Day 8 LevelUp: Ready4Work

This day was funny and intense. It pushed us to manage our time well. We continued filming and editing for Ready4Oscars. The whole day was dedicated to this outcome. The facilitators gave us clear guidelines. Technical steps, concept, rules, tips and tricks. Even so, we had some delays in delivering the final videos.

Each team worked on a clear topic. Work life balance. Bullying and unemployment. Fighting for a job. Abusement of employees. Getting a job. Job versus unemployment.

We tried to include everything we learned during this mobility in our clips. From day one until today. We used the skills developed in the different sessions. This outcome represents the main result of this youth exchange.

The day ended with participants engaging in a reflection session to exchange experiences and learning points, while the leaders’ meeting focused on evaluation, planning, and coordination for the days ahead.

In the end all teams managed to finish their movies. We were surprised by the Oscar event. Every detail was prepared by the staff team. Lights, red carpet, interviews, the voting process, the moderators and the presentations. The voting system was fair.

After the trophies, each of us received a medal so everyone felt like a winner. We ended the day with an emotional party. We are the champions!

We took photos and shared moments of happiness, tears and laughter.

Social media: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

Day 7 LevelUp: Ready4Work

The day started with an energizer that gave us focus and confidence before the interviews. The facilitators handed out our printed CVs. The six job recruiters were introduced and each of us registered for at least one interview.

The job fair offered a complete recruitment experience. The activity prepared us for our future career. It is something rare to get this role play simulation and for all of us it will be very useful.

We tested our skills linked to communication, critical thinking.

We applied for clear job positions. Chariot International, Escape Room Actor, Teacher in Kindergarten, Financial KYC Analyst, Assistant Manager and Data Analyst. At the end, each recruiter announced who received the job and explained the decision. We then had a short debriefing moderated by the facilitators.

After lunch we joined the Ready4Oscars session. The facilitators explained the steps of the activity and the key elements of this outcome. International teams worked on video ideas. We had time to brainstorm and shape our concept.

Before dinner we had a short but meaningful retrospective connected to our learning process. This helped us understand what we achieved during the day and what we want to improve. After that we moved into reflection time and leaders meeting.

In the evening we watched the cultural presentations of Bangladesh and the Republic of Moldova. Farah presented Bangladesh through history, culture, daily life and important facts. The sisters Cătălina and Olivia presented Moldova’s key aspects, traditions and elements of their identity. Both presentations were clear and engaging. We learned new information and understood their backgrounds better. This mobility gave us a strong opportunity to explore different cultures and expand our knowledge.

The day ended with Halloween costumes and shared moments that brought our group even closer.

Social media: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

Spain - Offline Dissemination

Our team member María, gave a talk about the Erasmus+ program at her university, in the German class of the Faculty of Commerce and Human Resources, part of the “Universidad de Valladolid”. The attendees were 24 students from 20 to 25 years old, young people genuinely interested in the topic. She explained what these programs consist of, which are the topics that can be treated, which are the pillars on which they stand, the common goals in each project, who can take part in them, what costs are covered and how are they financed.

Then she talked about her own experience, what she expected -as this was her first time-, what she learnt during and after the project, and how she found out about the Erasmus+ program.

After that, the students asked a lot of questions, moment that she used to recommend pages, channels and social media accounts where they can find this opportunities.

Spain - Online Dissemination

Within the framework of the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project “LevelUp: Rural Youth In Action, Spanish participants carried out online dissemination activities on Linkedin.

Each participant shared visually supported posts in English and Spanish, in order to reach out people in our community and abroad, including details about the project title, dates, location, host organization and participating countries. The posts included personal experiences, reflections, and group photos, as well as descriptions of key activities such as the cultural nights, study visit and national presentations on rural entrepreneurship.

Thanks to the diverse audience of the platforms, these posts reached various people across different countries, generating likes, comments, shares, and messages of interest. The dissemination posts helped increase the visibility of the Erasmus+ program, drew attention to the importance of the rural areas, and promoted intercultural awareness.

