This document summarizes a student's experience participating in the Comenius project. The student describes their initial excitement at learning about the opportunity from their teacher and getting permission from their mother to participate. As part of the project, the student's group created a fake travel agency and presentations about travel destinations. They also volunteered at a kindergarten and rehearsed a song and dance. A highlight was the trip to Turkey where they shared their work, explored the culture, and practiced English. The student felt the project gave them confidence, responsibility, and life-changing experiences meeting new friends. They hope to continue participating in Comenius in the future.

1. This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held
responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
My Comenius Story
Once upon a time in September 2012 I was in school, exactly in lesson of literature. My
teacher was talking about some project, where we could go to another country and practice
our knowledge of English. I was thinking about it and hoping that my parents will let me do
it. I told this information to my mother and she agreed me. I was very happy. That was a
start of my working in Comenius and a start of the great adventure.
First work, and then entertainment. That was the rule of this project. I’ve never wanted
anything for free so it wasn’t problem for me. The first point was creating fake travel agency.
It was extremely difficult, because a lot of people were lazy. The meetings were about
nothing, because of irresponsible boys who weren’t on time and without homework. So we
had to change some members. Exactly in the last part of the project, regarding Turkey, there
was just me and my schoolmate for all the time. But we believed in reaching the end and
enjoying visit in Turkey. We made a lot of presentations about holiday in north of Italy. It
was connected to cycling tours, sight-seeing, relaxing etc. I liked it because I learned many
things which are possible to do on holidays. We had to do website about our travel agency
and some brochures for presentation in Turkey.
Then we had to do some volunteering. We chose volunteering for kindergarten in Nivnice.
Freshmen from our school were showing theatre fairytale so we were helping them with
this. It was unforgettable experience for me. The energy of happy children was amazing. I’m
so glad that I could be there (dressed like a princess). Last point of the work before Turkey
was rehearsal of Italian song and dance. Our Czech group chose song called Tu Vuò Fa
L'Americano by Renato Carosone. We chose it because of its rhythm and really known remix

2. This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held
responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
We No Speak Americano. Italian typical dance wasn’t as good as song, but I was satisfied
with that because it was very easy and funny to look at boys who were trying to danc in fast
rhythm.
And then it started, the most important part of our preparations. Packing and looking
forward to Turkey. We were afraid and excited in the same time. For most of us it was first
flight. One of the best experiences ever! We arrived to school and there our hosts were
waiting for us. It was unusual to speak all the time just in English and have no one to help
with the explanation. But in one or two days it was ok and we managed it. A few days we
were showing our prepared works and competing for the first place. In other days we
explored a lot of interesting monuments and generally Turkish culture. It was something
new comparing to our life style because we don’t know much about Muslims. In general we
think east-west countries of Europe are dangerous and that women have less rights than
men. But that’s not true. Turkish boys are kind, nice and gentlemen. Maybe it’s a paradox,
but truly I think Turkey is in many cases much safer than the Czech Republic.
At school we did a lot of things and we practiced many of our skills. Comenius project gives
opportunities to all students. That’s why I’m really enamored in it. Because not whole
population has money to go so far abroad as Turkey is. Comenius project gave me the
chance to meet a lot of foreign friends. And if I stay in contact with them, it would be good
opportunity how to see other countries cheaply. Because families where we were
accommodated offered us that we can arrive whenever we want. In my opinion Comenius
project goes like one big family. Every single person is actually kind, nice, friendly and
helpful. Nobody looks at me like at fool when I have no words how to explain something.
They were patiently waiting for the right words. Thanks to Comenius project I stopped to be
shy and became more talkative in English. That’s very profitable, especially year before
graduation exams. This tour completely changed me. It gave me more self-confidence and

3. This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held
responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
positive energy. Comenius project has simply changed me in better person. Now I’m more
responsible and I’ve started to behave more like an adult. That’s why I hope in continuing
this project and looking forward to get chance to be there again. I swear if I am there, I will
work for 100 % and more. Fool who doesn’t want to work a bit for the best tours ever. This is
one of the greatest ideas. Thanks to Comenius project, you made me who I am now. Fearless
and adventure-wanted!
Jitka Aradszká