Domenico Villano joined AEGEE-Napoli on the 12th of April and only two days later he attended his first European event: the EAP Conference in Brno.
Nicola Guida from AEGEE-Napoli took the chance to interview Domenico about his first event and how it was.
Nicola: Domenico, most AEGEE members start their experience in the Network with a Summer University that is usually considered a less intensive event than thematic ones, what do you think about this? Was the conference you attended in Brno a good start in your opinion?
As you say I’m quite a new member so I actually don’t know what does it mean to attend a Summer University. However this experience was stunning: I had a great time with participants, coming also from other YNGOs. Organizers were really lovely and I felt like home. The conference wasn’t boring at all, instead was a great occasion to discuss and share opinions with people, each of them with a different and interesting background.
According to your words it seems you really enjoyed the event, but we are curious to know what did you expect from it and why you decided to join only some days before its start.
Actually it was the right occasion at the right time: firstly I study Russian language and I’m really interested in the democratic processes in ex-USSR countries so I thought it was a really good chance to deepen my knowledge about these topics by discussing them directly with citizens of those places.
Then, even though I had only one day to find a cheap way to get to Brno, the low fee and the travel reimbursement made the trip really affordable.
Last but not least I had some free days and I wanted to spend them fruitfully and after coming back I’m happy to say it was really worth it!
So, let’s get a deeper look inside the conference: what did you discuss about? Which were in your opinion the most interesting and stimulating topics?
The conference focused on international relations between the Foreign Office of the EU and the partner members of EaP (Belarus, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine). We had round table discussions about the political, social and economical situation of those countries and how EU supports the development of Human Rights, fair competition market and the establishment of a visa-free area. It was not a typical frontal lecture, but a non-formal creative discussion (key element of Youth In Action projects) during which every participant had the chance to have their say, sharing their knowledge and heat the debate up.
In my opinion the best part of the conference was the simulation of the process of creating, developing and filling the application for a Youth in Action EaP project. We did it really seriously and who knows, maybe some of those ideas will become reality one day!
Ok, I think you made us understand really well that the thematic part of the event was great, now let’s talk about location and social programme: what are your impressions of Czech Republic and in particular of Brno? Was it your first time there?
Actually I’ve already been in Prague with some friends two years ago and I really enjoyed it, but I’ve been really happy to come to this country again and get the chance to see Moravia and its biggest city, Brno, in the heart of Europe. We had a great time drinking the best beer in the world and tasting particular food, so different from the Italian cuisine I am so used to. There was especially a fantastic atmosphere one night that we spent in the garden of the Spilberk castle!!
What about parties then and above all, how was your first European night?
Unfortunately it’s a bit difficult to recall that night but I really suggest you to try Moldavian wine and Georgian cognac (even if the most famous one is the Armenian).
Howewer we had parties in beatiful clubs every night, dancing till 4 am with my Georgian friends.
The greatest experience was to dance in underwear in a swimming pool inside a club with my crazy Spaniards!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Sure! I’d like to thank my dear friend and current secretary of AEGEE-Napoli Nicola Guida who made me know about AEGEE and pushed me to apply for this wonderful event! I want also to thank all the organisers, trainers (Armenak in particular) and all the beatiful people I met in Brno and I really hope to see again! გამარჯობა!
Written by Nicola Guida, AEGEE-Napoli