Today was the first day of our Erasmus+ Youth Exchange “Sustainable Youth Action for Community Impact”, and after travelling from Bulgaria, Romania and Greece, we finally met each other in Smolyan.
For some of us, this was not only our first time in the Rhodope Mountains, but also our first Erasmus+ experience. That made the first meeting even more exciting.
The day was mainly about arrival, getting to know the place, meeting our national groups and slowly becoming one international team.
We started with introductory activities that helped us learn each other’s names, backgrounds and expectations. At first, we naturally stayed closer to the people from our own countries, but after only a few activities the atmosphere started changing.
We were no longer three separate national groups.
We were becoming one Erasmus+ group.
The organisers presented the main objectives of the exchange: sustainability, responsible consumption, active citizenship, community involvement, intercultural learning and European values.
We also discussed the idea that this exchange should not be only about spending ten days abroad. The real challenge is to take something back home — a new habit, an idea, a friendship, a method or the motivation to become more active in our local communities.
We were introduced to the programme, practical arrangements, safety rules and the learning process that would accompany us throughout the exchange.
One thing became clear from the beginning: this would not be a traditional training course.
We would learn by doing, discussing, exploring, cooperating and reflecting.
The evening gave us time for informal conversations and the first intercultural connections.
There are already many different accents, stories and personalities in the group — and that is probably exactly what will make the next days interesting.
Tomorrow the real work begins.
Project: 2025-1-BG01-KA151-YOU-000298009
Activity: Sustainable Youth Action for Community Impact
Location: Smolyan, Bulgaria
Dates: 22–31 December 2025
Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the competent programme authorities. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.