mercoledì 6 novembre 2024

Otzenhausen: the experiences

What a Great Experience!

From the 29th of September to the 5th of October, a group of 57 students took part in Erasmus+ project "Otheuzenousen” in Voronet – Romania. This project brought together students from all over Europe: Italy, Romania, Turkey, and Germany. During this week, we not only explored the beautiful region of northern Romania, Bucovina, but also learned a lot about each other’s cultures and shared experiences around important topics related to the European Union and its elections, in this way we realized how each of our countries is affected by EU policies. 

Activities of role-play and discussions helped us understand the different views people from various nations have about the EU, including how they feel about elections and the EU's role in shaping the future of Europe. This exchange of ideas made us realize the importance to be informed and involved in European affairs, especially as young people. We were suggested several interactive EU-related topics targeted activities, including group discussions, presentations, and debates. This gave us the chance to express our opinions and compare them to others’ ones, deepening our understanding of Europe’s diversity and unity among different cultures.

Besides the seminar, we had the chance to explore some amazing places in Romania. Our trips to Suceava and Iași were unforgettable. In Suceava, we visited the famous castles and learned about the history of the region. In Romania we explored the Voroneț Monastery, a stunning piece of cultural heritage with its iconic blue-painted frescoes; In Iași:  The Palace of Culture, a big building that reflects the rich history and culture of Romania. What stood out most about this project was the opportunity to see where Romanian students study and live, their daily lives. It helped us appreciate the differences and similarities between our education systems. In addition, it was interesting to realize the point of view of European partners about our country. We actually realized Italy is warmly appreciated abroad, especially for its art, history, and food. This exchange of cultural knowledge was not only educational but also heartwarming. One of the most memorable moments was getting in touch with nature. Voroneț, located in a picturesque part of Romania, was full of beautiful trees and wildlife. We saw goats, chickens and other animals, and the natural sounds around us made the experience even more relaxing. Being surrounded by nature was refreshing, especially after the busy days of seminars and activities. The farewell evening was another special moment for all of us. It allowed us to reflect on the incredible week we had spent together. We (Italians) got closer as a group since we didn’t know each other   before the mobility in Romania, the overall experience was still really positive. However, there was one small downside to the trip: the food. While the meals were generally good, vegetarians and vegans had limited options, which made it difficult for some students and teachers to enjoy the experience at its fullest. Overall, we left from Romania with a greater appreciation for Europe’s diversity and unity.

Ylenia Roccasalva 

From September 29th 2024 to October 5th 2024, I, along with eleven schoolmates and our teachers Susy Pala and Anna Cataudella, participated in the Otzenhausen Erasmus+ project in Romania together with Turkish, Romanian, and German students. During this week, we worked on several projects and activities related to the European Union. For example, we realized what the EU has done for us, or what it could improve on topics such as climate change, immigration, and social inequalities. It was a wonderful experience!!!!! We really appreciated this melting pot of different cultures. Everyone could share their opinions, and it was really interesting to welcome everyone else's ideas. Furthermore, we had the opportunity to visit Suceava Castle and the city of Iasi. During our free time, we spent time all together, and we had fun!!! Through this experience, I realized the commitment of EU to improve our living conditions. This project has encouraged personal interest in politics, and, of course, it helped me improve my English language skills. If I could go back, I would definitely do it all over again!

Buscema Dario


The Erasmus project in Romania was a really interesting experience mainly for the topics and activities we experienced. We really appreciated the starting games, which permitted us to know each other and get familiar with our English language. We had a good time and the apartment we stayed in was really cozy and well furnished.

The trip to Suceava was amazing, we visited the school of our Romanian partners, The main streets of the city and an old castle.  We also had a walk in the forest surrounding Suceava’s Castle. Thus, made the view amazing and we could really feel fresh air. When we went to Iasi we visited the Palace of Culture and the city centre with its huge and fashionable shopping mall, we had lots of fun! In Romania we also appreciated the way public sites (streets, squares etc,,) are well preserved.

This project let us learn a lot about European topics and about different cultures.

 

By Pisana Rosario, Iachininoto Anthony and Verdelli Luca

 

Erasmus project in Romania was an amazing and enriching experience. As soon as we arrived in Romania we were greeted by cold temperature, but I quickly grew accustomed to the weather and especially to the food in general.  The place we visited was really nice: it was enjoyable to visit the Romanians’ school.  As for Iași, I had a lot of fun there, especially when visiting that huge mall. Actually, I really enjoyed the experience in Romania and if I ever got the chance to go there again, I would like to do this experience again!

Antony Grimaldi

 


It was my first Erasmus and It has been fantastic. Sometimes I still think about the people that I have met and I wonder if they do the same. This Erasmus made me realize the importance of sharing different opinions without any prejudices. The seminar was about european elections and its effects on our countries.

Leonardo Cavallo

This trip to Romania was fantastic. At first, I was a little scared because it was my first Erasmus, but as soon as I met my fellow adventurers all my fears went away. It is an experience that I wish everyone had at least once in their life because these are opportunities to be taken and not let go.

 

Andrea Lo Presti

 

During this Erasmus experience, I have undoubtedly experienced some of the most beautiful moments of my life. I am very shy and this experience helped me to interact better with other people.  

I met lots of young people from different countries and we experienced good vibes within the Italian group and also with other students

In Romania I lived moments that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, but now I want to go head for the next future experiences!!

 

Raffaele Spadaro

 

I remember very well the day I found out that I would also take part in this project; the happiness was immense because it would be my first trip outside Sicily, to a country I had always wanted to visit someday. On September 29th, I felt a lot of anxiety throughout the plane ride, thinking about what would await me once I arrived, but despite that, I couldn’t wait to experience this new adventure.

The days I spent in Romania went by much faster than I had expected. It was so nice to wake up each morning wondering what I would do that day, who I would meet, and what new things I would learn. My favorite part of this trip was discussing the main topic of the project, the future of Europe, with young people from other European countries, sharing ideas and cultures. Even today, a month later, I still think about the wonderful moments spent with my adventure’s company and my new friends from abroad. I wish I could go back in time and relive it all a hundred times over.

 

Miriam Cavallo





The Erasmus experience in Romania struck me deeply as I met new fantastic people and visited amazing places and monuments.

Actually, at the beginning it was not easy to become familiar with students from other countries, but, as the days went by and thanks to Erasmus leaders’ support, relationship dynamics with our partners got smoother and involving.

In conclusion I would like to thank all my companions and our teachers Mrs Pala and Mrs Cataudella for the great experience we enjoyed together!

 

Andrea Baglieri

Prof.sse Pala Susy e Cataudella Anna