Why Did Deer Cross The Road?
Introduction
What if the best way to learn isn’t in a classroom, but by immersing yourself in a culture entirely different from your own? This was one of the main reasons why I was drawn to the Erasmus+ program. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, meet people from all walks of life, immerse myself in new cultures, and explore unfamiliar places all while learning through a unique training course. Erasmus+ is not just education, but an experience, and that’s exactly what I was looking for.
My Journey to Talsi, Latvia
I recently had the amazing opportunity to participate in an Erasmus+ training course in Talsi, Latvia. For a whole week, I stayed at the Guest House Laumas, surrounded by stunning nature and a fantastic group of people from countries like Romania, Poland, Turkey, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Spain, and Portugal. It was more than just an educational experience; it was a chance to immerse myself in new cultures and expand my horizons.
The training course aimed to tackle some issues, and it had several key objectives:
- Raising Awareness: We focused on increasing awareness about the climate crisis and environmental challenges among youth workers.
- Re-establishing Connection with Nature: We worked on reconnecting with nature and discussing its positive effects on mental well-being.
- Equipping Tools for Youth Work: The program equipped us with practical tools we could use in our daily work with young people.
- Addressing Climate Issues: We learned how to engage youth in discussions about climate and environmental issues, empowering us to make a difference in our communities.
One of the highlights of the week was experiencing a traditional Latvian sauna. Let me tell you, it was a unique experience! We got to relax and bond with each other in such a peaceful environment. We also spent time exploring the beautiful natural surroundings, which gave us moments of quiet reflection, away from the usual hustle and bustle of daily life.
Cultural Differences and Personal Growth
Another enriching aspect of the program was navigating the cultural differences among participants from all these diverse backgrounds. At first, some aspects of each culture felt unfamiliar, but we quickly adapted and began to share our experiences. I loved hearing everyone’s stories and discovering how our different backgrounds shaped our perspectives. It was fascinating and helped foster a greater understanding among us.
Since this was my first Erasmus+ project, it truly opened my eyes to new possibilities. I returned home with a fresh perspective, feeling more confident and independent than ever before. The experience challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and embrace new ideas, which was both thrilling and rewarding.
Daily Reflections and Group Discussions
On the first day, we divided into three groups to discuss our expectations and outline what we hoped to achieve during the week. Each day after our activities, we gathered again in these groups to reflect on our experiences and share insights about the day. This routine provided a valuable space for us to process what we had learned, celebrate our successes, and address any challenges we faced.(One triangle represents one group(3 people))
Engaging Activities
One of the most engaging activities we participated in was creating a map that represented our origins. Each of us took the time to draw where we came from and highlight the environmental issues our countries face. This exercise allowed us to share not only our geographical backgrounds but also the specific challenges related to climate change and environmental degradation that impact our communities. After we completed our maps, we analyzed each other’s work, which sparked insightful discussions about our respective countries and the commonalities we discovered in our struggles and aspirations.
Facilitating Learning
During the training, I voluntarily shared an inspiring story, which challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone. Speaking in front of everyone was uncomfortable at first, but it expanded my imagination and helped me grow both personally and as a communicator. I also encouraged open dialogue and collaboration within the group, promoting a supportive learning environment.
A New Approach to Meals
One thing we were curious about was the food. Throughout the training, we had vegetarian meals, which was a big change for my friends and me, since we’re used to a meat-heavy diet back in Turkey. We were initially unsure if we could survive without our usual dishes, but surprisingly, the vegetarian food was quite good! It turned out to be a pleasant experience, and we discovered some new flavors that we really enjoyed. Much better than expected.
The Workshop on Moss
One activity that suprised me was a workshop focused on moss. Yes, you read that right — moss! We dove deep into examining these fascinating little plants, discussing where they grow, how they thrive, and their importance in the ecosystem. It was incredible to appreciate the beauty in something so small and often overlooked. This activity sparked some thoughtful conversations about our roles in preserving the environment, making us reflect on how even the tiniest elements of nature have significant impacts.
Cultural Differences and Personal Growth
Another aspect of the program was navigating the cultural differences among participants from all these diverse backgrounds. At first, some aspects of each culture felt unfamiliar, but we quickly adapted and began to share our experiences. I loved hearing everyone’s stories and discovering how our different backgrounds shaped our perspectives. It was fascinating and helped foster a greater understanding among us.
Since this was my first Erasmus+ project, it truly opened my eyes to new possibilities. I returned home with a fresh perspective, feeling more confident and independent than ever before. The experience challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and embrace new ideas, which was both thrilling and rewarding.
Conclusion
Participating in the Erasmus+ training course truly expanded my perspective in profound ways. Not only did I gain valuable insights, but I also had the chance to build connections that could lead to future projects. The entire experience was incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited to continue applying for more opportunities like this. Every aspect of the program was enriching, and I’m grateful for the memories and lessons I’ve gained along the way.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Radi Vidi Pats for hosting such a transformative experience, and to Nepka Group for supporting my journey. A special thank you to our amazing trainers, Stanislavs Babins, Linda Ulane, and Alex Giurgea, for their guidance, energy, and dedication throughout the program. Their contributions made this experience truly unforgettable.
The training course “Why Did Deer Cross The Road?” is financed by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union that in Latvia is administrated by The Agency for International Projects for Youth.