The project took place in Borgagne, a small and beautiful town in southern Italy. It gathered 28 young people from four different countries to explore how identity and interculturality are shaped and expressed in today’s digital world.
We decided to participate because we wanted to travel, meet new people from different backgrounds, confront anxiety about language barriers, step out of our comfort zones, and of course, learn more about the topic. Another goal was to explore European identity and to use different perspectives to think about recent topics. For many of us, it was actually the first Erasmus+ project we ever joined and also the first time working on a topic like intercultural intelligence. This project not only helped us connect with international participants but also brought our German group closer together <3
Throughout the project, we took part in interactive sessions and creative activities. We explored different digital tools and reflected on how to use them safely and sustainably. We discussed topics such as stereotypes, culture, and identity, and even created our own campaign in small groups. We got little tips about how to use AI safely and more responsibly. There also was a collection of sustainable and secure alternatives in the digital world. Through reflection activities, we learned something about ourselves which was wholesome. The schedule made the project intense, which was a little tiring but also very special.
A few of us (well, only from our group) had a special morning ritual: a quick dip in the pool, even though the water was freezing. There was something special about starting the day listening only to the sound of the wind, the rustling leaves, and the water flowing under the first light of sunrise. And right after that: a warm cappuccino and the most delicious breakfast imaginable, a perfect way to begin a long day of activities.
In general, spending our free time together was amazing. Every meal was accompanied by fun conversations and in the evenings we often sat outside and got to know each other more.
The venue itself was beautiful. Everything we ate was prepared with vegetables grown right there, all organic and local. The meals reflected typical Italian cuisine in the Puglia region and were always fresh and full of flavor. We could easily say that the food was amazing and definitely one of the highlights of the whole experience! Even though we were a bit far from the city, the meals helped us get a true taste of Italian food culture.
What surprised us most was how quickly strong connections formed between participants from different countries. We learned a lot not only about others but also about ourselves, especially about how we use social media and how important it is to stay aware and intentional in the digital world. We wrote letters to our future selves, reflected on who we are, how we see ourselves, how others see us on social media, and what this means for our real-life identity.
We also held cultural nights that helped us learn more about other cultures and discover new perspectives on our own. From the Italian karaoke night and the German techno club quiz to Macedonian traditional dances and Slovak humor, each activity brought us closer together and filled the evenings with laughter, curiosity, and appreciation. Every participant contributed a unique flavour to the project, allowing us to truly experience the intercultural spirit at the heart of this exchange.
What we gained from the experience: a responsible consumption of social media and news in intercultural environments, the motivation to participate in more / long-term Erasmus projects and joy in giving compliments.
“Intercultural Intelligence” youth exchange is financed by the Erasmus+ Programme and organised by our partner organisation Terzo Millenio.
If you want to experience something similar, check out our open calls here.
