7.1. The contribution of Erasmus+ programmes to intercultural understanding
Cultural exchange is a fundamental tool for achieving the objectives of Erasmus+ Programme. At present time, the new knowledge management requires this exchange of ideas, values, cultures and languages not only on an intellectual level but also linked to mobility between countries. The best way to get to know other cultures is to interact directly with them in their physical space by promoting the cultural understanding.
Seeing a photograph is not the same as seeing something in nature, nor is it the same to interact online as in person. This is something that these types of projects solve by enhancing personal relationships as well as soft skills, creating a continuous flow of exchange of knowledge and people. And it is this flow the engine that drives and promotes the intercultural understanding.
More than ever in 2024, the Erasmus + Programme will align with European values. The new call further emphasises that Programme beneficiaries and the activities must respect the EU values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, in full compliance with the values and rights enshrined in the EU Treaties and in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
The Erasmus+ Programme supports active citizenship and ethics in lifelong learning; it fosters the development of social and intercultural competencies, critical thinking and media literacy.
All this are reached through the work of a consortium of partners from different countries to develop every chosen project. Each partner shares and applies their work methodology and culture. This allows others to learn about the different cultures that make up the EU and its idiosyncrasy when it comes to working and seeing life.
In the evaluation for the acceptance of a project, the participation of entities from different countries in it is valued, which ensures cultural exchange that of course includes knowledge and development at a technical and social level.
By participating in an Erasmus+ project young people take part in Youth Participation Activities that can be either national or transnational, so this international mobility has a positive impact in the intercultural exchange.
The activities developed can be workshops, debates, role-plays, dynamization techniques, simulations, use of digital tools, awareness raising campaigns, exchanges, volunteering and training among other. They are open to youth organisations and informal groups of young people from all backgrounds, with special focus on those with fewer opportunities.
The role of all types of youth workers is very important when it comes to involving young people to participate and benefit from these actions. Its functions are essential in all phases of participation:
- Information.
- Preparation prior to participation:
- Contents of the project.
- Cultural issues of the partners.
- English language skills.
- Support in development.
- Assessment and maintenance and of the knowledge acquired upon return.
- Monitoring of participants.
- Final evaluation.
- New participation proposals.
It is important to take into account that the participation in an intercultural action does not automatically increase the intercultural understanding. It implies a learning and assimilation reflective process that is different for each person and requires support before, during and after. Also, the acquisition of the intercultural competence by participants may depend on their initial levels, gender (women benefit more), disposition to international mobility, getting out of the own comfort zone, or any other personal or collective characteristics.
Erasmus+ includes both participants and technicians or staff and the benefits are for both groups and creates a unique and rich feedback flow. The programme facilitates staff mobility for teaching and training being able to exchange knowledge, best practices, and innovative teaching methods across institutions.
This flow of intercultural understanding is a European challenge that helps to make empowered citizens in facing new challenges and social transformation, responsible and sensitive to cultural differences; that is Participant European Citizens in equality, no matter their social, economic or study level, or ethnic origin.
The participation in Erasmus+ Programme has got as a result a win-win situation one in which something good happens to everyone, for both the individuals and institutions, a mutual-gains in which parties work together to meet interests and maximize value creation.
In the case of Intercultural Understanding it contributes to professional growth, increasing opportunities and promoting collaboration.
As an example of methodology there is the Blended Learning (online courses with face-to-face components) and intensive programmes which combine online, and on-site Learning allow participants to benefit from both virtual and physical interactions. Blended programmes integrate online courses with face-to-face components. This approach allows students to benefit from both virtual and physical interactions.
By participating in these programs, you get to build bridges between cultures, fostering friendships, and creating a more interconnected world. It’s worth a try!
Examples to see more about Youth participation activities:
7.2. How Roma youth learn and understand different cultures through these programmes
Participating individually or collectively in the Erasmus+ Programme is one of the best ways to learn about other cultures, share ours, and integrate, benefiting from the opportunities offered by the EU. There are different Actions, or kind of projects whose structure is clearly explained in the “Erasmus+ Programme Guide” for the 2021-2027 period (Pages 14-18).
Participating in Erasmus+ Programmes is a Constant training in soft skills that is very useful for the young Romani people we are working with. They will help them in the development of their daily lives, to get out of their comfort zone and to have a greater presence in the activities promoted by the EU.
And how can Roma youth learn and understand the different cultures? Through the cross-cultural communication.
Cross-cultural communication refers to the ability to communicate effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds. In an Erasmus+ project, this means being able to understand and respect the differences in communication styles, values, and norms of the project partners. This kind of communication is essential to encourage inclusion and fruitful coexistence.
We do not have to be scared or worried, this skill will be acquired participating in these programs.
Here are some tips for effective cross-cultural communication:
- Brand Build for Leaders by Bianca Isom in LinkedIn.
- Berkeley Executive Education.
Learn about Erasmus+ projects are a great opportunity to work with people from different countries, backgrounds, and cultures in multicultural work teams at the beginning. One of the challenges of this work methodology is to become an intercultural team composed of multicultural agents (who have been trained throughout their participation in Erasmus+ activities) who promote very beneficial changes in their community.
The idea is that the Romani Youth participating in these projects acquire the tools to be agents of change in their community. More about cross-cultural communication and cultural understanding in:
The understanding of the miscellaneous cultural backgrounds of your project partners, with the diverse communication styles, values, and norms allow us to learn about their customs, beliefs, and practices, as this will help us to reach a deep intercultural understanding reaching a fruitful coexistence.
In the particular case of Roma youth, these projects can be very useful in attracting their participation.
All these youth participation activities offer groups of young people the opportunity to get involved in civic society and economic, social, cultural and political life. By taking part they can get their voice heard on topics that matter to them.
Reasons:
- They encourage inclusion and participation, respecting one’s own idiosyncrasy.
- They can participate by sharing their values and culture.
- Participation is open to all entities and groups.
- Non-free training is adapted to the needs and concerns of the individual.
- They are creative and inclusive.
- They are win-win projects.
- They promote equality and equity.
What makes you learn about different cultures?
- Travelling and meeting people from different backgrounds and nationalities.
- Establishing lasting relationships with people you sympathize.
- Exploring the new cities you visit.
- Showing your city and its culture to visitors.
- Exchanging with different work methodologies.
- Exchanging with different ways of life.
- Accessing to new technologies.
- Participating in Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps programmes to get the Youthpass, the European recognition for identifying and documenting learning outcomes that are acquired in projects under the Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps programmes. Learn more about the Youthpass here.
- Learning and/or practising English language skills.
- Learning and/or practising another language different local languages, almost the basic skills.
- Trying new food. Eating the local food is a good way to do a cultural immersion.
- Participating in local events.
- Involving yourself in activities completely new for you.
- Documenting your trips and activities through a diary, photographs or videos.
- Collecting information about the country visited to share it with other people.
- Being open-minded and flexible to absorb each other’s culture.
- Being willing to share your culture without judging that of the other, as a personal enrichment.
Click here to find more useful tips about this topic.
All these attitudes are also useful in your private life and help you to enhance your soft skills, very important for your wellbeing. Share with others. It’s worth a try!
