Let’s go viral!

Ever wondered how things go viral online? Trying to figure it out, young people from six European countries engaged in an unforgettable youth exchange taking place in the heart of the Czech countryside. Participants from Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Lithuania and Portugal spent ten inspiring days filled with laughter, learning and fresh ideas during the ”Let’s Go Viral!” activity, where they worked to improve their digital and marketing skills. They were excited to discover and develop their creativity through various activities, including video-making and editing, gaining valuable hands-on experience. Working in groups, they had to learn how to accept and consider each other’s ideas, realizing that collaboration often means making mutual compromises.

The first days of the project were focused on getting to know each other and building connections among young people from diverse backgrounds. With a mix of languages, personalities, and cultures, everyone had a chance to share their own story, find common interests, and just enjoy spending time together from morning till night. Slowly but surely, friendships started to form as they got to know each other, building real connections that went beyond small talk. Each morning began with the Portuguese team’s wake-up call, complete with a playlist to set the mood. And right after, energizers like “ninja” got everyone laughing and moving together – no better way to shake off sleep and jump into the day as a group.

Throughout the day, there was a strong sense of community, especially during shared activities. Even during their free time, participants often skipped quiet rest in favour of hanging out, chatting, and laughing together. They loved brainstorming and collaborating on different activities, where every challenge brought a little bit of chaos, creativity, and fun. One of the favourite activities was “Secret Friend,” where each person had a secret buddy they’d surprise with little gifts or encouraging notes all week. The big reveal at the end brought lots of laughs and happy tears as everyone finally discovered who their secret friend had been.

As the week went on, the activities shifted to more practical, engaging tasks, all centred around digital marketing and social media. The participants were divided into mixed groups, where they worked together on creative challenges that required cooperation, brainstorming, and a lot of thinking outside the box. One of the first activities involved creating presentations, where the groups not only had to come up with ideas but also figure out how to express them clearly and effectively. They learned the importance of teamwork and communication as they brainstormed and shared ideas, building on each other’s strengths.

There was also a task where the groups created fictional companies and then designed advertisements for them. They filmed these advertisements, getting practical experience in video production and social media promotion. Once their projects were ready, they presented them to the group, gaining valuable feedback and learning how to communicate their ideas effectively.

One group even took it a step further and created an entire website for the accommodation where they were staying. They applied everything they had learned about digital tools and marketing to produce something both practical and impressive. These activities were more than just exercises – they were a chance to develop digital skills, improve collaboration, and get a real sense of how creative ideas can be transformed into professional projects. Along the way, participants not only improved their technical skills but also built deeper connections with each other, all while gaining a strong sense of accomplishment from the teamwork involved.

Every evening ended with a lively intercultural night, where one country would host and showcase its culture. There were quizzes, like Kahoot with funny questions about each place, and lots of good food – cheeses, sausages, spreads, sweets, you name it. Everyone loved trying new flavours, swapping stories, and asking about the traditions behind each dish. Plus, there was always dancing to teach each other some classic moves from home! The energy was amazing, and it didn’t stop there; after the presentations, people kept hanging out, sharing stories, laughing, and dancing well into the night. The atmosphere was electric, filled with fun, connections, and memories they knew would last long after the project ended.

Jéssica, 21, Portugal

“It was my first project with E29 and I really liked it, the accommodation, the people, the activities and some of the energizers. In the first days it was a bit overwhelming, because there was lots of new people, but it was really worth it. It is a unique experience to have. It is good to be out of our comfort zone and look for new experiences and Erasmus is a way to do so.”

Lukas, 17, Lithuania

“It was my first project and I liked the people and also I think the accommodation was at the perfect place, surrounded by nature. The topic is very interesting and relevant nowadays, because there is a lot of digital marketing. So it is interesting to know how it works. In the future, I am planning to go to other projects, but this one will always have a special place in my heart!”

Maya, 16, Romania

“I liked the project a lot, because it was such a challenging experience. I got to meet a lot of people from different cultures, people older than me, who have really great life experiences and I had a lot to learn from them. I am really grateful for this.”