"For 10 days I had the opportunity to participate in an Erasmus+ program, my second, this time in Romania, near Vatra Dornei.

The E+ program offers many different opportunities and topics, so for this occasion I was able to choose again one that would teach me more about the professional path I am taking.

"LevelUp: Rural Youth in Action" has shown us the realities of the rural world in different countries of Europe, how they face them and what they are looking for. Then they taught us how to create a business by catering to the desires of life away from the big urban centers. Finally, we formed international groups to create, develop and present projects, in a "shark tank" simulation.

It has been an enriching experience in which I have also been Team Leader of the Spanish group.

Erasmus+

European Commission

Thanks to the El Nexo Association as a sending organization.

Huge thanks to "Initiative Sociale", the organizer of this wonderful project, who have taken care of us at all times and have taught us so much." - Guillermo

"I recently took part in LevelUP: Rural Youth in Action, an Erasmus+ youth exchange held in Vatra Dornei, Romania.

For nine days, young people from Spain, Romania, Italy, Poland, Hungary, Serbia, and the Czech Republic worked together to develop skills in rural entrepreneurship, creating business plans and sharing best practices in a truly multicultural environment.

It was a great experience that helped me strengthen teamwork, creativity, and initiative while expanding my international network.

Many thanks to Initiative Sociale and Asociación El Nexo for making it possible." - Maria

"🌍🙌🏼This September I had the privilege to join the LevelUP: Rural Youth in Action exchange in Vatra Dornei, Romania — an unforgettable experience that brought together 34 participants and 4 facilitators, a total of 38 people, united to learn, share and grow through rural entrepreneurship.

Organized and facilitated by Initiative Sociale, the project gathered young people and leaders from Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Serbia, Spain, and Romania, with the support of the Erasmus+ programme. Thanks to the collaboration of the European Union, participants from Bangladesh, Colombia, India, and Pakistan also joined, enriching the cultural and professional exchange even more.

Throughout 9 days of non-formal education and teamwork, we strengthened key competencies:

❇️ Leadership and teamwork across multicultural groups

❇️ Confidence to share knowledge and inspire others

❇️ Entrepreneurial creativity and initiative to design rural business plans

❇️ Networking and international collaboration for sustainable development

❇️ English language improvement, by working and communicating daily in an international environment

🌱 Beyond skills, the true value of this exchange was the trust, cooperation, and friendships built among 38 people from diverse cultures, all committed to building a more entrepreneurial and sustainable future.

A special thanks to Initiative Sociale and the Erasmus+ programme for making this impactful journey possible." - Miler

Day 6 LevelUp: Ready4Work

The projects six day started with an energiser using a hole-hoop testing the participants problem solving and teamwork while also helping everyone to wake up.

Later in the morning the participants did the midterm evaluation. Sheets were given out where they needed to colour in characters which reflected there feelings on how they felt after being accepted to the project and how they felt during that moment where they were colouring them in.

Before lunch, participants gathered in teams and searched for Do'es and Dont's during job interviews. They had to note them on a flipcharts and present in front of others.

After that we had lunch and in the next exercise the participants were divided in to six groups and were giving a task of making a play about some of the issues that plague the work environment. The exercise it self was facilitated by Lorenzo, one of the participants. It helped to increase the understanding of the issues in a fun and creative way and allowing the participants to express them express them self in a theater like environmental.

After that, we had lunch, and in the next exercise, the participants were divided into six groups and given the task of creating a short play about issues that affect the work environment. The exercise itself was facilitated by Lorenzo, one of the participants. It helped increase understanding of these issues in a fun and creative way, allowing participants to express themselves in a theater-like setting.

Before closing the day, a reflection session allowed participants to share key learnings and personal reflections, and in parallel, the leaders gathered to review the day and align on the following steps.

