Stereotypes: Trick or Treat — Italy

Ciao! Welcome to Sicily! Welcome to a place full of warm-hearted people, vibrant culture, and new friendships. It was my pleasure to travel to Montedoro, right in the heart of Sicily, for the project “Stereotypes: Trick or Treat”. The project brought together participants from the Czech Republic, Italy, Lithuania, Slovenia, Hungary, and Estonia. There were five people from each country, which created a wonderfully balanced and international atmosphere.

 

From the very beginning, we started with ice-breaking activities that helped us remember names and get to know each other better. Soon after, the focus shifted to the main topic of the project: stereotypes. Through different workshops, we explored what stereotypes are, where they come from, and how we can resist being trapped by them. A very interesting aspect was that each group leader was responsible for leading one workshop. This allowed us to see the theme from various cultural perspectives and to experience different styles of facilitation.

 

In addition to our group, we also had the chance to meet many locals. The people in Montedoro were incredibly kind and welcoming—something quite different from what many of us are used to back home. For me, this openness was one of the most pleasant surprises of the whole stay.

 

Most activities took place either in a large gym or in the local park. Both places had their advantages, but as the temperature often reached over 40°C, our main organizer, Anthony, made sure we could use an air-conditioned room. His approach to organizing and supporting us was excellent—always helpful, always ready to solve problems. The only thing he could not change was the local concept of time. On Sicily, waiting for dinner for half an hour or more became part of our daily routine, but in the end, it only added to the local charm.

 

Besides the workshops, we also enjoyed some free days. One of them we spent by the sea, relaxing on a small but beautiful beach. On other afternoons, we could refresh ourselves at the pool, which in such hot weather was truly priceless. These breaks gave us the perfect balance between learning and enjoying the Sicilian lifestyle.

 

Looking back, this project was not only about breaking down stereotypes but also about building friendships, learning to cooperate across cultures, and embracing the differences between us. I can honestly say that the atmosphere in Montedoro, the kindness of the locals, and the dedication of the organizers made this project a very special experience.

 

To sum it up, I would highly recommend this project to anyone. It gave me valuable insights into the topic of stereotypes and at the same time unforgettable memories from Sicily. Without hesitation, I would join again.

 

Mario A.