The Erasmus+ youth exchange project, which took place in Cyprus from March 13 to 21, was a unique journey for all participants into the world of emotional intelligence, explored through art, dialogue, and intercultural discovery. In a stimulating setting and surrounded by the natural beauty of Lofou and Limassol, young people from different countries had the opportunity to reflect on themselves, communicate authentically, and build deep connections. Creative activities, moments of exchange, and cultural excursions made this experience not only educational but also personally enriching. Here are some of their voices, emotions, and memories:
Michele:
“A wonderful experience! Everything went well, and each day we did different activities focused on emotional intelligence to help us understand the topic better, without ever feeling too heavy. Every activity managed to involve everyone—some were more demanding, others more relaxing. My favorites were:
- Blind drawing, which was fun and interesting—trying to draw without seeing and following someone else’s instructions;
- Hiking in nature, very relaxing with beautiful landscapes;
- Clay conversations, it was great to try this craft, even if just a little;
- Letter to future self, which made me reflect a lot.
Of course, the cultural evenings were amazing too: discovering different cultures, trying food and drinks from various countries, and ending the nights with dancing and fun. I highly recommend this experience because it opens your mind, improves your communication skills, and, most importantly, you meet amazing people (though I suggest not getting too attached because it’s really sad to say goodbye at the end 😄).”
Giorgia:
“During this experience in Cyprus, we explored the topic of emotional intelligence using art as a medium in various activities. There were many opportunities to connect, socialize, and get to know each other better. We also discovered our differences in how we communicate and approach activities through the community presentations.
We were encouraged to reflect on how emotions appear and how we analyze them within ourselves—it was a very self-reflective process for all of us. We went on group excursions to explore the area where we stayed, and we had the chance to visit Limassol and the Greek museum, admiring ancient artifacts, statues, and vases, which enriched our cultural knowledge.”
Anna:
“During the Erasmus project in Cyprus, we delved into the theme of emotional intelligence through artistic expression, participating in various hands-on and reflective activities. Team-building exercises helped us build group cohesion, while moments of dialogue allowed us to explore how emotional intelligence is perceived in different participating countries, from both cultural and personal perspectives.
The project also gave us the opportunity to discover the region, with visits to the city of Limassol and an ancient Greek temple, further enriching our experience with historical and cultural elements.”
Giulia:
“This project in Cyprus was my first Erasmus+ experience. Before leaving, I was quite worried—mainly about speaking English and because I didn’t know anyone—but this journey exceeded all my expectations and hopes. First of all, the activities were super interesting and engaging. The week felt like a journey within ourselves, made even more special by sharing it with people from other countries with different backgrounds.
Every day felt endless—in the best way—and we learned something in every moment, whether through the artistic workshops or the discussions. It’s truly an indescribable experience that helps you form deep bonds in such a short time.”
Kamal:
“Taking part in the IntelligentArt project in Lofou, Cyprus, was truly a unique experience. I had the chance to meet people from different cultures, enriching both my cultural and language skills. The workshops—like the ones on pottery and painting—were especially interesting because they allowed us to express our emotions creatively. It was great to share ideas, reflect on the importance of emotions, work in teams, and connect with others.
Those moments were really meaningful, and I’m grateful to have met such extraordinary people along the way.”
Letizia:
“My Erasmus experience in Cyprus was incredible—it helped me better understand the world of emotions. By joining this project, I had the opportunity to engage with students from different nationalities and to learn how emotions are experienced and interpreted differently depending on one’s culture.
This deeply enriched me on a personal level, helping me develop greater emotional awareness and improve my intercultural communication skills. I recommend this experience to anyone who wants to grow—both as a person and as a global citizen.”
