nooretevahetus youth exchange nyh italy itaalia estonia eesti bike

NOORTEVAHETUS

Name of the project: Brancaleone Youth Exchange

Date: 30th June – 13th July 2019

Country/City: Italy. We started in Lecce, Italy and went by bikes up to San Miniato.

What was the main topic of the event?

Romet: Intercultural dialogue through bike tour

Linda: Sustainable tourism & sustainable mobility

Brigitte: Sustainable tourism

Jane: Sustainable tourism

Ingmar: Promoting sustainable tourism

What was the biggest learning moment in the event for you?

Romet: To understand different life rhythm compared to northern countries.

Linda: Learning about communication.

Brigitte: Open mindedness and patience – to let go of own habits and accept the cultural differences that are harder to adjust to. For example, Estonians are very punctual and although I knew going to Italy that Italians are not, when you are tired and uncomfortable it nevertheless starts bothering you. Another example is eating habits. Italians eat a lot of wheat and a big late dinner. In Estonia, for most people this is considered rather unhealthy. However, being there I decided for my own good to accept these differences, because getting frustrated would have only made my own and possibly others experience worse.

Jane: I learned a lot about myself while travelling by bikes and camping together with 40 people. How I act in a group and dealt with difficulties when I can’t be in my comfort zone etc. Also I appreciate the conversations with other participants.

Ingmar: There were plenty of learning moments in this 2 week project but probably the most important one for me was to learn about organizational side in group of 40 people.

Do you have any plans to continue actively in the field? If yes, what?

Romet: I’m interested writing similar project to be organized in Estonia

Linda: I will take part of other volunteer projects to get to know the world and myself and make the world a better place while I am there.

Brigitte: Yes, I plan to apply for a European Voluntary Service long-term project abroad.

Jane: Yes, I would like to take part of more these kind of projects.

Ingmar: This trip really inspired me to hit a road by bike with few cool fellas. I can see myself being a living example by promoting sustainable lifestyle with my everyday actions.

Would you recommend it to your friends? I yes, why? If not, why not?

Romet: Yes, definitely.

Linda: I am already recommending this experience to others. It is a perfect chance to young people to get to know the world and through that make the world a better place little by little.

Brigitte: Yes, it was truly one of the greatest trips of my life. Youth exchange programs are an amazing way to learn not only about the destination country but also about the culture of other participants. It is a great way to discover the world and new people. Of course, the cycling part of it was the greatest for several reasons. Firstly, because I love cycling. Secondly, it allowed us to be very mobile and see a big part of Italy.

Jane: Yes, It´s a good and interesting way to travel and learn about other countries. These kind of projects can be life changing. 🙂

Ingmar: Definitely yes. It feels so good to live out of your comfort zone and meet such an amazing group of people.

More comments or anything else you would like to share? You can add here in your own language, if you want!

Ingmar Roomets: Feels so good to be alive, baby!