Storytelling is a powerful tool that touches on many areas of life and work. It helps us connect with others, learn new things, and share valuable experiences. It plays a key role in shaping both personal and group identities, and it can even influence decisions and leadership. 

Understanding the power of stories is especially beneficial for young people. Traditional ways of learning history can sometimes feel disconnected from today's world. Storytelling brings these lessons to life, making them more engaging and relatable. It encourages young people to be curious, making learning a more interactive and enjoyable experience. This approach helps them understand the past better, which in turn, helps them make sense of the present and future. 

Between August 28th and September 6th, a group of 40 enthusiastic young people from Spain, Cyprus, Greece, and Romania, aged 18 to 22, gathered in Fundulea, a small rural town near Bucharest, the capital of Romania, to participate in a Youth Exchange focused on storytelling. 

Throughout their time, participants immersed themselves in various storytelling activities through dynamic workshops. These sessions introduced them to the diverse applications of storytelling in everyday life. From shaping personal and group identities to influencing decision-making and leadership, the power of storytelling quickly became evident. 

As the project unfolded, the group discovered that "Storytelling is a powerful tool that helps us connect, learn, and share experiences. It shapes our understanding of the past, present, and future while making history more relatable and engaging". Through team-building, group interactions, and various activities the participants formed strong connections and deepened their understanding of storytelling’s impact on communication and leadership. 

Cultural exploration was another key aspect of the exchange. The intercultural nights allowed participants to share traditional stories from their countries, promoting a greater appreciation for each other's backgrounds and traditions.

We started off by breaking the ice and getting to know each other through fun activities, like a playful mug exchange and name games. These helped us settle in and gave us a glimpse into the Erasmus universe. As we grew more comfortable, we jumped into energetic activities like speed dating, but the real highlight was the team-building exercises, where we strengthened our collaboration and trust. 

One of the most enriching parts was sharing captivating stories and myths from our home countries, which brought us closer and deepened our cultural understanding. Together, we then crafted our own characters and stories, weaving in creativity and shared experiences. We wrapped up by exploring different forms of storytelling, from digital and interactive to sensory and even a storytelling treasure hunt, discovering new ways to bring stories to life.

Our cultural showcase aimed to create a vibrant space where we could share the myths, legends, and traditions that shape our identities and culture. It was more than just presenting stories, it was about diving into each other’s worlds, celebrating our unique cultures. Below you can see four of the stories we explored together:

Romania welcomed us aboard Agoje Airlines Intercultural Night, offering a vibrant journey through its rich traditions. We experienced traditional Romanian dances, connecting deeply with the heart of Romania’s culture through music, movement, and flavour.

Spain welcomed us into the atmosphere of a traditional Spanish bar, where we tasted authentic tapas and explored the country’s culture. To cap off the night, we were treated to an amazing Flamenco performance, immersing us in the passion and rhythm of Spain.

Greece and Cyprus united for the night, showcasing a marriage ceremony and highlighting shared customs and unique differences. The night continued with traditional dances, songs, and delicious foods from each culture, creating a lively and memorable celebration.