ERASMUS+, Key action 1: youth exchange
Youth exchange: 3—11 September 2025
Venue: “La Scala di Giacobbe”, Castelletto di Cuggiono (near Milano), Italy
Czech team: 6 participants + 1 group leader
Please read the info-pack.
Hosting organisation: Young Effect Association
Project report:
From the 3rd to the 11th of September 2025 the international youth exchange Back to Business took place in Castelletto di Cuggiono, Italy. The project was organized by Young Effect Association within the Erasmus+ programme and brought together young people from Spain, Romania, Czech Republic and Italy. Its main aim was to develop entrepreneurial competences among participants and to show how creativity and initiative can be transformed into meaningful projects with a positive impact on society.
The programme combined workshops, group activities and discussions focused on developing key skills essential for entrepreneurship. Participants had the chance to strengthen their creative thinking, teamwork, financial literacy and strategic planning abilities. A special focus was placed on social entrepreneurship, which links innovative approaches with solutions to real community challenges. Memorable sessions included a World Café on Women in Business and an activity called Social Entrepreneurship through Art, which encouraged us to connect business ideas with creative expression.
The exchange also included outdoor activities and exploration of the Ticino Valley Natural Park. These moments not only gave us the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, but also helped to build group spirit and mutual trust. Intercultural evenings were another important element of the programme. Each national team prepared presentations of their culture, traditions and food, which created a welcoming atmosphere and promoted deeper understanding among participants.
The project’s objectives were fully achieved by offering high quality educational content, practical experiences and space for peer-to-peer learning. Participants left the exchange with improved skills, new knowledge and stronger self-confidence. At the same time, the project showed us that entrepreneurship is not only about numbers and business plans, but above all about initiative, creativity and the courage to look for solutions that benefit society.
Back to Business was a valuable experience for the whole group. It reminded us that young people can be the driving force of positive change both in their local communities and within the wider European context.
Marek J.
