Day 9 - From Learning to Lasting Memories

The day began with the final News Box session, accompanied by the familiar Pink Panther theme song. Over the course of the exchange, this moment had become a recognizable ritual, symbolizing shared updates and group connection. Hearing it for the last time marked both the continuity of the project’s learning rhythm and the emotional significance of reaching the end.

Participants then focused on online and offline dissemination activities. Following the provided guidelines, they reflected on the project experience and created dissemination posts linked to the youth exchange. For offline dissemination, each national team presented its dissemination plan, outlining how the project results would be promoted at local and national level, both collectively and individually. This session emphasized responsibility, visibility and the long-term sustainability of the project’s impact beyond the exchange itself.

After a short break, the group continued with the final evaluation. Participants shared individual feedback and assessed different aspects of the project using the Pizza Method. Topics such as food, atmosphere, group dynamics, learning outcomes and overall organization were discussed openly, allowing for honest reflection and constructive feedback.

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Day 8 - From Process to Results

At the beginning of the day, participants focused on the final preparation of their presentations. Each team worked on adding the final touches to their company simulation packs, ensuring that their ideas, structure and visual elements clearly reflected the work developed throughout the exchange.

Later, the teams presented their business concepts to the group. Each presentation lasted ten minutes and was delivered in a professional and creative manner, followed by a question-and-answer session and feedback from fellow participants and facilitators. The presentations showcased not only the rural business ideas themselves, but also the skills participants had developed during the project, including teamwork, creativity, communication and planning.

Based on the collective voting process, the winning team was Watts Up Solar. However, the atmosphere remained supportive and collaborative, as it became clear that every participant had gained valuable knowledge and experience. The process highlighted learning outcomes such as time management, public speaking, digital skills, problem-solving and effective teamwork.

Before closing the formal activities of the day, participants gathered for a reflection session focused on the final outcomes of the project. They shared insights about their personal development, the challenges they overcame and the skills they strengthened throughout the exchange. Many participants emphasized that the true value of the project lay in the learning process rather than the final result.

After the reflection session, the group leaders and organizing team met to evaluate the final presentations and overall progress of the youth exchange. They discussed learning outcomes, participant engagement and the impact of the project activities, preparing for the closing phase of the exchange.

To mark the completion of this important milestone, the hosting organization and staff acknowledged participants’ efforts by awarding to the participants medals as a symbol of appreciation and a lasting memory of their work and dedication.

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Day 7 - Becoming Young Entrepreneurs

Building on the experience of visiting a local rural entrepreneur in the previous days, participants began the day by applying what they had learned in a practical way. Divided into international working groups, they focused on creating their own rural business plans, exploring what entrepreneurship meant to them and how it could be adapted to rural contexts.

Throughout the day, groups worked on shaping their business concepts, developing logos, designing posters and preparing pitches aimed at attracting potential investors. This process encouraged creativity, critical thinking and teamwork, while also strengthening participants’ understanding of how entrepreneurial ideas can be structured and communicated effectively.

Before concluding the educational activities, participants took part in a reflection session where they discussed the challenges and successes of working on business plans. They reflected on teamwork, decision-making and how their ideas evolved through collaboration. The session helped participants recognise their progress and the practical value of the skills they were developing.

After the reflection session, the group leaders and organizing team met to review the progress of the working groups. They discussed participants’ engagement, the development of the business ideas and planned support for the final stages of the project to ensure that learning objectives were being met.

The day also included a special moment, as participants celebrated the birthday of one of their colleagues, adding a personal and joyful note to the experience. This moment further strengthened group cohesion and the sense of community within the project.

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Day 6 – Learning From Local Entrepreneurs

The day began with a visit to a small local fish farm, where participants were warmly welcomed by a local entrepreneur. During the visit, the entrepreneur presented the daily operations of the business and shared insights into the practical aspects of managing a rural enterprise. This firsthand experience offered participants a realistic perspective on both the challenges and opportunities involved in running a business in a rural area, connecting theoretical discussions with real-life practice.

