Video Recap of E-Merge
Topic
Digital Transition
Activity Dates
16.03. – 27.03.2025
Countries
đź‡đź‡ş 🇱🇹 🇵🇹 🇸🇰 🇷🇴 🇨🇿 🇷🇸
Location
Rokytnice nad Jizerou, Czechia
Digital Transition and Cultural Exchange
In the scenic hills of Rokytnice nad Jizerou, a charming town nestled in the northern Czech Republic, from March 16th to 27th, 2025, young participants from Hungary, Lithuania, Portugal, Slovakia, Czechia, Romania, and Serbia came together for a vibrant Erasmus+ Youth Exchange. The project, titled E-Merge, revolved around the ever-evolving theme of digital transition—exploring the impact of AI, cybersecurity, and social media in today’s world.
A Snowy Start
The first days welcomed us with a blanket of snow, creating a magical setting for the beginning of our journey. We kicked off with ice-breaking games, helping participants bond and start building an inclusive, multicultural atmosphere. As the days passed, the snow melted into sunshine, giving way to outdoor adventures and reflection in nature.
Into the Digital World
Curiosity and creativity guided us through days filled with thought-provoking sessions and interactive challenges. Participants were introduced to various AI tools, learning how to create engaging content, from national presentations to social media posts and short documentaries.
We developed simple games using AI, simulated virus development to understand how digital threats evolve, and even debated the ethics and risks of trusting artificial intelligence in our everyday choices. Group activities played a key role throughout the week, encouraging teamwork and creative problem-solving.
Midway through, we took a step back from screens to reconnect with nature during a hike, followed by street interviews in the nearby town to hear local perspectives on AI’s role in our lives.
Cultural Vibes Every Night
Every evening, a different country took the spotlight during intercultural nights. We danced, laughed, and tasted delicious traditional dishes from across Europe—celebrating the vibrant cultures of Serbia, Romania, Slovakia, Lithuania, Czechia, Hungary, and Portugal. These moments brought everyone closer, offering a space for connection beyond language.
Wrapping Up with Creativity
On the final day, participants reflected on their Erasmus+ journey through theater, highlighting the personal and professional growth that comes from youth mobility. Emotions ran high during our final gathering, which included the much-anticipated Secret Friend reveal—a heartfelt way to close an unforgettable chapter.
A Journey to Remember
E-Merge wasn’t just about technology. It was about people—working together, learning from one another, and forming friendships that cross borders. As we said goodbye to Rokytnice nad Jizerou, we took with us new skills, unforgettable memories, and a deeper understanding of the digital world and our place in it.
Through our participants’ eyes
DANILO
“All of the sessions on the activity were well rounded, everything was included. From teamwork, critical thinking, inclusion of everyone, to practicing your creativity to its fullest. I truly felt the acceptance of every person there for all of the differences that were present in the people. I think that my first youth exchange couldn’t went better, and am already looking for the next one.”
UGNE
“This activity was an amazing experience! It explored AI in a creative and engaging way that expanded my knowledge. I loved how we could dive into such topics while working together across cultures. I’m thankful for the chance to connect with incredible people from different countries, share ideas, and form lasting international friendships.”
ANTONIA
“The best experience of my life! I think everyone should adventure on at least one Erasmus activity in their life. Personally it made me more outgoing and sociable while also gaining knowledge about the activity’s main subject. The community is extraordinary and you get to learn so much about different cultures.”
Results
Some of the cool things we did during this project
AI Portrait Challenge
In one of the most creative moments, participants had to describe a fellow group member—whose name they drew at random—to an AI image generator, resulting in hilarious and surprisingly accurate portraits that brought laughter and connection to the group.
Game On with AIÂ
Using AI as their creative co-pilot, participants took on the challenge of designing simple but fun games based on classics we all know. From concept to execution, the activity sparked teamwork, problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of how AI can shape interactive experiences.
Offline Creativity WalkÂ
To take a break from screens and soak up the fresh mountain air, participants headed outdoors on a creative mission—exploring the surroundings, gathering materials, and transforming them into unique pieces of art. A perfect blend of nature, imagination, and teamwork.
Photo Gallery
A few more moments from this activity :)
Dissemination Events
Our participants engaged in more than 20 events for dissemination and exploitation of results, sharing the knowledge, skills and experience gained during the activities, within their community.
Rajhrad, Czechia, April 2025
Anna Ledererová, Markéta Šobková, Hana Tylová, Jakub Marek, and Anna Obenrauchová gave a presentation to three classes at Střednà zahradnická škola Rajhrad, reaching a total of 80 students. They introduced the activity, shared personal highlights, and explained how others can apply for future opportunities—hoping to inspire more young people to take part in Erasmus+ exchanges.
Porto, Portugal, April 2025
Enzo Grigorio and Angelo Pescarini gave a presentation to 6 students at the Faculty of Sciences of Porto University, sharing their experience from the E-merge youth exchange. Using a PowerPoint, they talked about the activities, what they learned, and how others can join future opportunities. The group showed genuine interest and asked questions about the application process.
Marijampole, Lithuania, April 2025
Rusnė Zukauskaitė and Saulė Karpavičiūtė gave a presentation to 14 students at Marijampolės Rygiškių Jonas Gymnasium. Through a photo slideshow, they shared their experience in the E-Merge project, talked about the activities, games, and what they learned. They also introduced E29, explained how to apply for future exchanges, and encouraged their classmates to give it a try.
Pitesti, Romania, April 2025
Antonia Coserea gave a presentation to 30 classmates during her English class at Colegiul Național Alexandru Odobescu. With the support of her teacher, she shared her experience in the project, and the students really enjoyed it.
Dombovar, Hungary, April 2025
Réka Bianka Ordog, Mira Ivett Fenyvesi, and Nóra Illés gave a presentation to 20 classmates at Tolna Vármegyei SZC Apáczai Csere János Technikum és Kollégium. They shared their experiences from the E-Merge youth exchange, talking about the sessions, cultural nights, and free-time activities. They also expressed how meaningful the whole experience was and how they felt during their time in Czechia.
Porto, Portugal, April 2025
Theo Rodrigues gathered 8 classmates at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto (FCUP) to talk about his experience in the E-Merge youth exchange. He explained how Erasmus+ works, shared stories from the activity, and introduced past and upcoming E29 opportunities. It was a fun and engaging session where everyone enjoyed taking part.
Dombovar, Hungary, April 2025
Kevin König and Botond ZrĂnyi gave a presentation to 64 classmates at Tolna Vármegyei SZC Apáczai Csere János Technikum Ă©s KollĂ©gium. They talked about their journey through the E-Merge activity—covering the travel, activities, topics, accommodation, and free time. They also introduced E29 and highlighted the many benefits of participating in youth exchanges.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Dům zahraničnà spolupráce (DZS). Neither the European Union nor DZS can be held responsible for them.