“Young people who take part in these trips always have something to say, something to talk about, and they seem to know that their opinion counts. I believe that it sets you apart from the crowds as you have done something quite scary, but brilliant, worthwhile and different at the same time” Rachael (UK)

“I believe I came back from these events a better person. The experiences were so full of happiness that it had to have made an impact. I became more motivated and focused on what I wanted to do. Especially the last project I was a part of, Youth Sport Action. This was the last project I went on before starting my own business and I believe it helped so much. Thank you” Richard (UK)

“This September I enrolled at University where I am now living out my dream of developing Film and TV. programmes. I also believe that if this opportunity to travel and meet new people had not been given to me, I may never had decided or developed the courage to pursue my dream” Amy (UK)

“If there was an option to visualize the ‘before’ and ‘after’ effects of this ‘product’, I have no doubts whatsoever that it would be an absolute ‘best seller’. As one of my teachers at the first BSSS and a life-long friend, Farouk, would say: “Yesterday I was smart and wanted to change the world. Today I am wise and want to change myself.” This is perhaps the most accurate description of the manner in which my way of thinking has changed” Elena (Macedonia)

“Besides giving me with practical skills, the international projects empowered me in an even more significant way. They broadened my perspectives, made me believe that the ideas, faith and dedication of young people can really make a difference and opened my eyes for the opportunities that are out there. I saw the world both literally and figuratively, I became aware of issues outside of my own immediate surroundings and greatly advanced on the road of self-discovery. It is this larger perspective that young people who haven’t had international experiences lack; the awareness that there are many people beyond the confines of their small worlds who have similar or very different problems and experiences, and with whom they can be friends and share views and opinions. Finally, it is the feeling that you have a place in the world, and that there are ways for you to leave a mark” Daniela (Macedonia)

“I only can recommend this type of activities to young people all over the world: not only will they help you develop as individuals, but they will also make you better and responsible young citizens, who can truly be an example for others. It will help you find out who you really are, and who you can become, because it is invariably the confrontation with other, different people, that will lead you to thinking about who you are- how you are different, but(perhaps more importantly) how you are similar with all of them” Nikola (Montenegro)

“International experience is not just going to new places, getting to know strangers, attending workshops and going back home. It is a way of getting to know yourself and finding new dimensions of senses, feelings, dedication that wake you up” Snezana (Macedonia)