From Hungary to Marco de Canaveses: Erasmus+ Lessons on Building Connections
The experience of a cultural exchange is often transformative and enriching. Between December of last year and the beginning of 2024, a group of young people from Marco de Canaveses had the opportunity to participate in a course offered by the Erasmus+ program, called “Youth Work Unlocked”. The trip to Hollókő, a charming village in Hungary, symbolizes not only the search for learning, but also the building of meaningful connections. This course, the result of a collaboration between the Youth Senate Tallinn, from Estonia, and Sabai Training, from Hungary, brought together participants from different countries, contributing to a true cultural exchange that underpinned learning about the role of youth work in communities. The presence of young people from different backgrounds cultivated an environment conducive to the sharing of ideas and the development of new perspectives. During an intense week of training, participants immersed themselves in practices related to project management and activity facilitation, reinforcing the importance of student mobility and exchange brands in the formation of more informed and active individuals. This article explores the lessons learned from this experience, the importance of international education and how connections were built between diverse cultures, from Hungary to Marco de Canaveses. The Erasmus+ Course Experience in HollókőIn the heart of Hungary, the small village of Hollókő, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, was the setting where the course participants received practical and theoretical training on Erasmus+ . The program included activities that encouraged the practice of non-formal education methodologies, allowing for active learning where each person could contribute to the group’s development. Interactions with other participants, from countries such as Estonia, Lithuania, Turkey, Spain, Italy, India and Colombia, further enriched the experience. Discover how the Erasmus+ program has inspired meaningful connections from Hungary to Marco de Canaveses, bringing valuable lessons about cultural exchange and building social networks.
Encountering Diverse Cultures Being in contact with people of different nationalities not only promotes international education but also transforms the way each person sees the world. During the training, it was possible to observe how the experiences and practices of young people from different cultures varied, leading to rich discussions about common challenges and creative solutions. This cultural exchange became a laboratory of ideas and perspectives, where each participant brought something unique. Cultivating Connections for the Future
After the training, the participants’ commitment to continue promoting
building connections and the exchange of practices in the Marco de Canaveses community was evident. The network brought from the course is seen as an opportunity to stimulate activism and inclusion, directly reflecting on local society. Through future partnerships, the potential for personal and collective development can be expanded, showing that mobility does not end at the end of the exchange.The Legacy of Cultural Exchange
Erasmus+
, is often unprecedented. The importance of projects that encourage cultural exchange shows its relevance both in the personal development of young people and in the formation of more cohesive and understanding communities. The learnings in Hollókő will serve as a basis for the creation of future programs that promote inclusion and dialogue, acting as agents of change. Developing Projects and PartnershipsThe knowledge acquired during Erasmus+ can be decisive when it comes to developing projects that are not only viable, but that also resonate with the needs of the communities. Three of the participants decided to train in areas such as application management and activity facilitation, which enables them to lead initiatives within ZORA – Movimento Associativo de Jovens Marcoenses. Building projects requires not only technical knowledge, but also empathy and the ability to involve them in discussions.
Sur le meme sujet
Leadership and Participation in Projects
Building a network of young leaders is essential to ensure that initiatives not only emerge, but are also sustainable. Participation in student mobility projects and exchange programs not only promotes individual growth, but also helps create an ecosystem that supports a more conscious and active generation. The goal is to mobilize other young people to engage in these experiences, strengthening their role in society. Evaluation of Results and Impact of Activities The Erasmus+ experience is not limited to academic learning. Evaluating the impact of projects, activities and meetings is essential to understanding how this experience transforms young people’s perspectives. Through the final seminars and feedback from participants, it is possible to see the changes that have occurred both on a personal level and in the communities represented.
Aspects Evaluated
Before Erasmus+ After Erasmus+Knowledge of cultural exchange
Sur le meme sujet
Low
High
Leadership skills
Medium High Teamwork skills Medium High
Sur le meme sujet
Empathy and cultural understanding
Low
| High | Moving forward for future initiatives | Learning about project management and results evaluation provides the necessary foundation for young people in Marco de Canaveses to connect with others globally through |
|---|---|---|
| Erasmus+ | . The insights gathered are not just the reflection of interactions during the meetings, but the fruits of an active and intentional approach to creating lasting connections. | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClHqXILY5lg |
| The experiences gained in projects like this demonstrate that, as agents of change, we have the ability to positively influence society, promoting | personal development | and contributing to a more cohesive and inclusive future. |
| The combination of these lessons and experiences will form the backbone of future initiatives in Marco de Canaveses. Each young participant becomes a spokesperson and an example of what Erasmus+ can offer, further solidifying the association’s commitment to cultural exchange and mutual learning. | ||
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