ERASMUS+, Key action 1: youth exchange
Venue: Arcus, Romania
Dates: 14—25 September 2024
Czech team: 5 participants + 1 group leader
Please read the info-pack.
Hosting organisation: Start Up Hub
Project report:
The “Skills4Future” project was an incredibly enriching experience, both in terms of its structure and the opportunities it provided. The project was brilliantly conceived, offering participants a balanced combination of educational content and hands-on experiences. One of the highlights of the project was the frequent field trips, which brought diversity and an engaging dynamic to the overall program. These excursions took us from the rural setting of Arcus, where we explored a kindergarten, school, church, and museum, to the more urban environment of Sfântu Gheorghe. Both places offered unique insights into local culture and heritage, deepening our understanding of the region.
Moreover, the project included two longer excursions, which were particularly memorable. The visit to Brașov and the iconic “Dracula’s” Castle stood out as one of the most exciting parts of the program, blending education with cultural exploration in an unforgettable way. These trips allowed us to connect the project’s themes with real-world locations and history, fostering a deeper appreciation for both the academic and cultural aspects of the exchange.
While the content and learning outcomes of the project were well-executed, there were some logistical issues that detracted from the overall experience. One of the key challenges was the transportation to the isolated educational center in Arcus, where the project took place. Public transport was not available for this leg of the journey, and the financial and organizational responsibility of arranging transport fell entirely on the participants. Although the organizers had initially suggested that some assistance might be provided, this remained unresolved, causing confusion and additional expenses for the participants.
Perhaps the most significant issue occurred on the final day of the project. The organizers left the educational center and ceased responding to messages, leaving participants uncertain about their travel arrangements and causing unnecessary stress. This lack of communication not only disrupted the smooth conclusion of the program but also resulted in logistical difficulties in getting participants to the train station on time for their return journeys.
Despite these setbacks, the project itself was a tremendous success in terms of its content. The organizers demonstrated a high level of professionalism regarding the subject matter, delivering a comprehensive and engaging program. The daily sessions were well-planned, providing a range of activities that catered to different learning styles. The program was diverse, with workshops, discussions, and group activities, all designed to equip us with practical skills for the future.
However, the logistical difficulties did have an impact on the overall experience. Clearer communication regarding travel reimbursements, as well as better planning for the final day, would have significantly improved the project. For example, the reimbursement for travel from the train station to the education center in Arcus was not clarified, and participants were left to cover these costs themselves. Given the importance of accessibility and financial transparency in such projects, this aspect should have been handled more efficiently by the organizing team.
In summary, while the project had a few organizational flaws, it was a highly valuable experience that provided both personal and professional growth opportunities. The program’s content was well-thought-out and delivered in an engaging way, and the field trips were an exceptional addition, making the project both informative and enjoyable. I learned a great deal about teamwork, cultural exchange, and the thematic focus of the project, and I am confident that the skills and knowledge gained will be useful in future endeavors.
I look forward to participating in similar projects in the future and hope that the logistical aspects of this one serve as learning points for organizers moving forward.
Václav P.
