It was one of the most joyous weeks of my life

It was even better than I expected. I was pretty nervous before I went, but I ended up really enjoying the experience and the variety of different activities we did, like making masks to express how we feel when we hide or mask ourselves when we stammer

Some of my favourite things were the dancing workshop, which had a really nice atmosphere, and the nature walk as I got to see more of the surrounding Dutch countryside. The 'National Evenings' hosted each night by those attending from the different countries were fun too; there were people from Spain, Italy, Hungary, the Netherlands, Sweden and Finland, and it was great learning more about their different cultures. 

Happier

I think the experience really did change me. I definitely felt a lot more confident and generally happier by the time I left. Being immersed in an atmosphere where stammering was normal was incredible, and afterwards stammering felt more comfortable even when I was talking to people who didn't stammer. 

Before the Exchange, talking to people felt very scary. But everyone there was so kind and friendly. I needn't have been so nervous.

Being immersed in an atmosphere where stammering was normal was incredible, and afterwards stammering felt more comfortable.

It definitely has changed my relationship with my stammer. Being around so many amazing people who stammer has made me question why I was so ashamed of my speech. I'd now also love to support other people who stammer in whatever way I can.

If you're thinking of going…

If anyone is thinking of going on the Youth Exchange, I would tell them to make the most of each activity or workshop and talk to as many people as possible. 

I think it would have helped if I could have met up with the other participants from Britain before going. It would also have been good if I could have read some first-hand accounts from people who have been on the Youth Exchange before, so hopefully this article will help others who are thinking of going next year!

Marilena

The Youth Exchange has been one of the most joyous weeks of my life. I had an incredible experience. I'm extremely grateful to STAMMA for sponsoring us and making it possible to go. It was just amazing for us all to connect and to meet each other, having these shared past experiences, understanding each other in ways that most people don't. We could focus on aspects of ourselves and our personalities other than our stammers, and they could come to the forefront and shine. 

There were chances to play games and just have really fun experiences dancing together. Every night we had a cultural night, so every country would present something unique to their culture. For ours, we did a tea tasting session and a tea party type thing. But Finland did something really cool, they did the 'Finn Olympics'. They chose three sports that are unique to Finland and split us into groups and we did them and it was super, super fun.

Cathartic

Something else that was really cute was that we were assigned 'secret friends', someone who we were asked to give extra love and attention to during the week and write them little cards and give them presents and chocolates and stuff.

Then on the flip side there was a lot of vulnerability — we had speaking circles and an open mic, which were a more intense and cathartic experience. At the open mic lots of us were crying and sharing things for the first time. It was amazing to witness how we were almost acting as a collective. People were taking turns speaking but also feeling on behalf of others, almost like taking turns crying for each other. It was really, really beautiful.

Fancy going to the Youth Exchange 2025?

We're currently hoping to help 3-4 young adults go to the next Youth Exchange on the 21^st to 29^th July 2025. If you are a young person who stammers aged between 18 and 30, keep an eye on our website or become a STAMMA member for free/join our mailing list so we can let you know how to apply for a place.

Read more reflections from the Youth Exchange by Liv and Benita.