The Erasmus+ Youth Exchange Program is a project supported by the European Commission that aims to bring together young people from different cultures, enabling them to learn, share, and collaborate. Held in Valenii de Munte, Romania, from April 8 to April 15, 2022, this program offered participants opportunities for personal, cultural, and societal growth.
Project Details
- Date: April 8-15, 2022 (including travel days)
- Location: Valenii de Munte, Pensiunea Delycios, Romania
- Participants: A total of 42 participants (36 youth and 6 group leaders) from Turkey, Romania, Latvia, Austria, Ukraine, and Bulgaria
- Objective: To enhance participants' awareness of different perspectives, foster global responsibility, and promote cultural understanding.
Activities During the Event
1. Cultural Nights
Each country had the opportunity to showcase its cultural identity through traditional foods, dances, and stories. These nights strengthened intercultural bonds and provided participants with a deeper appreciation of cultural diversity.
2. Workshops
Participants engaged in creative activities such as theater, storytelling, role-playing, and art-based workshops. These sessions improved their communication and creativity skills, empowering them to express themselves more effectively.
3. Social Awareness Activities
Discussions and activities focused on topics like migration, social solidarity, and exploring the potential of local communities. These sessions helped participants gain a better understanding of societal challenges and solutions.
Project Contributions
Personal Development
- Confidence and Leadership: Participants enhanced their self-confidence and leadership skills by working in an international environment.
- Creativity and Self-Expression: Artistic activities encouraged participants to express themselves effectively and unlock their creative potential.
Cultural Interaction
- Empathy and Tolerance: Bringing together youth from diverse backgrounds fostered empathy and cultural understanding.
- Strengthening Cultural Bonds: Participants experienced Romania's local culture and built lasting connections with peers from other countries.
Social Responsibility
- Local Impact: Participants organized follow-up activities in their communities to spread the knowledge and experiences gained during the project.
- Promoting Solidarity: These activities contributed to fostering social solidarity and active citizenship in their home countries.
Educational Benefits
- Innovative Learning Methods: Activities like theater and storytelling developed participants' critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Sustainable Knowledge Sharing: The creation of an online platform ensured the longevity of the project's impact and extended its reach to broader audiences.
Post-Project Impact
1. Long-Term Effects on Participants
- Participants gained valuable international experience, which became a significant addition to their resumes.
- They improved essential skills like leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork, offering a competitive edge in their future careers.
2. Community Impact
- Participants initiated social responsibility projects in their communities, inspired by the knowledge and experiences gained.
- The intercultural connections formed during the program supported global solidarity and cooperation.
Conclusion
The Erasmus+ Youth Exchange Program offered participants countless opportunities, from personal development to cultural interaction, social awareness, and professional growth. The project, themed "Looking at Your Country from a Different Perspective," enabled young people to discover their potential and make a difference in their communities.