Disconnect to Reconnect

Gábor

"The theme of the youth exchange was reducing screen time and becoming more aware of our dependence on electronic devices. Throughout the project, we mainly explored this topic through shared activities, as well as through many discussions and reflections on what had happened and what was going on within us. The program included activities such as meditation, walks along the beach, drawing and painting, and a visit from a musical artist who gave an interesting performance using various instruments. We also took part in group games, and each national team designed and facilitated its own workshop.

We had two facilitators, both of whom were Italian. They provided a lot of support in our daily lives, and the Italian team participating in the youth exchange did the same. The venue was a hotel in Silvi, located about a five-minute walk from the beach, which we took full advantage of, often spending our free time by the sea.

We had the opportunity to learn more about the cultures of other countries, as we spent a lot of time talking about our home countries, current events, food, and traditions. In addition, during the intercultural evening, each team presented some traditional foods and dances from their country. The Slovaks and Armenians performed a dance, the Ukrainians brought sweets and prepared tea, the Latvians brought black bread and various cold cuts, the Italians prepared sweet treats, and the Hungarians brought Erős Pista, salami, Dunakavics, and Sport chocolate bars.

Overall, the project was a very positive experience. All the participants were open-minded and friendly, everyone spoke English, and we helped each other whenever we could. The seaside location added a lot to the experience. Although the catering could have been organized better—the Italian organizers were not particularly strong in this area—we still had a wonderful time and greatly enjoyed the project."

Máté

"My name is Máté, I am 21 years old, and I am currently taking a gap year from my studies. From May 18th to 28th, I had the opportunity to participate in a Youth Exchange in Silvi, Italy, on the topic of “Disconnect and Reconnect.” The main focus was on learning how to live without our phones and reconnect more deeply with ourselves and others.

At first, it was challenging for me to adapt to the pace of the project, as the organizers encouraged us to slow down, while I usually live a very fast-paced life. However, after a few days, during a coloring meditation activity, I felt that I had finally arrived and managed to slow down. From that moment on, it became much easier to enjoy every minute of the experience.

The highlight of the project for me was the excursion to a local tower and museum, after which we spent a few more hours at the beach. I have always loved hiking and exploring new places, but this experience was even better because of the people I shared it with. During this trip, the Hungarian team also organized a short activity that included physical exercises and yoga.

The most important lesson I learned from these ten days is that when I slow down, I become more aware of both my surroundings and what is happening inside me. I can pay more attention to other people when I am not constantly focused on the future."

Virág

"During the project, we took part in a youth exchange focused on digital awareness, community building, and supporting the mental well-being of young people. The aim of the program was to encourage us to think more consciously about our use of smartphones and social media, and to reduce the amount of time we spent in front of screens during the exchange.

For me, the biggest challenge was putting my phone into the designated box every day and not using it. Unfortunately, excessive social media use is a bad habit of mine, and at first it felt strange to exist without my phone. However, over time it became more natural, and I noticed that I felt calmer and more focused. In this way, I was able to overcome one of my addictions and returned home with completely new habits.

Throughout the project, we participated in various workshops and interactive activities. We explored our digital habits and their effects, while also expressing ourselves through creative and artistic activities such as painting, pottery, poetry writing, and collaborative art projects. There were also several nature-based activities, including outdoor programs, yoga sessions, a hike around the town, and self-awareness games that helped us step away from our everyday online presence. We also focused on our inner well-being through guided meditation sessions and sound therapy.

One of the most important lessons I learned was how automatically we use our phones, often without even realizing it. The project made me aware that by developing more conscious digital habits, we can create more time and energy for genuine human connections and for ourselves. I also experienced how much easier it is to build deeper relationships when people are not constantly looking at their phones.

Some of the best moments included the intercultural evening, our evening conversations together, the creative workshops (on one occasion, we made dreamcatchers using materials we had collected during a walk along the beach), and the times when we simply spent time together without our phones. One evening, we lay on the beach and just looked at the stars. These experiences helped me learn more about the cultures of participants from other countries and gain new perspectives.

Overall, the project not only raised my awareness of my digital habits but also contributed to my personal growth, strengthened my communication skills, and encouraged me to think more consciously about mental well-being and the value of offline relationships."