My Visual Journey Across Cultures

The youth exchange “My Visual Journey Across Cultures” took place from June 25 to July 2, 2024, in Izvoare, Harghita, bringing together 43 young participants aged 16-20 from Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Some had previous Erasmus+ experience, while others were discovering the program for the first time. This mix of experienced participants and newcomers created a dynamic space for learning and cultural exchange.

The main goal of the project was to empower young people from diverse backgrounds by fostering cross-cultural understanding, creativity, and personal growth through visual storytelling and intercultural dialogue. Through interactive activities, participants improved their communication skills, self-expression, and appreciation of different cultures. At the same time, the project helped strengthen the capacity of our organization and partners to organize meaningful youth exchanges using non-formal education methods.

From First Connections to Creative Expressions

Despite train delays and little sleep, nothing could dampen our excitement! We kicked off the project with icebreaker activities, setting the foundation for the days ahead while assigning roles and responsibilities. Whether new to Erasmus+ or already experienced, everyone quickly found their place in the team.

On day 2, we focused on strengthening our bond through a series of energizers and interactive games that helped us open up and feel more comfortable with each other. These activities encouraged teamwork and gave us the chance to discover new things about our peers. The highlight of the day, however, was an artistic session where we explored our cultural identities through color and creativity. The vibrant paintings and the stories behind them beautifully showcased our diverse backgrounds, making for a truly inspiring experience.

Learning, Laughing, and Exploring

Day 3 was packed with energy and creativity as we delved into the concept of the eight key competences and the significance of the Youthpass certificate. Through engaging discussions and group activities, we reflected on how these competences are developed through non-formal learning experiences like this one. Later in the day, we set off on an exciting hike to Zetea Lake, where we were rewarded with breathtaking views and a deep sense of accomplishment. This outdoor adventure was the perfect way to end the day, giving us time to appreciate nature and further strengthen our connections.

Creativity, Debate, and Sustainability

On Day 4, we had the opportunity to meet with the Drug Prevention Agency to discuss the risks of substance abuse and effective prevention strategies. The session sparked insightful discussions and led to lively debates. Later, we took a hands-on approach to sustainability with an upcycling workshop, transforming plastic waste into creative and useful items. Seeing how simple objects could be repurposed into something valuable was eye-opening, and the innovation on display was truly inspiring. The combination of debate, reflection, and hands-on creativity made this day both informative and empowering.

Discovering the Beauty of Sovata

Exploring new places was the highlight of day 5, as we embarked on a study visit to Sovata and Ursu Lake. As we walked through the picturesque town, we were captivated by its unique architecture and rich history. Along the way, we learned fascinating details about the local bear subculture, an integral part of the region’s identity. To make the experience even more engaging, we completed a series of interactive tasks that encouraged us to observe, research, and collaborate with our teammates. Every challenge we completed added to the excitement, and by the end of the visit, we had not only gained new knowledge but also created unforgettable memories. The beauty of the lake, the charm of the town, and the sense of discovery made this an unforgettable day.

Creativity Without Borders

On day 6, creativity took center stage once again. We explored different art movements, using color, shape, and form to express the challenges of language barriers and communication. Through this artistic exploration, we gained a deeper appreciation of how visuals can be a universal language that connects people beyond words. It was both challenging and enlightening, as we discovered that understanding can transcend spoken language. The day served as a powerful reminder of the role creativity plays in breaking barriers and fostering meaningful connections.

Day 7 was a true testament to teamwork and imagination. Participants were given the unique challenge of designing their own fictional country, complete with distinct cultures, languages, traditions, and values. This activity allowed everyone to think creatively, collaborate, and apply the skills they had developed throughout the exchange. As each group presented their country, we were amazed by the originality and depth of the ideas. The energy in the room was electric, and the passion and creativity displayed were truly inspiring.

A Journey to Remember

As “My Visual Journey Across Cultures” came to an end. We took time to reflect on our experiences, filling out our Youthpass certificates and acknowledging the personal and collective growth we had achieved. Before parting ways, we exchanged heartfelt messages, expressing gratitude for the connections we had built over the past week. Saying goodbye was not easy, as we had grown so close, but we knew that the friendships and lessons from this experience would stay with us far beyond the project’s end. As we packed our bags and prepared to leave, we carried with us not just memories, but a deeper understanding of culture, creativity, and the power of youth exchange.