In the afternoon, participants explored the town of Vatra Dornei, walking through its streets and enjoying the surrounding natural landscape. This informal activity provided space for relaxation, observation and deeper connection among participants, while also offering insight into the local environment and community.

Before concluding the program of the day, participants gathered for a reflection session. They discussed what they had learned from the visit to the fish farm, reflected on the importance of local entrepreneurship and considered how similar initiatives could be adapted to their own rural contexts.

Following the reflection session, the group leaders and organizing team met to evaluate the day’s activities. They exchanged feedback on participants’ engagement, discussed learning outcomes from the field visit and coordinated the next steps of the program to ensure continuity and balance.

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Day 5 - Turning Learning Into Concrete Results

The morning began with a mid-term evaluation using the Blob Method, which offered participants the opportunity to reflect on their journey so far. After four days filled with activities, skill development and intercultural exchange, this session allowed participants to assess their learning progress, express emotions and share feedback in an open and inclusive way.

Following the evaluation, participants were introduced to the main outcome of the project: the Rural Business Edition - Company Simulation Pack. This moment represented a key milestone of the youth exchange, as all previous discussions, ideas and experiences now started to take a more structured and practical form.

In the afternoon, participants engaged in an intensive brainstorming session dedicated to developing the simulation pack. The level of motivation and creativity exceeded expectations. Instead of the initially planned five teams, participants formed eight international groups, each working on a unique rural business plan. The diversity of ideas reflected both the creativity of the group and the richness of rural realities across Europe.

At the end of the activity program, participants took part in a reflection session focused on the transition from learning to creation. They shared how the evaluation process helped clarify their role in the project and expressed their motivation to actively contribute to the final outcomes.

After the reflection session, the group leaders and organizing team met to review the progress of the project. They discussed the results of the mid-term evaluation, assessed group dynamics and coordinated support strategies to ensure that all teams could effectively develop their business ideas in the coming days. 

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Day 4 - From Rural Challenges to Cultural Understanding

During the morning sessions, participants worked in groups of six and rotated between different discussion stations. At each station, the groups focused on identifying solutions to challenges faced in rural areas across their countries. This rotating format encouraged equal participation, ensured that all voices were heard and allowed participants to exchange ideas from multiple perspectives. The activity strengthened teamwork and highlighted the value of collective problem-solving in rural development.

In the afternoon, the learning moved beyond the training venue as participants visited a local school in Vatra Dornei. There, they took part in hands-on activities related to traditional crafts. Participants both taught and learned by doing, engaging directly with local traditions. Despite language barriers, communication flowed naturally through shared actions, creativity and curiosity, allowing for genuine cultural exchange.

The visit continued with a stop at a local museum, where participants gained deeper insight into the history and cultural heritage of the region. This experience helped strengthen the connection between the group and the local community, highlighting the richness and openness of the host culture.

Before concluding the educational activities of the day, participants gathered for a reflection session. They shared their thoughts on teamwork, cooperation and the impact of connecting directly with the local community. Many reflected on how experiential learning enhanced their understanding and appreciation of rural culture and social inclusion.

Following the reflection session, the group leaders and organizing team met to review the day. They discussed participants’ engagement, evaluated the flow of activities and coordinated the next steps of the program to ensure continuity and meaningful learning.

By the end of the day, participants felt that Day 4 had strengthened their teamwork, open-mindedness and mutual respect. The direct interaction with the local community fostered a deeper appreciation for the region’s culture and reinforced the importance of learning through real-life experiences.

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Day 3 - Exploring Rural Challenges and Solutions

The morning began with participants working in mixed international groups, where their task was to develop creative rural business ideas. This activity encouraged participants to combine different perspectives, think innovatively and collaborate across cultures. Each group presented its concept, ranging from sustainable farming initiatives to eco-tourism and community-based projects. The presentations highlighted the diversity of ideas and demonstrated how rural areas can be developed in innovative and sustainable ways. The session also strengthened teamwork, as participants quickly bonded through brainstorming and shared problem-solving.