The 6th day ended with a enjoyble cultural night held by Greece, Italy, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan and Ukraine. Each group presented unique performances that highlighted their country’s music, dance, and cultural heritage. The atmosphere was full of energy and excitement as we joined in traditional dances and experienced the diversity of rhythms and movements. We also had the opportunity to taste a variety of traditional dishes, each offering distinct flavors that reflected the culinary traditions of the participating countries.

The sixth day was filled with teamwork, creativity, and cultural exchange. Participants improved their problem-solving and communication skills through engaging activities and ended the day with a lively cultural night that celebrated diversity and unity among all.

Social media: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

Italy - Offline Dissemination

The team leader of the group, Arcangelo, organized the offline dissemination by talking to the students of two classes in the “Polo Liceale R. Mattioli” high school, for a total of around 40 students. he started the presentation by introducing the concept of Erasmus+, and then proceded to talk about the project. firstly by mentioning the main aspects (theme, dates, location, hosting organization etc.), then he moved on to the objectives, to the activities, and finished by talking about the results. he presented his own group’s startup idea, Checkmate, an anti-cafe focussed on selling local products and offering etertainment to rural areas. this served both as an example of the final results of the project, and as a way to show how the theoretical knowledge learned would apply in practicality. he then concluded the session by showing pictures of the various cultural nights, proving how the experience helped him learn more about different cultures and connect with others.

The presentation was undeniably successful, with students showing great interest in both the general concept of Erasmus+ and the specific project organized in Vatra Dornei. the mix of professional yet personal in the presentation made the students more invested and willing to ask questions, and it illustrated well the objectives, activities and results of the project. 

As a results, more students got interested in participting in an Erasmus+ themselves and in rural entrepreneurship, with the idea of Checkmate sparking particular interest in their minds.

Italy - Online Dissemination

For this Erasmus+ Youth Exchange, the italian team chose to carry out their online dissemination on LinkedIn. Each member shared visually supported posts in English, including details about the project such as dates (18–28 September 2025), location (Vatra Dornei, Romania), host organization (Initiative Sociale), and participating countries. The posts included pictures of activities, group photos, personal thoughts and description of the main topics of the project.

"From September 18th to 28th, I had the privilege to take part in the project LevelUp: Rural Youth in Action in Vatra Dornei (Romania), a project funded by the European Union and implemented by the Association Initiative Sociale in Romania.

Over the course of 10 days, 37 young participants from Italy, Spain, Poland, Ungheria, Serbia, Romania, and the Czech Republic + 2 facilitators came together to collaborate, exchange perspectives, and co-create. Starting with ice-breaking games that soon evolved into international teams working on entrepreneurial solutions for rural areas across Europe such as rural revival in my case. 🌱💡

Thanks to the amazing job and commitment of the facilitators, this experience has been extremely productive and pleasant to be in, providing me with the opportunity to strengthen key soft skills that are essential in today’s interconnected world:

• Intercultural competence: learning to collaborate effectively within a highly diverse environment.

• Teamwork and leadership: coordinating efforts and responsibilities in international groups.

• Problem-solving and creativity: designing innovative business models tailored to the challenges and opportunities of rural communities.

• Communication and adaptability: navigating multilingual and multicultural contexts with clarity and openness.

•Building and strengthening confidence thru pubblic speaking and talking to people from different countries and backgrounds

I return from this experience with a stronger skill set, an expanded European network, and a renewed commitment to engage in projects that talk about youth empowerment, rural development, and social impact. 🌍" - Cristian

"From September 18th to 28th, I had the chance to take part in LevelUp: Rural Youth in Action, held in Vatra Dornei (Romania), a project supported by the European Union and carried out by Association Initiative Sociale.

For 10 days, 34 young people from Italy, Spain, Poland, Hungary, Serbia, Romania, and the Czech Republic came together to exchange ideas, collaborate, and build solutions. What started as ice-breaking activities soon grew into international teamwork, developing entrepreneurial projects aimed at empowering rural communities across Europe 🌱💡.

