From 7–11 November 2022, young people from Hungary, Ukraine, and Poland gathered in Rzeszów to take part in the international youth exchange “Under the Same Sky.” The project, organized by INPRO within the framework of the Erasmus+ Programme, brought together participants aged 16–25, offering them a unique opportunity to discuss cultural differences while discovering the shared heritage that connects young people across Europe.
The five-day program was dynamic and filled with inspiring activities. One of the key themes of the exchange was a discussion about the challenges young people face in Europe and around the world. Participants from different backgrounds and cultures had the chance not only to share their perspectives but also to work together to develop ideas and solutions that could inspire future initiatives.
In addition to workshops and debates, participants also had the opportunity to discover Polish culture and history. One of the highlights of the program was a trip to the Łańcut Castle, one of the most beautiful historical landmarks in Poland. Participants also took part in the celebrations of Poland’s National Independence Day, which allowed them to experience firsthand how important historical and patriotic values are for Polish society.
“It was an incredible opportunity not only to learn about other cultures but also to realize how much we have in common,” said one participant from Ukraine. “I was surprised by how quickly we built connections with people from other countries. This exchange will definitely stay in my memory for a long time.”
One of the most engaging parts of the exchange was the Open Café session, which created a space for discussions about music — a universal language that connects people regardless of nationality. Participants talked about their favourite genres, artists, and the role music plays in their lives.
Towards the end of the program, participants took part in workshops dedicated to stereotypes. They were asked to identify common prejudices they had about the countries represented in the group and then discuss them openly in order to challenge and overcome these stereotypes.
“This activity really opened my eyes,” said one participant. “Before the exchange, I had certain assumptions about Hungarians and Poles, but after these discussions I realised how superficial those ideas were.”
The project concluded with a final evaluation session and an intercultural evening, during which participants celebrated the end of the exchange by sharing their experiences, stories, and memories from the week. Each participant also received a YouthPass certificate, recognising the skills and competencies they developed during the project.
“Under the Same Sky” is another example of how international youth exchanges can not only bring young people together but also shape their future and strengthen their competencies. Special thanks go to the partners who supported the organisation of this project:
1st High School named after Henryk Sienkiewicz in Łańcut
Mustárház IITI
Uzhhorod National University
The project was implemented with the support of the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.
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