Day 3 of LevelUp: Create Your Own Path

The day started early with a group photo, proudly wearing the new t-shirts we received the day before. Shortly after, we set off on our study visit, equipped with our lunch packs and ready to explore the region.

First stop: Ciocănești

Our first destination was the Ethnographic Museum of Ciocănești (Muzeul Satului Ciocănești), where we discovered traditional Romanian occupations, along with authentic clothing, fabrics, handcrafted masks, tools, and many other cultural elements that reflect the local heritage. Right next to it, we visited the Museum of Painted Eggs (Muzeul Ouălor), home to more than 2,000 beautifully decorated eggs. The museum introduced us to the fascinating Romanian tradition of egg painting and the symbolism behind this unique art form.

Second stop: Vatra Dornei

We then continued to the City Hall of Vatra Dornei, where we learned interesting facts about the region, its history, and local wildlife. One of the most memorable parts was learning practical tips on how to avoid and survive bear encounters in the area.

Third stop: Coverca

Our journey carried on to Coverca, where we visited Aqua Carpatica. During the visit, we had the chance to observe the entire process behind the famous mineral water brand, from water collection and filtration to packaging and distribution. It was both educational and impressive to see how everything works behind the scenes.

Last stop: Vatra Dornei

To conclude the study visit, we enjoyed some free time in the city centre of Vatra Dornei, exploring the surroundings, relaxing, and taking in the atmosphere before heading back to our accommodation.

Evening: Social Time

After dinner, we spent the evening enjoying some social time together. We played games together, shared laughs and continued building friendships through socializing and teamwork.

Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

Day 2 of LevelUp: Create Your Own Path

Day 2 of LevelUp: Create Your Own Path focused on building connections, understanding the project framework and encouraging creativity through teamwork.

The day began with interactive icebreakers such as Musical Chairs and Human Bingo, which helped participants get to know each other in a relaxed and engaging way. At the same time, each participant received a “Secret Mission”, a small task to complete by the end of the day, encouraging informal interaction and communication within the group.

The first session also introduced the context of the project. Through an interactive video and guided discussion, participants explored the Erasmus+ programme, the objectives of the mobility and the expected results. Topics such as formal, non-formal, and informal education, as well as the 8 key competences, were discussed to create a shared understanding among participants.

In the second part of the session, participants worked in national teams to present their organizations. Each group chose its own format, including presentations, storytelling, videos, or role-play. They highlighted their organization’s mission, activities, target groups, and shared examples of projects, contributing to an exchange of experiences and good practices.

The afternoon sessions brought a stronger focus on teamwork and creativity.

Participants were divided into teams using the Zoo method and engaged in two parallel activities:

• The Impossible Project, where teams were challenged to develop and present solutions to unconventional or seemingly unrealistic ideas. This activity supported creative thinking and helped participants practice pitching and presenting their ideas.
• The Media Channel, where teams received a random media type and format, then created and presented an original concept. The activity encouraged creativity, adaptability, and effective communication within teams.

The day concluded with a reflection session, where participants shared their thoughts, what they learned and how they experienced the activities. Through the “Wow, I got that” activity, they highlighted key moments of understanding and personal insights gained throughout the day.

At the same time, team leaders gathered in a dedicated meeting to review the day, discuss group dynamics, and plan the next steps of the project.

Overall, Day 2 combined structured learning with interactive methods, allowing participants to better understand the project while developing key skills such as teamwork, communication and creative thinking.

Social Media: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook

Day 1 of LevelUp: Create Your Own Path

 The first day of the Erasmus+ youth exchange “LevelUp: Create Your Own Path” marked the official beginning of the learning journey in Argestru, Vatra Dornei.

The programme started with the session “Get to Know Your Path”, where participants were welcomed by the AIS team and introduced to the structure of the mobility, the objectives of the project, the venue, and the main rules for the following days. This session helped create a friendly and safe atmosphere, while also encouraging participants to start thinking about their personal learning journey.

The second session, “Dynamic Group Activities”, focused on building the group dynamic. Participants took part in interactive activities such as “Path to Discovery”, “Path of Connection”, and “Path Together”. These activities helped them learn each other’s names, discover common interests, cooperate in mixed international teams, and reflect on shared experiences related to career, employability, and entrepreneurship.

In the afternoon, the session “Fears, Expectations & Contributions” created space for personal reflection. Participants used the metaphor of a personal path to express where they are now, what they expect from the project, what they fear, and what they can contribute. This activity also supported the creation of group rules based on the real needs of the participants.

The day continued with “Wow, I got that!”, a guided reflection activity designed to help participants become aware of what they learned during the day, followed by Daily Reflection, where they evaluated their progress individually and in national groups.

In the evening, participants enjoyed the first Cultural Evening, dedicated to Hungary and Italy. Through presentations, music, food, traditions, and interactive moments, the evening promoted intercultural dialogue, diversity, and mutual understanding.

Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok

Launch of the Erasmus+ Mobility “LevelUp: Create Your Own Path” in Vatra Dornei

 The “Initiative Sociale” Association announces the start of the international youth mobility project “LevelUp: Create Your Own Path”, organized within the Erasmus+ Programme, taking place between April 27 - May 7, 2026, in Argestru, Vatra Dornei, Romania.

The activity brings together 33 young people and 7 group leaders from several European countries - Portugal, Serbia, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Türkiye, and Romania - in a youth exchange focused on developing entrepreneurship and employability skills.

The main goal of the project is to support young people, especially those facing challenges in the labour market, in developing the competences needed to adapt to the current demands of the European job market. Through non-formal education methods, participants will learn how to identify opportunities, develop business ideas, and build their own career paths.

During the 9 days of activities, participants will take part in interactive workshops, teamwork exercises, personal development sessions, and intercultural activities. Among the objectives of the mobility are the development of communication and pitching skills, critical and creative thinking, as well as clarifying professional direction by creating a personal profile of competences and values.

A strong emphasis is placed on inclusion, with the project encouraging the participation of young people with fewer opportunities, including NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, contributing to the creation of an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all.

At the same time, the youth exchange promotes intercultural dialogue, solidarity, and international cooperation, offering participants the opportunity to learn from one another and to build long-term partnerships at the European level.

The project is implemented in partnership with youth organizations from across Europe, namely:

• Creative Youth Academy - Hungary

• Scambieuropei ETS - Italy

• DGT Polska - Poland

• Guarda a Terra Associação Juvenil - Portugal

• Djuka Dinic - Serbia

• European Youth Bank - Türkiye

together with the hosting organization from Romania, “Initiative Sociale” Association.

The project takes place in a natural mountain setting in Vatra Dornei, offering participants a suitable environment for learning, reflection, and personal development.

“LevelUp: Create Your Own Path” is part of the development strategy of “Initiative Sociale” Association, an Erasmus+ accredited organization in the youth field, aiming to create learning opportunities for young people and to support their active involvement in society through non-formal education.

The project is funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Programme. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union.

For more information:
Initiative Sociale Association
Email: initiative.sociale@gmail.com
Social media: @initiative.sociale

Czech Republic - Online Dissemination

"Throughout the project young people from Poland🇵🇱, Serbia🇷🇸, Italy🇮🇹, Spain🇪🇸, Hungary🇭🇺 Romania🇷🇴 and Czech republic🇨🇿came together to share ideas, learn from inspiring entrepreneurs and explore how we can make rural areas more sustainable, creative and full of opportunities.

From workshops and team challanges to visit local entrepreneur and his small fish farm we put what we’ve learnt into practice by creating our own rural business plans. Based on votes, feedback and Q&A from other business companies and facilitators the winning team was WATTS UP SOLAR focused on renewable energy in rural areas.

But in reality we all won because we’ve learnt so much about business such as time management, teamwork and public speaking.

We are coming home with new friendships, unforgettable memories and ready to create real impact back home!🤝🇪🇺" - Czech Youth Association

"🌍 LevelUp: Rural Youth in Action - Vatra Dornei, Romania 🇷🇴

From September 18th to 28th, I had the privilege to join the Erasmus+ youth exchange LevelUp: Rural Youth in Action, an EU-funded project in Vatra Dornei. Together with participants from Italy, Spain, Poland, Hungary, Serbia, Romania, and the Czech Republic, we spent 10 days learning, sharing, and co-creating solutions for the challenges faced by rural areas across Europe.

✨ What we did:

-Explored the challenges and opportunities of rural communities. -Designed and presented innovative entrepreneurial ideas and business models to empower rural development. -Engaged in teamwork and leadership tasks, intercultural workshops, and creative problem-solving activities. -Strengthened our intercultural competence, communication skills, and adaptability while working in highly diverse international teams. 🤝 Impact: This experience showed how youth entrepreneurship can bring innovation, sustainability, and resilience to rural regions. Beyond the professional skills gained, it was also a powerful cultural exchange: we discovered traditions, shared perspectives, and built friendships that go beyond borders.

🌱 I return from this exchange with a stronger skill set, an expanded European network, and a renewed motivation to engage in projects that foster youth empowerment, rural development, and social impact." - Lukas

"🌍 LevelUp: Rural Youth in Action – Vatra Dornei, Romania 🇷🇴

This September, we had the amazing opportunity to take part in the Erasmus+ youth exchange LevelUp: Rural Youth in Action, an EU-funded project hosted in Vatra Dornei, Romania. Together with participants from across Europe, we spent 10 unforgettable days learning, sharing, and exploring how young people can bring innovation and entrepreneurship into rural areas.

💡 What we discovered:

• How to come up with meaningful entrepreneurship ideas and creative solutions that address real needs in local communities.

• That true impact comes from working on projects we genuinely care about — not just the ones that seem most profitable.

• The power of teamwork, open-mindedness, and collaboration between people with different perspectives and cultural backgrounds.