Thanks to the dedication and expertise of the facilitators, this experience was both educational and transformative, giving me the chance to strengthen key soft skills that are increasingly valuable today:

• Intercultural collaboration: engaging effectively in a highly diverse setting.

• Teamwork and leadership: sharing tasks and responsibilities in multinational groups.

• Creativity and problem-solving: designing innovative business models for rural challenges.

• Communication and flexibility: adapting to multilingual and multicultural contexts with openness.

Beyond my personal growth, this project underlined how entrepreneurship can serve as a powerful driver for sustainable development in rural Europe 🇪🇺, and how young people can play an active role in building inclusive, innovative, and resilient communities 🤝💡.

I return from this journey with stronger skills, an expanded European network, and a renewed motivation to contribute to initiatives that promote youth empowerment, rural development, and social impact 🌍✨." - Giovanni

"From September 18th to 28th, I had the privilege to take part in the project LevelUp: Rural Youth in Action in Vatra Dornei (Romania), a project funded by the European Union and implemented by the Association Initiative Sociale in Romania.

Over the course of 10 days, 34 young participants from Italy, Spain, Poland, Hungary, Serbia, Romania, and the Czech Republic came together to collaborate, exchange perspectives, and co-create. What began with ice-breaking activities soon evolved into international teams working on entrepreneurial solutions for rural areas across Europe. 🌱💡

Thanks go the amazing job and commitment of the facilitators, this experience has been profoundly formative and transformative, providing me with the opportunity to strengthen key soft skills that are essential in today’s interconnected world:

• Intercultural competence: learning to collaborate effectively within a highly diverse environment.

• Teamwork and leadership: coordinating efforts and responsibilities in international groups.

• Problem-solving and creativity: designing innovative business models tailored to the challenges and opportunities of rural communities.

• Communication and adaptability: navigating multilingual and multicultural contexts with clarity and openness.

Beyond personal growth, this project highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship as a driver of sustainable development in rural Europe🇪🇺, showing how young people can contribute to inclusive and resilient communities through innovation and cooperation🤝💡.

I return from this experience with a stronger skill set, an expanded European network, and a renewed commitment to engage in projects that foster youth empowerment, rural development, and social impact. 🌍✨" - Martina

"From September 18th to 28th, I joined the Erasmus Plus Project LevelUP: Rural Youth in Action, an EU-funded project in Romania supported by Scambio Europeo Italy.

Together with 39 young participants from 7 European countries, we worked on entrepreneurial solutions for rural communities — turning ideas into models for sustainable development. 🌱💡

This experience strengthened my teamwork, leadership, intercultural communication, and problem-solving skills, while showing how youth entrepreneurship can drive resilience and inclusion in rural Europe.

Grateful for the growth, connections, and inspiration this journey brought. 🌍✨" - Mishal

"From September 18th to 28th, I had the privilege to go to Vatra Dornei in, a project funded by the European Union and implemented by the Association Initiative Sociale in Romania, with the support of ScambiEuropei Italy.

Over the course of 10 days, 34 young participants from Italy, Spain, Poland, Hungary, Serbia, Romania, and the Czech Republic came together to collaborate, exchange perspectives, and co-create. What began with ice-breaking activities soon evolved into international teams working on entrepreneurial solutions for rural areas across Europe. 🌱💡

This experience has been profoundly formative and transformative, providing me with the opportunity to strengthen key soft skills that are essential in today’s interconnected world:

• Intercultural competence: learning to collaborate effectively within a highly diverse environment.

• Teamwork and leadership: coordinating efforts and responsibilities in international groups.

• Problem-solving and creativity: designing innovative business models tailored to the challenges and opportunities of rural communities.

• Communication and adaptability: navigating multilingual and multicultural contexts with clarity and openness.

Beyond personal growth, this project highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship as a driver of sustainable development in rural Europe, showing how young people can contribute to inclusive and resilient communities through innovation and cooperation.