In the afternoon, the focus shifted to national group work. Participants analyzed the challenges faced by rural areas in their own countries, preparing short presentations that addressed issues such as limited job opportunities, lack of infrastructure and population decline. After presenting, the groups compared their findings and worked together to identify common qualities, similarities and differences across countries. This process revealed that, while many challenges are shared across Europe, certain difficulties remain specific to local contexts. The activity helped participants better understand how interconnected their experiences are and how shared solutions could be developed.

Before closing the formal activities of the day, participants took part in a reflection session. They discussed what they had learned about rural entrepreneurship, the value of working in international teams and how the challenges identified related to their own communities. This reflection supported deeper understanding and encouraged participants to link the day’s activities with their personal and professional experiences.

Following the reflection session, the group leaders and organizing team met to review the day’s activities. They discussed group dynamics, assessed participants’ engagement and coordinated the next steps of the program to ensure continuity and balance in the learning process.

The evening was dedicated to a cultural night hosted by the Czech, Italian and Spanish teams. Participants enjoyed traditional food, music and interactive moments that offered insight into each culture. The Czech team shared elements of their customs, the Italian team introduced their cuisine and traditions and the Spanish team brought high energy through music and dance. The cultural evening strengthened intercultural understanding and created meaningful personal connections within the group.

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Day 2 - Learning to Communicate Beyond Words

The morning started with the Gossip Box activity, which sparked curiosity, laughter and open interaction. This was followed by a lively chair-switching game that kept everyone engaged and energized from the start of the day.

Afterwards, the group moved to the football field, where a series of energizers and icebreakers continued in an open outdoor setting. Participants began with a ball game and then took part in 3 Truths and 1 Lie, discovering surprising and often humorous facts about one another. The Human Knot challenge required strong teamwork and problem-solving skills, encouraging participants to communicate clearly in order to untangle themselves successfully.

The energy remained high during the paper snowball game, where participants wrote down questions and exchanged them by throwing paper balls, creating a playful approach to discussion. This was followed by a silent version of the telephone game, which relied entirely on non-verbal communication through touch, signals and color recognition while moving around the field.

Later in the day, participants faced a communication challenge that required them to line up in the correct order based on the number of Erasmus+ projects they had participated in without speaking. This activity highlighted the importance of cooperation, creativity and attention when verbal communication is removed.

In the afternoon, participants gathered for a dedicated session focused on Erasmus+. The group explored what the programme represents, its different types of opportunities and its impact on young people across Europe. Through open discussions, storytelling and shared questions, the session encouraged active participation and a deeper understanding of the programme’s value.

To conclude the educational activities of the day, participants reflected in national groups, sharing their thoughts, key learning moments and personal experiences. This reflection space allowed participants to process the day’s activities, especially those related to communication, teamwork and cooperation.

Before dinner, the group leaders and the organizing team met to evaluate how the day unfolded. They exchanged feedback, discussed participants’ engagement and planned upcoming activities in order to maintain a balanced and effective learning process.

The evening ended with social time and community games, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where participants could strengthen connections and enjoy informal moments together.

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Day 1 - A Warm Welcome and First Connections

Even though the first day welcomed us with cloudy weather, the atmosphere among participants was warm and welcoming from the very beginning. Upon arrival, we received our welcome kits, which included thoughtful items such as a tote bag and a notebook, setting a positive tone for the days ahead.

The first morning session, Hello You(th), began with an energizer activity called Follow the Leader, which immediately lifted the group’s mood and helped everyone relax. This was followed by an introduction from the staff team, who presented themselves, explained the goals of the project and outlined the learning process that would guide the exchange.

To further support group bonding, participants took part in interactive name games designed to break the ice and create an open, friendly environment. These activities helped everyone feel more comfortable and encouraged early communication among participants from different countries.