🤝 Our biggest takeaway:

Rural regions hold incredible potential. With the right mindset, passion, and cooperation, young people can create sustainable solutions that strengthen communities and inspire others to take action.

🌱 We return from this experience more motivated, connected, and inspired to pursue ideas that matter — projects driven by purpose, creativity, and heart." - Julie

"🌍✨ LevelUP: Rural Youth in Action – Romania This month I joined an Erasmus+ project focused on rural entrepreneurship and it turned out to be much more than just “another project.” We were in the heart of the Romanian Carpathians 🏔️ surrounded by nature, ideas, and people from across Europe. Together we explored how young people can bring life and business into rural areas, instead of watching them slowly empty out. Some takeaways that stayed with me: 💡 Rural communities aren’t “behind” they are untapped potential. 🤝 Collaboration between local traditions and new business models is where innovation happens. 🚀 Youth bring the energy rural places need to thrive. For me personally, it was a reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t only about tech and cities. Sometimes the most sustainable and meaningful businesses can start in a village, with a small idea, and then scale. Big thanks to the Erasmus+ programme 🇪🇺 and all the amazing people who shared this experience. I’m bringing the energy home – ready to keep building." - Matyas

Romania R4W Online Dissemination

Another amazing experience in Vatra Dornei with our beautiful facilitators @akittaqi & @lexilexionescu and with our participants from 🇨🇿🇱🇹🇮🇹🇬🇷🇭🇺🇷🇴🇵🇱.

During this project we focused on one of the biggest challenges for young people today - youth unemployment. We learned how to create professional CVs, prepare for job interviews, and made a video to raise awareness about this important issue.

We shared ideas, practiced real interview situations, and discovered how different countries deal with unemployment among young people. It was such an inspiring experience that helped us improve our communication skills and get ready for our future careers!

This project truly made us realize how important it is to believe in ourselves and never stop learning can't wait to live something like this again! - Ali

Looking back at the LevelUP: Ready4Work Erasmus+ exchange in Vatra Dornei and I am still buzzing from the experience. It was such a productive week spent with amazing people from all over Europe, all focused on one big goal: figuring out the modern job market.⛰️

​We didn't just sit in a room and talk theory. We really got into the practical side of things, like:

-​Understanding what employers actually want and how to make a CV stand out in a sea of applications;

-​Building soft skills like teamwork and problem-solving that you just can't learn from a textbook;

-​Exploring entrepreneurship and seeing how a small idea can turn into a real career path;

-​Networking with people from different cultures which gave me a whole new perspective on how we can work together across borders;

🇪🇺🇷🇴🇱🇹🇭🇺🇨🇿🇬🇷🇵🇱🇮🇹🇺🇦🇲🇩🇰🇬🇰🇿🇮🇳🇵🇰🇦🇫

​One of the highlights was definitely our visit to the Aqua Carpatica factory. Seeing a major production line in action gave us a real-world look at how a successful business operates day-to-day. 👩‍🏭

We also had the chance to meet the Mayor of Vatra Dornei, where we discussed youth opportunities and the future of the local community.

​It was more than just a training course, it was a reminder that when young people from different backgrounds connect, we can find creative solutions to the challenges of today’s world.

​Huge thanks to Initiative Sociale and all the partners for making this happen!🥰🤗 - Olivia

Romania R4W Offline Dissemination

1st Offline Dissemination Event

Two members of the Romanian team, Adriana and Minodora, organized an offline dissemination activity by presenting the Youth Exchange to people from their local organization in Șimnicu de Sus, Dolj.

The presentation took place on 13 November 2025 and gathered 20 volunteers aged between 16 and 20 years old.

They presented the main elements of the youth exchange “Level UP: Ready 4 Work”, including its objectives, location, dates, and participating countries. The project took place in Vatra Dornei, Romania, between 23 October and 2 November 2025, and involved young people and group leaders from seven European countries within the Erasmus+ programme.

They briefly explained that the exchange focused on developing key employability skills through non-formal education activities and intercultural learning. The presentation concluded with a short visual overview of the project, highlighting teamwork and the learning atmosphere, which generated strong interest and questions from the audience about Erasmus+ opportunities and international youth exchanges.

2nd Offline Dissemination Event

Olivia, one of our participants, gave a presentation on 8 November 2025 at a youth center, where she gathered 20 students.

The dissemination session effectively presented the key messages and results of the “Level UP: Ready 4 Work” youth exchange to a young audience. The presenter introduced the Erasmus+ programme and shared her project experience, generating interest among students who had not previously participated in international mobility activities.

The audience responded particularly well to concrete examples and visual materials, such as photos and short videos, which illustrated teamwork, learning moments, and the overall atmosphere of the exchange. This approach made the presentation clear, engaging, and easy to relate to.

Following the session, several students expressed interest in learning more about Erasmus+ opportunities and youth exchanges. The activity successfully promoted non-formal education and intercultural learning, encouraging young people to explore similar international experiences in the future.