In August, 22 young people from Poland, the Czech Republic, Ukraine and Slovakia arrived in Rzeszów for a week-long Erasmus+ youth exchange built around a simple idea: that the cultures closest to us geographically are often the ones we understand least. Over five days, participants explored their own and their neighbours' cultures, paying close attention to the similarities and differences in traditions, habits and everyday life. The week proved that even within just a few days, people from different countries can build real friendships and meaningful understanding.
The adventure began on Monday with lively icebreaking games that helped participants get to know each other in fun and creative ways. Within hours, 22 strangers from four countries were already laughing together. After introductions, everyone learned about INPRO, the training space and the programme ahead. In the afternoon, the group took a city tour of Rzeszów using a digital audio guide — a perfect opportunity to explore the charming old town, discover hidden corners and hear stories from the city's history that often go unnoticed at first glance.
As the days went on, participants went deeper into cultural exploration. They shared stories about national traditions, celebrations and stereotypes, often realising how much they had in common despite coming from different countries. These discussions weren't formal presentations but real conversations — the kind that drift into laughter, personal anecdotes and moments of genuine empathy. The group also spent one sunny afternoon in one of Rzeszów's beautiful parks, stepping out of the training room to reflect on their experiences so far and enjoy more informal exchanges in a relaxed atmosphere.
Later in the week, participants took on a creative challenge: drawing maps of their countries and decorating them with regional symbols, traditions and local curiosities. The activity encouraged teamwork and creativity while also prompting a rediscovery of their own heritage, seen through someone else's eyes. Toward the end of the project, language became another focal point. Participants introduced their native languages through well-known TV shows, memes and videos from home — a lighthearted and surprisingly effective way to learn from each other and end the day with shared laughter.
The week also included a visit to Rzeszów's Underground Museum, giving the group a historical and cultural perspective on the city that added depth to what had otherwise been a very present-tense experience.
The project concluded with a heartfelt reflection session where participants shared their thoughts, feelings and moments of personal growth. Many spoke about gaining confidence, learning about their neighbours and beginning to see Europe not as a collection of separate countries but as a space of shared culture and overlapping understanding.
While the main goal of Neighbours and Stories was to explore one's own and neighbouring cultures, the project became much more than that. It turned into a week of friendship, teamwork and inspiration. The atmosphere throughout was filled with laughter, curiosity and mutual respect, making every activity enjoyable and every discussion worth having. Both participants and volunteers learned from one another, exchanged experiences and created memories that will last well beyond the final day.
The energy, openness and motivation that participants brought to every session made the week truly special. We hope everyone left Rzeszów carrying new friendships, warm memories and the same excitement we felt while hosting them. We are already looking forward to welcoming future groups and continuing to create spaces for connection, learning and joy.
The project was funded by the Erasmus+ Programme.
