Interview · 15 October 2026
They leave feeling capable of much more than they imagined
Dorota Feifer
Interview by Eleni Lazaridou
From the first worries about a foreign language to the moment you no longer want to go home. 5 Stigmes welcomed Dorota Feifer of TravelEdventures, which helps young people broaden their horizons through internships abroad, and asked 5 questions about what makes an Erasmus+ experience a real success, an unforgettable moment from the programmes, the destination worth choosing at 17, and the changes that could help Greece move forward.
Question 1
How would you describe the mission behind your work in one sentence?
Dorota
At TravelEdventures, our mission is to help young people broaden their horizons through internships abroad, gaining practical skills, confidence, and a stronger sense of what they can achieve.
Question 2
How do you know when an Erasmus+ experience has truly been a success? What do you see in your students when they return?
Dorota
For me, success goes beyond completing an internship. It’s when students return more independent, more comfortable with unfamiliar situations, and more willing to take initiative.
They may arrive worried about speaking another language or being away from home, but leave feeling capable of much more than they imagined. That change in how they see themselves is what matters most.
Question 3
What is the most unforgettable moment you’ve experienced through an Erasmus+ programme?
Dorota
One of the most unforgettable moments was seeing students who had been so nervous about coming abroad that they almost didn’t join the programme, and then, six weeks later, didn’t want to go home. What had felt frightening at the beginning had become a place where they had friends, a routine, and confidence in their work.
Seeing that transformation reminded me how much can change when young people have the support and opportunity to try something new. Moments like that remind me that our work can have an impact well beyond the internship itself.
Question 4
If you were 17 years old today and had the opportunity to join an Erasmus+ programme, where would you choose to go and why?
Dorota
I would choose Spain. I’d love the opportunity to learn the language, experience everyday life there, and discover a different working environment. At 17, I think the most valuable part would be learning to find my feet somewhere unfamiliar: making friends, taking responsibility, and discovering what I enjoy and what I’m capable of.
Question 5
You now live in Greece and have experienced many countries through your work. What changes do you believe could help Greece progress further, both socially and economically?
Dorota
From my perspective, one valuable step would be to strengthen the connection between education and working life, giving young people more opportunities to gain practical experience and explore different careers. I would also like to see simpler processes for people starting businesses, more support for ideas outside the main cities, and greater accessibility in everyday life.
Through my work, I’ve come to value how much we can learn from other countries. I believe Greece can benefit from that exchange while building on its own strengths and giving more young people reasons to see their future here.