I return from this experience with a stronger skill set, an expanded European network, and a renewed commitment to engage in projects that foster youth empowerment, rural development, and social impact. 🌍✨" - Archangelo

Day 5 LevelUp: Ready4Work

Our day began with an early breakfast prepared by our hosts at the accommodation. We all received lunch packs and then proceeded to board the bus. Even though it was cloudy and raining in beautiful Vatra Dornei, the bus ride allowed us to enjoy the sights over the mountains.

We arrived to the Aqua Carpatica Factory around 10:30 am and our adventure began. We visited the premises and learned about the water filtering and bottling process. We were also able to ask questions and find out about the job opportunities they have there. The lady who was responsible for us told us all about their recruitment and hiring process, which was very interesting especially for those who have never had jobs previously. The visit ended and we went back to the bus, but not empty handed because everyone received bottles of Aqua Carpatica water.

We then went on and visited the Vatra Dornei City Hall. The building in itself is a masterpiece of architecture and we met the mayor in their conference room which looked exactly like an old ballroom from 100 years ago. The mayor and the gentleman in charge of mountain rescue were kind enough to spend time with us, tell us about the history of the town, the main occupations people have here and the job opportunities, but also about what we can visit in the area and the Via Transilvanica Trail. We were able to ask questions and learn about hiking tips.

After the visit at the City Hall we had lunch and got the chance to explore the town. We walked around the nice streets of Vatra Dornei, tried out Romanian pastry and bakery products and took lots of pictures as the "background" was provided by gorgeous buildings and the majestic mountains around them.

Overall, we had a lovely and exciting day, we learned a lot about the town and the people here, but also had the chance to spend more time together. The day concluded with social time at the accommodation and a well deserved night of sleep.

To wrap up the day, participants reflected on their learning and challenges in a dedicated session, while the leaders met separately to assess progress and ensure the smooth continuation of the mobility.

Social media: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

Day 4 LevelUp: Ready4Work

The fourth day started with the energizer Penguins and Crocodiles, which helped participants wake up and prepare for the sessions ahead.

The morning continued with a group activity focused on identifying and analyzing personal skills, both soft and hard. Participants worked in smaller groups at flipchart stations, reflecting on their individual strengths and discussing how these skills contribute to personal and professional growth.

Afterwards, we explored several key topics related to employability, including digitalization and other current issues affecting young people in the labour market. Each group discussed challenges, proposed possible solutions, and exchanged views from their own national perspectives.

A short jumping energizer followed to help participants regain focus before the next session, which centred on the question “Do CVs still matter?” Divided into six teams, participants rotated between stations, discussing ideas on how to improve employability and how to adapt to current trends in recruitment.

The final session of the day focused on creating new CVs. Participants applied what they had learned throughout the day, working on content, structure, and presentation. The session also covered practical aspects, such as how to list dates — using month and year for shorter employments, and year ranges for longer ones.

The day concluded with a reflection session where participants discussed their experiences and insights, alongside a leaders’ meeting focused on evaluation, coordination, and upcoming activities.

The day provided space for reflection, exchange of perspectives, and the development of practical skills useful for future career planning.

Social media: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

Day 3 LevelUp: Ready4Work

Our day commenced at 08:30 with a full breakfast at the restaurant, during which we had the opportunity to reflect on the previous day’s activities and discuss the schedule ahead. This time also contributed to strengthening interpersonal connections and enhancing group cohesion.

At 10:00, we assembled in the session room and began with an energizer led by Kristyan, which effectively boosted our energy levels and prepared us both physically and mentally for the day’s program. Subsequently, we read the messages from the news box, which had just started to appear, serving as an early indication of the bonds forming among participants and generating a sense of joy within the group. Immediately afterward, we participated in a general knowledge quiz in international teams, which encouraged discussion and the exchange of ideas.

The session concluded with the coffee break, after which the national teams commenced preparations for their Ready4Work in My Country presentations. Each team was assigned to create and present both a short theatrical performance and a PowerPoint presentation focusing on youth unemployment in their respective countries. The preparation process began during the coffee break and was completed during the afternoon session.

