If you are reading this, you are surely already thinking about applying for the upcoming call for applications for Madrid Xplora. However, it is very likely that you will be plagued by the usual doubts: Where do I get a good idea? How do I stand out among so many participants? How long is it going to take me?
To clear up any fears, we have brought together the mentors of the 1st Generation. They have already been through the same process, got over the rush and creative blocks, and managed to win their place to fly to Egypt. Here are their best real tips on how they brought their proposals to life.
🎨 1. How do you come up with the idea?
Do not try to guess what the jury wants to see; the key is to bring the project onto your own turf and talk about something that genuinely worries or excites you. You can delve into current affairs, connect your talents, draw inspiration from your surroundings, or even talk about what you experience.
“I am a pianist and I composed the original music for my short film, linking it to sustainability. It is important to step a little outside the box.”
Iker Zheng – Xplorador Egipto 2026
“I'm passionate about podcasts and looked for a current topic on sustainability in Egypt: the water conflict. I contacted experts and prepared the voiceover.”
Podcast
Iván Calleja – Egypt Explorer 2026
“I decided to do something about mental health because it is a topic of great importance that is rarely talked about and which I had experienced firsthand. I wanted to give it visibility.”
Martina Salas – Egypt Explorer 2026
🔥 2. What to do to stand out with your proposal?
To grab attention you don't need a big budget, but rather creativity, transparency and authenticity.
“I wanted to convey the message to young people using AI-generated Pixar-style animation, telling a story in the first person. To stand out, I used AI as a demanding working tool that required very precise prompts and a lot of planning.”
AI animation
Carla Valera – Xploradora Egypt 2026
“I made an illustrated story with watercolours and pencils. What convinced me was knowing it was something that came entirely from within me. My advice is that you make a project that speaks about you, because that way someone else will be able to see themselves in it.”
Hand-illustrated story
Claudia Colubi – Xploradora Egypt 2026
⏳ 3. How long does it actually take?
Every person works at a different pace: there are those who structure their script in a few days of focused work and those who prefer to dedicate a couple of months to gathering information and producing calmly. The key is not speed, but consistency so that the result conveys your personal touch.
However, there is a fundamental technical factor that goes beyond your video, drawing or podcast, and which mentors firmly insist upon:
“Do not make the mistake of leaving everything until Christmas or the last minute. Remember that it is not just the project: you have to write the cover letter and ask for a reference letter from your school or sixth form college. During the holidays the schools are closed and you will panic.”
Adriana Sánchez – Xploradora Egypt 2026
💥 In short: Make your project speak for you!
Don't be afraid of the format or the time. Whether it's a video, a podcast, an illustration or a website, put your heart into it, organise yourself with plenty of time and don't leave it until the end.