During the Icebreaker Games session, participants drew and shared fun facts and personal details about themselves, which they then presented to the group. This activity offered a deeper insight into individual personalities and helped strengthen initial connections.

The dynamic continued with the Clock Dating activity, where participants discussed twelve guiding questions in rotating pairs. This format encouraged meaningful one-on-one conversations and allowed everyone to interact with a wide range of people in a short amount of time.

In the afternoon session, Fears, Expectations & Contributions, participants reflected individually and collectively on their motivations for joining the project. Together, the group also established the house rules, creating a shared framework based on respect, openness and active participation.

Before concluding the activity program of the day, participants gathered for a reflection session. They shared their first impressions, emotions and learning moments, focusing on how the activities helped them connect with the group and understand the project’s aims. This session supported conscious learning and helped participants clarify their personal objectives for the exchange.

After the reflection session, the group leaders and the organizing team held a coordination meeting. During this meeting, they reviewed the day’s activities, discussed group dynamics and addressed any organizational or learning-related aspects, ensuring a smooth continuation of the project in the following days.

The day concluded with a cultural evening prepared by the Serbian and Polish teams, who introduced elements of their cultures through presentations and shared moments. This activity marked the first intercultural celebration of the exchange and strengthened the sense of group unity.

The first day laid a strong foundation for cooperation, learning and friendship. With initial connections formed and expectations shared, participants looked forward with excitement to the days that followed.

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LevelUP: Rural Youth in Action

Between 18 and 28 September, the mountain town of Vatra Dornei, Romania, will host the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange LevelUP: Rural Youth in Action, bringing together 33 young people and 7 group leaders from seven European countries. For nine days of learning and collaboration, participants will focus on a topic that is increasingly relevant across Europe: rural entrepreneurship.

The project is organized by Initiative Sociale, a Romanian NGO active in youth work and non-formal education since 2012. Known for its commitment to empowering young people and supporting initiative and social responsibility, the organization provides the setting for an exchange that combines learning, cooperation and practical action in a natural, rural environment.

A focus on rural entrepreneurship

Rural areas are often rich in resources, culture and potential, yet young people living there frequently face limited opportunities. LevelUP: Rural Youth in Action responds to this reality by supporting young participants in developing entrepreneurial thinking tailored to rural communities.

Throughout the exchange, participants will explore:

• the meaning and impact of rural entrepreneurship,

• challenges faced by young people in rural areas,

• opportunities for developing sustainable local initiatives.

Using non-formal education methods, interactive workshops and teamwork, the project encourages participants to think critically and creatively while working on concrete business ideas inspired by real-life rural contexts.

Learning through cooperation and diversity

An essential dimension of the project is intercultural learning. Participants from Romania, Poland, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Czech Republic and Serbia will work in international teams, exchange experiences from their home countries and learn from different social, cultural and economic realities.

By collaborating in mixed groups, young people develop not only entrepreneurial skills, but also communication, teamwork and intercultural competences. Inclusivity is a key value of the project, with a strong focus on involving young people with fewer opportunities, particularly those from rural backgrounds or facing economic and social challenges.

From ideas to action

The exchange aims to go beyond theory. By the end of the mobility, participants will have worked together on concrete business concepts and action plans, strengthening their confidence and motivation to apply what they have learned in their local communities after returning home.

LevelUP: Rural Youth in Action is designed as a starting point for long-term impact: encouraging young people to take initiative, remain active in their communities and contribute to rural development through innovative ideas and cooperation at European level.

Participating countries and partner organizations

The youth exchange brought together young people and youth workers from the following countries and organizations:

• Romania – Initiative Sociale (host organization)

• Poland – DGT Polska

• Italy – Associazione Scambieuropei

• Spain – Asociación el Nexo

• Hungary – Creative Youth Academy

• Czech Republic – Czech Youth Association

• Serbia – Scout Group Đuka Dinić

This blog will follow the journey of the project step by step, presenting daily activities, learning moments, group experiences and results developed during the exchange.