During lunchtime, participants had the opportunity to rest and decompress following the preparation phase, after which the work on the presentations resumed. Throughout this process, participants were able to collaborate, exchange perspectives on the programme, reflect on key issues, and gain new insights related to youth unemployment in their countries.

The afternoon session began at 17:30 on the football field, where we engaged in two energizers, the first one led by Lexi and and the second one led by Elias, which contributed to re-energizing the group. We then reconvened in the session room to proceed with the presentations. Through these presentations, we were able to explore the issue of youth unemployment across various European countries in an engaging and positive environment. This encouraged constructive dialogue, the exchange of opinions, and reflection on shared challenges and potential solutions.

At the end of the day, participants joined a reflection session to share their learning outcomes, challenges, and personal takeaways, while team leaders held a meeting to evaluate the day and plan the next steps.

The day concluded with the cultural evening dedicated to Lithuania , Czechia and Hungary. Participants were introduced to various aspects of each country’s cultural heritage, experienced traditional foods, and took part in folk dances, further strengthening group unity and fostering intercultural understanding. We look forward to the upcoming day with great anticipation.

Social media: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

Day 2 LevelUp: Ready4Work

A fresh mountain morning welcomed us again as Day 2 began at 9:00 AM with a hearty breakfast. The dining room buzzed with laughter and chatter, everyone recharged and ready for another day of discovery and fun.

We kicked things off with a lively energizer that instantly set a positive tone for the day. The energy in the room was contagious! Soon after, we jumped into a name revision game, and what a blast it was! In small groups at first, we started recalling each other’s names and countries, then slowly merged into one big circle. By the end of the activity, we proudly realized that we had learned everyone’s name, 40 participants from different countries! It felt like we were no longer strangers but one connected group.

The next activity, Clock Dates, turned out to be one of the highlights of the day. Each participant had a “clock” with 12 time slots, and for every hour, we paired up with a new partner for a short “date.” Every conversation brought something new and we shared ideas, cultural experiences, funny stories, and even life lessons. It was an amazing opportunity to connect on a deeper level and to truly understand the diverse backgrounds that make this project so special.

After a short coffee break, we were ready for action again with a creative and dynamic Treasure Hunt! Divided into teams, we ran across different stations completing tasks like Chinese Whispers, trivia challenges, and quick physical and mental games. Each station tested our teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. The competition was fierce but friendly, and everyone cheered each other on. By the end, we were tired but thrilled, laughing, high-fiving, and celebrating every point earned.

Lunch came at just the right time, offering us a delicious Romanian meal and a perfect chance to rest and reflect. Conversations flowed easily as we talked about our favorite moments, shared insights from the morning, and bonded even more over laughter and good food.

The afternoon session brought a shift toward learning. Our facilitators led an informative workshop about Erasmus+ and other international opportunities. The presentation was eye-opening as we discovered programs, exchanges, and possibilities we hadn’t known before. Many of us had our first “aha!” moments, finally understanding how Erasmus+ works and how we can benefit from it personally and professionally. The trainer’s clarity and enthusiasm made the session not just educational but truly inspiring.

After the final coffee break, we wrapped up the day with a cheerful reflection activity, revisiting everything we learned and experienced. It was amazing to see how much we had already grown in just two days. And after, the leaders meeting to see what we need to improve for the next days.

Day 2 ended on a high note: full hearts, inspired minds, and strong friendships in the making. We learned, we laughed, we ran, and we shared, and every moment brought us one step closer to becoming the best version of ourselves. 

Social media: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

Day 1 LevelUp: Ready4Work

New faces, fresh energy and excitement filled the mountain village of Vatra Dornei as participants from multiple countries arrived for the program.

