felt like a short holiday—packed with learning, emotions, and personal growth.

I joined the project out of curiosity and excitement. I wanted to meet new people, grow as a person, and learn something meaningful—while also having fun. I’m part of the AIESEC organization, so I’ve experienced youth events before, but this one had a special twist: I was chosen as team leader for our group. That gave me a small wave of stress—would I be a good leader? Would people follow my lead? I didn’t know. But I was open-minded, ready to talk, and willing to try.

When I first moved to Austria, it felt like starting my life all over again. I had no friends here, everything was unfamiliar—the language, the system, even small everyday things. The cultural differences were overwhelming, and I often felt like an outsider. But now, looking back, I realize how far I’ve come. I’ve learned the language, built a life, and truly integrated into the society around me. I’m no longer afraid of being in a new environment—I know I can adapt, connect, and belong.

The week’s topic was cyber security. Through workshops and peer learning, we explored how to protect ourselves online, how to think critically about digital safety, and how to take that knowledge back to our communities. Each day started with breakfast, followed by workshops, shared meals, group discussions, and cultural exchanges. One day we went to Graz, where I even got to be the tour guide—since I live there—and showed some participants around the city. It was a great way to connect.

What surprised me the most was something I didn’t expect: I developed a crush. We had deep conversations, shared experiences, and laughed a lot together. It reminded me how open and honest human connection can be, especially in such safe, curious, and diverse environments. That connection was the most meaningful moment of the week for me—something simple but deeply human.

Looking back, I gained more than just technical knowledge. Sure, I learned important things about cyber resilience. But I also learned how to get out of my comfort zone. Talking to so many new people helped me grow. Being responsible as a leader helped me reflect. And sharing cultural experiences with people from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Spain, Germany, and Austria made me more aware of how valuable diversity is.

This Erasmus+ experience made me more open, more optimistic, and more connected to others. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants to grow—not just in knowledge, but in life.