Our experience participating in the Erasmus+ project in Georgia was incredibly inspiring and unforgettable, and we want to share it with you!
The project focused on communication and brought together 30 young people from Estonia, Georgia, Bulgaria, France, and Armenia in the picturesque village of Bakuriani, located in the mountains. The participants, aged 18 to 30, came with the aim of not only learning new things but also making new friends. The project was conducted in English, which provided many of us with a great opportunity to improve our language skills. We engaged in discussions, organized activities, and communicated constantly, which gave us the confidence to use English in everyday life. This experience was invaluable and will definitely benefit each of us in the future.
Georgia’s nature captivated us from the very beginning. Bakuriani in the summer looked no less stunning than it does in winter when it’s a popular tourist destination. The village is surrounded by majestic mountains, and we had the chance to hike up one of them. The hike became one of the most memorable moments of the project. When we reached the summit, we were surrounded by fresh mountain air, and the views were simply breathtaking. We sat there, talking about life, and in that moment, we truly felt a deep connection and support for one another. This experience strengthened our friendship and brought us closer as a group.
One of the highlights of the project was the cultural evenings, where each country presented its traditions and national dishes. It was a true feast of flavors! The French treated us to a variety of cheeses, the Armenians shared their cognac and sausages, the Ukrainians delighted us with condensed milk that paired perfectly with cookies and chocolate, and the Bulgarians served a tasty tomato sauce spread on bread. The Georgians brought homemade wine and various pastries. As for us, the Estonians, we brought national sweets, made sprat sandwiches, and introduced kama, a traditional Estonian product. The white chocolate from Kalev was a huge hit among the participants!
Additionally, each team was tasked with organizing an activity representing their country before the project. Our team prepared a mock interview simulation, as it’s a relevant challenge for many young people. We also conducted a “barter quest” where each participant had to trade a simple pen for something more valuable with the local residents. The results amazed us – by the end of the day, we had sunglasses, bread, coupons, an iPhone case, and much more. This task was not only fun but also helped improve our communication and negotiation skills.
The organizers did everything they could to make the program rich and exciting. Our mornings began with yoga, and during the day we played games in the village that helped us get to know each other better. A significant amount of time was dedicated to activities that boosted our self-confidence, and by the end of the project, each of us felt more open and self-assured.
The hotel where we stayed was spacious and comfortable. We were provided with cozy rooms and all the necessary amenities. The hotel staff deserves special thanks – they not only prepared delicious meals and kept the place clean but also participated in our events. At one point, it even felt like the hotel manager became one of us!
This Erasmus+ project left a lasting mark in our hearts. We returned home with new knowledge, new friends from different countries, improved English skills, and a renewed sense of confidence. It was a unique experience that has inspired us to strive for new achievements!
With love and gratitude,
Lev, Maria, Alexander, Kata, and Polina