Our first morning kicked off at 9:00 AM with a well-deserved breakfast that was a moment to fuel up and prepare for the day ahead. By 10:00 AM, the fun began with an energizer game: one person led a series of movements while everyone else copied them, an outside participant had to guess the leader. By the end of the round, we were already starting to learn each other’s names, faces, and even a few dance moves.

Afterwards we moved into our first official ice-breaking activity. Each participant introduced themselves (name, country) helping us attach stories to faces right from the start. We then played an inclusion game: one person stepped into the middle of the circle and shared a statement like, “I have siblings” or “I know more than three languages.” Anyone who related stepped in, held hands, and shared a brief conversation. This instantly revealed surprising common ground.

A coffee break at 11:30 AM gave us a chance to relax and chat informally. At 12:00 PM, we jumped into another ice-breaker with a ball: whoever caught it shared something funny or interesting about themselves. We discovered secret talents, amazing abilities and who among us had the quickest reflexes.

Before lunch, we focused on two crucial project moments. First, we collaboratively set the rules for the project, ensuring a respectful, open and safe environment. Ideas included listening actively, respecting differences, being punctual and being active. Then our facilitator handed out papers with a backpack drawing. Participants filled their “backpacks” with expectations, contributions and fears for the project. It was a simple exercise with powerful results, helping everyone articulate what they hoped to gain, what they planned to offer and what worried us inside.

We also took a quiet moment to reflect and write down our current feelings, hopes and first impressions on post-its. These notes will be kept until the final day as a small reflection to track our growth and changing perspectives.

Lunch at 1:30 PM was a treat we had warm chicken soup, beans and Romanian dishes that offered us energy. After lunch, we enjoyed a siesta from 2:00 to 3:30 PM to rest and recharge.

The afternoon brought deeper teamwork. From 3:30 PM, small groups discussed the project’s five main objectives, exploring why each was important for both personal and professional skills of this project. Conversations were thoughtful and enriched by diverse perspectives.

A coffee break at 5:30 PM provided a quick recharge before a creative exercise at 6:00 PM. Each participant received a shield drawing to fill with dream jobs, hobbies, values and things they love. The result was a map of who we are and who we aspire to be.

The activities day closed with a reflection session for participants and a leaders’ meeting, helping us process experiences and prepare for the days ahead.

Dinner at 7:00 PM featured traditional Romanian dishes, the right energy boost for the evening ahead. At 9:00 PM, we began the Romanian-Polish Cultural Night.

The Polish team opened with energy, teaching us handy phrases in polish, sharing a short video about Poland and presenting fun facts through a friendly competition. The Romanian team followed with a quiz, where mixed country teams answered questions about culture and history. We also played an art game recreating famous Romanian places and artworks and volunteers led a storytelling round that turned into an improv show. Both teams showcased traditional foods and drinks, and the night ended with folk dances from both countries .

Day 1 is complete and we are so happy that we achieved so many things: expectations written, rules agreed, backpacks filled, names and dance moves learned.

Social media: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

Level Up: Ready4Work

On 23 October 2025, the international Erasmus+ Youth Exchange LevelUP: Ready4Work officially kicks off in Vatra Dornei (Argeștru), Romania, bringing together young people from across Europe for an intense learning and intercultural experience focused on employability and personal development. The mobility will take place until 2 November 2025, including travel days. 

About the Project

LevelUP: Ready4Work is a multilateral youth exchange implemented within the Erasmus+ Programme, responding to one of the most pressing challenges faced by young people today: access to the labour market and youth unemployment.

The project is designed to support young people in developing the key personal and professional competences needed to successfully enter and navigate today’s constantly changing world of work. Through non-formal education methods, participants will take part in interactive workshops, group work, simulations, discussions and reflection sessions in a safe and supportive international environment.

Aim of the Youth Exchange

The main aim of LevelUP: Ready4Work is to empower young people with essential employability skills and to increase their awareness of the European labour market, its challenges and opportunities. By the end of the exchange, participants will feel more confident, motivated and prepared to actively shape their professional future. 

