YOUTH EXCHANGE
New Wide
Europe
1-12 September, 2023
Bergolo, Italy
ABOUT THE PROJECT
New Wide Europe is a youth exchange program which connects and brings together young people with non-European origins living in Europe and also young people living in countries neighbouring the EU, to meet each other, to share aspects of their cultures and learn about topics relevant for them. New Wide Europe is a space where participants can discuss, understand and imagine a Europe that works for all countries involved in the exchange.
newwideeurope
MAIN GOALS
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Discuss the concept of European culture and identity
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Learn and share cultural features coming from outside EU
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Reflect on the topic of cultural minorities within the EU: inclusion, enriching cultural contaminations, fighting prejudices, contrast the negative narration about foreigners
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Reflect on the role of Europe in the world scenario to build a global and fair development for everybody
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Learn about migration issues: roots, politics, causes, perspectives, solutions
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Take an active part in the organization of the local fest of Bergolo and share the cultural features of the participants with the local population
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Implement a fundraising campaign during Bergolo fest and donate it to a cause that support young people with no EU origins chosen by the participants
WHAT CAN YOU LEARN?
The main learning points we identified are the following. Nevertheless, this experiences allows participant to develop their individual learning according to their needs. Get involve actively and develop the learning path that suits you the most!
- World cultural elements (European, African, South American, Asian): Dances, Cooking, Music, Fairy tales and children's literature, Traditional games and more
- Historical, economic and political elements of the participants' countries of
origin.
- Elements of geopolitics
- European Union, values, principles, roots, foundation, history and
perspectives for the future in the world scenario.
- Increased sense of European belonging and brotherhood
- Intercultural skills: knowledge of the cultures represented in the exchange, deeper intercultural sensitivity
Culture and strategies to support the overcoming of resistances towards
difference.
- Broader understanding of the migratory phenomenon and its causes.
- Greater ability to access other European opportunities
Participants will also improve their competencies in other areas:
- Soft skills, especially those related to teamwork such as communication,
cooperation, ability to delegate, to work towards a goal and in a limited
time, mediation, ability to establish empathy and use of emotional
intelligence, self-esteem and personal expression.
- Language skills: improve the ability to express oneself and interact in
English and also in other mother tongues of the national groups, let's
assume mainly Spanish, French, German and Italian.
- Personal awareness and understanding of oneself, one's own needs.
- Improved ability to manage mobile phone and internet usage
WORKING METHODS
The project is based mainly on non-formal education methods. It counts on the active and creative involvement of all participants and on the contribution that each national group will bring. Non-formal learning provides a learning environment where people with different background and competencies on a certain topic can improve them. It is based on interactive methods that count on the active participation of the learners and on their contributions. It doesn't count on exams and certifications are made through self-assessment. Includes activities like interactive presentations, educational games, quizzes, simulations, reflections and sharing, discussions, group assignments, outdoor and movement activities
DISCONNECTION FROM DEVICES
From the 3/9/23 in the evening to the 8/9/23 in the morning the exchange will happen without the use of devices, especially the ones which connects to internet (smartphones, computer, etc.). We will collect all devices and we will put them safely in the safe; we will return them to participants after 100 hours. This experience will allow you to reflect and understand what is the use you do on internet and the impacts that it has on you. It’s a healthy practice we often do in our projects, it improves direct socialization, the group dynamics and the personal involvement. In our experiences this practice brings a great sense of liberation and presence in the “here and now”.
We send daily updates by mail and social media to participants’ relatives and friends with pictures and videos of the day. If that is not enough to reassure them or if you have specific needs of Internet connection related to work, studies of family issues, let us know in the comments in the application form and we will see if we can find a solution.
If you decide to join this project, you commit to fully take part in the 100 hours internet break, you don’t do is because it is an obligation but because you are willing to experience the digital detox methodology.
ALCOHOL-FREE POLICY
This project is alcohol free. We believe it is good for the social environment and for the active and positive involvement of the participants. If you believe you are unable to socialize and have fun without drinking alcohol, you have a choice: take part in the project and challenge yourself in connecting with people and enjoying without drinking or don’t apply. On Bergolo Fest Saturday night, the no-alcohol policy is paused and people will have the chance to taste good local wine.
WORKING LANGUAGE
English is the main languages of the project. But we have a system to support the ones who cannot freely communicate in English: when the group of the participants will be confirmed, we will identify the
language needs of the group and some translators will
make simultaneous translations. At the moment the languages we consider to include in this system are Arabic, French, Spanish and Italian
PHASES OF THE PROJECT
* participating partially can not be an option as the regulations of the Erasmus+ program state
June 2023
Partner organizations share the information about the project and they
form their national groups
June 2023
Visa application and boking of the travel tickets
August 2023
Finalizing the workshops and getting ready.
July 2023
Video call meeting with all participants and leaders. Preparation of
activities in national and international groups: we will put participants in
contact according to their interests and experiences and they will create
with the support of the coordinator some workshops that they will facilitate
to the other participants during the first days of the exchange. National
groups will prepare also an interactive and playful presentation of their
country and culture.
2-11 September 2023
The Youth Exchange is happening!
12 September – 12 November 2023
Follow-up activities: It is about filling in an evaluation form,
writing/recording a testimony, share the outcomes of the project online and
implementing 1 activity in each country to deepen and disseminate the
topic of the exchange that involves at least other 15 young people; it can be
online or in presence. In order to let us know that you have read fully the
information of the project and you know what you are applying for, please
write the key words “Wide Europe” in the correct spot in the application
form.
