Hosting an Erasmus+ Exchange: our experience
A CASA DI AMICI: We are at the second Erasmus+ exchange with Youth Ratoons at A Casa di Amici!
This time, the theme of the project is…?
ELISA: It is about reconnecting with your INNER CHILD and reflecting more broadly on the topic of mental health through theatre and play.
A CASA DI AMICI: And why did you choose this theme?
ELISA: We wanted to organize a youth exchange, and some of us brought up the theme of the INNER CHILD because it has always been something very close to our hearts for personal reasons. Then we also noticed that some studies have shown that Generation Z, in particular, often feels overwhelmed: there is this social pressure to become adults very quickly, to find a job. You finish university and don’t really have the opportunity to explore or even give yourself a little time to reconnect with yourself.
KRISTIN: This theme also emerged in response to the fact that mental health is, in a way, a privilege because starting a therapeutic journey is really expensive. So it’s wonderful to be able to offer a group of young people, free of charge, a moment of reflection like this with a specialist. Of course, it’s not comparable to personal therapy, but it can certainly plant a seed. Throughout the project, we also offered participants the opportunity to have a free one-on-one session with a clinical psychologist, who also led a workshop for the group.
Who are the Staff members of Youth Ratoons
“Youth Ratoons is a sprout of enthusiasm, resilience, and proactive energy born from the challenges faced by Generation Z.
We have encountered our fair share of obstacles, from financial crises to managing university during a pandemic. But instead of letting these challenges define us, we chose to overcome them, just like the resilient sprouts that grow from a plant’s roots.
Our mission? To transform frustration into fuel for positive change! Whether it’s addressing environmental issues, promoting diversity and inclusion, or empowering our peers, our goal is to take action and make a difference.
And now, we are channeling this energy into something truly special: our Erasmus+ projects!”
Find all the information HERE.
Theater and Inner Child
Young people from Turkey, Spain, Italy, Ukraine, and Germany came together in Palermo to explore the topic of mental health. With the support of TEATRO ATLANTE and through a series of theatre exercises, the participants were able to empathize with one another and express all of their emotions.
A CASA DI AMICI: What were some of the most beautiful outcomes of this project?
ELISA: Definitely the generosity of these young people: they truly allowed themselves to be carried through by their own emotions, especially when it came to reliving certain childhood memories, whether happy or painful.
KRISTIN: Many of them told us things like, “I hadn’t cried in a year,” or “I’m someone who never cries,” and then we all ended up shedding these huge tears together, shared tears, which was really beautiful.
- Intercultural nights
The most fun part of intercultural exchanges!
The participants enjoyed fun moments together here at the hostel during the intercultural evenings: tortilla, flamenco, soups, and traditional songs. Turkish wedding rituals and delicious desserts. Italy proudly showcased its aperitivo and burrata, while Germany and Denmark (the Ukrainian team) also shared the very best of their cultures.
Each of them cooked and prepared something for the evening, making these shared moments truly unforgettable.
The hostel provided them with the use of the kitchen and the common areas so they could create a celebration together with the others.
Here is an example of how hosting an Erasmus+ exchange means supporting the organizers by helping with the logistics.
Our experience with Erasmus+ exchange
For many years, we have been hosting international groups as part of Erasmus+, Youth Exchange, and European youth mobility programmes.
We believe that the greatest value of an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange lies in bringing together people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds.
Over the years, we have welcomed hundreds of Erasmus+ participants, providing comfortable accommodation, common spaces for socialising, and ongoing support for project organisers. Our goal is to ensure the best possible balance between comfort, quality of services, and respect for the budget available through European programmes.
If you are looking for a venue to host an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange, a Training Course, or an international mobility project in Palermo, we would be delighted to share our experience and contribute to the success of your project.
Fill out our group enquiry form HERE.