Project Objectives

During the 9 days of activities, the project aims to:

• increase participants’ understanding of the European labour market and the realities young people face when entering it;
• develop key competences such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking, adaptability, creativity, initiative and problem-solving;
• enhance participants’ employability and active participation in social and professional life;
• foster intercultural dialogue, inclusion, tolerance and solidarity among young people from different countries;
• strengthen international cooperation and long-term partnerships between youth organisations within the Erasmus+ framework. 

Location & Dates

The youth exchange is hosted in Vatra Dornei (Argeștru), Romania, a mountain area known for its natural beauty and peaceful environment, an ideal setting for reflection, learning and team-building activities.

📍 Location: Vatra Dornei (Argeștru), Romania

📅 Dates: 23 October – 2 November 2025 (including travel days)

Participating Countries & Partners

The project brings together 33 young participants and 7 group leaders from seven European countries, working together in an inclusive and multicultural learning space.

Partner organisations involved in the exchange are:

1. Mladoevropani – Czech Republic
2. Greek Youth Mobility – Greece
3. Creative Youth Academy – Hungary
4. Associazione Scambieuropei – Italy
5. TAVO Europa – Lithuania
6. DGT Polska – Poland
7. Initiative Sociale – Romania (host organisation)

Special attention is given to the inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities, ensuring equal access to learning and development for all participants.  

Hungary - Online Dissemination

As part of the LevelUp: Rural Youth in Action project, the Hungarian participants actively promoted the program through social media posts on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Each member shared reflections and visuals highlighting their experiences, the project’s goals and key learning moments.

The posts featured the project’s activities such as the business hackathon, local farm visit, cultural evenings and workshops on rural entrepreneurship. These dissemination efforts helped broaden the project’s visibility, engaging audiences from different countries and inspiring other young people to explore similar Erasmus+ opportunities.

By sharing personal insights and creative content, Team Hungary contributed to raising awareness about youth entrepreneurship, sustainability and intercultural collaboration. 

"This month, from 18th to 28th September, I had the chance to join LevelUp: Rural Youth in Action in Vatra Dornei, Romania, a 10 day EU-funded project hosted by Association Initiative Sociale.

Together with 34 young participants from across Europe, we worked on entrepreneurial solutions for rural areas. 

One of the highlights of the program was visiting a local farm and hearing the inspiring story of its owner’s entrepreneurial journey. It was a powerful reminder of how passion, resilience and community support can turn small ideas into sustainable businesses.

In our international team, we developed "Green Flag", an organic agrofarm concept focused on ethical livestock, organic crops, farm boxes and scaling delivery services across Europe. This experience has been a milestone for me both academically and personally. Coming from rural Bangladesh, where agriculture is part of daily life, I could connect deeply with the project. Working on Green Flag helped me sharpen my skills in business modeling, financial planning and sustainability driven innovation. Most importantly, it strengthened my vision to one day launch my own entrepreneurial initiatives in Bangladesh, empowering rural communities and promoting eco friendly agriculture.

Grateful to my teammates, facilitators and the entire project team for making this such an inspiring and transformative journey. 🌍✨

🚀 This is just the beginning of my path in sustainable entrepreneurship — and I’m excited to see where it leads next." - Joy

"Looking back, I’m so thankful I had the chance to take part in LevelUP: Rural Youth in Action, an Erasmus+ youth exchange held in Vatra Dornei, Romania 🇷🇴 from 18–28 September 2025.Together with 37 young people and group leaders from 7 European countries, we spent 9 days learning about rural entrepreneurship, sharing ideas, and working in international teams to create business plans. Beyond the workshops, what really stood out were the cultural evenings, the mountain setting, and the chance to connect with so many inspiring people. 🌿💡The project gave me new perspectives on how creativity and cooperation can make a difference in rural communities. I’m leaving with not just knowledge, but also friendships and experiences I’ll carry forward. 💌Grateful to Erasmus+ and Initiative Sociale for making this possible." - Panna