PROGRAM
1 Sep / Day 0
Arrival of participants and Leaders
2 Sep / Day 1
Intro, getting to know each other’s, team building
3-6 Sep / Day 2-5
Exploring and deepening the main topics of the project
7-8 Sep / Day 6-7
Preparation of Bergolo Fest
9-10 Sep / Day 8-9
Take part in Bergolo Fest
11 Sep / Day 10
Closing of the exchange, plan forward, evaluation
12 Sep / Day 11
Departures
THE VENUE
Village of 54 inhabitants, is located in the hills of southern Piedmont, in the province of Cuneo. It is a quiet destination for lovers of nature and outdoor activities. The village has no shops, only two restaurants and a bar.
Bergolo has a long tradition of music, art and, in general, cultural festivals. Since 2018 it has regularly hosted youth exchanges and training courses organized by various associations and public entities.
CONDITIONS
Travel reimbursement
• For people resident in Italy the travel reimbursement budget is up to 60€
A) For people resident in Albania, Belarus, France, Germany, Hungary, Serbia and Spain, there is a budget of 200€ for the reimbursement of the return trip from their living place to Milan airports if they travel by plane. In that case they can travel up to 2 days before and after the program days.
B) For people resident in Turkey and Ukraine, there is a budget of 285€ for the reimbursement of the return trip from their living place to Milan airports if they travel by plane. In that case they can travel up to 2 days before and after the program days.
C) For people resident in Georgia there is a budget of 455€ for the reimbursement of the return trip from their living place to Milan airports if they travel by plane. In that case they can travel up to 2 days before and after the program days.
For the participants coming by plane, a common bus will bring them from Milan airports to Bergolo, location of the exchange; the cost of the bus is paid by the organizers.
In case participants use GREEN TRAVELS (buses, trains, boats or carpooling) for the majority of their travel the budget is the following (calculate the proportions of your travel using the official EU Distance Calculator)
A) 310€ and they can travel up to 4 days before and after the program days. In case participants use the common bus, the travel budget is reduced of – 35€ per trip.
B) 410€ and they can travel up to 4 days before and after the program days. In case participants use the common bus, the travel budget is reduced of – 35€ per trip.
C) 610€ and they can travel up to 4 days before and after the program days. In case participants use the common bus, the travel budget is reduced of – 35€ per trip
Accommodation
Option 1: Shared rooms in Alveare Hostel
Option 2: Sleeping in provided individual / double / triple tents in the Camping area (200 m far from the hostel).
We provide also sleeping bags, camping mattress, pillow, pillow case, bed sheets and towel. People have access to the facilities of the camping: showers, toilets and a cosy area where they can relax in the free time.
If you choose this option, you are exempted from paying the participation fee.
Owning the experience
Participants will be involved in light house duties (cleaning the common areas, take care of their own bedroom, support the kitchen team with the use of the dishwasher, check that people is on time and similar). That will be done in small international groups with a duties rotation system. Taking care together of our home and of our own needs, not being served by somebody else, increases our common sense of ownership toward the experience.
Food
3 meals per day + 2 coffee break will be offered to participants and leaders.
Also those costs are covered by a co-funding of the Erasmus+ program. We focus on making healthy and inclusive menus in line with the diets and allergies of the participants.
PRACTICAL SUPPORT
Participation Fee
We ask participants to contribute in the implementation of the project by paying a participation fee: a sign of real interest in the project and a very concrete contribution to the project implementation. If you choose as an accommodation the camping area of Bergolo, you are exempted from paying the participation fee. The amount is proportional to the average net wage of each country:
• Germany: 60€
• Spain, Italy, France: 50€
• Hungary: 40€
• Albania, Belarus, Georgia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine: 30€
*In case the participation fee represents a REAL OBSTACLE for your
participation and you cannot sleep in tent, let us know in the application
form.
National leaders are exempted as they are supporting the project with an
extra involvement.
PARTICIPANTS
• Young people with non-European origins living in Europe or young people living in countries neighbouring the EU
• Officially resident in Albania, Belarus, France, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Serbia, Spain, Turkey or Ukraine
• People who are eligible to apply for a visa to stay 11 days in Italy (in case they need it)
• With an age between 18 and 27 years
• Interested in the main topics of the project
• Interested in taking an active and creative role in the project: don’t come as a receiver but as a protagonist!
• Available to take active part in all phases of the project
• Available to stay disconnected from internet in the time frame described
above
NATIONAL GROUP LEADER
• Have the same characteristics of the participants but their age is between 22 and 40.
• Being available and interested in coordinating their national team in all phases of the project (preparation phase and follow-up as well), that means that the leader organizes meetings online or in presence with his group
• Willing to practice organizational roles within the Organizing Team and available to take active part in daily Team meetings and in taking care of other tasks out of the program schedule (being a Team member is a
rewarding and intense experience which embraces almost the full day!)
• Fluent in English and in the language of their national groups
• Preferably with previous experiences in youth exchanges as participants
or leaders
We welcome young people living challenging situations because of social, economic, cultural or geographical factors or different types of special needs. Let us know in the application form how we can support you in taking active part in the project
COORDINATION
ORGANIZATION PARTNERS
In case of any questions or need for clarifications, please contact the partner organization based in your country.
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