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. 

Since the beginning of time, humans have connected and learned about the world through stories—from myths and legends to folklore tales. Stories shape our understanding and bring us closer together.

Here is what we aim to achieve with our project:

Where You'll Stay

You'll be staying in a student dorm in Fundulea, equipped with a conference room, a dining area, and both indoor and outdoor sports facilities. You will share a room with one other participant of the same gender. Bathrooms are also gender-segregated and shared. 

What to Bring

Please remember to pack your own towels and shampoo, as these are not provided. 

Nearby Amenities

Need anything extra? There's a supermarket just 15 minutes away from the dorm, and yes, they accept card payments. 

Meals and Breaks

We’ve got your meals covered! Enjoy three meals a day plus two coffee breaks, all provided by our trusted catering service. 

Internet Access

Connectivity: There’s no internet in the dorm, but don’t worry, we’ve got a workaround for you. Make sure to check out the tips & tricks section at the end for more info. 

The Youth Exchange takes place in Fundulea, which is about 30 km away from Bucharest. You’ll need to first travel to Bucharest, and from there, we will arrange your transport to the accommodation. 

Arrival Instructions: 

Participants from Greece, Cyprus, Spain (EL, CY, ES): We recommend flying into Bucharest Airport (OTP). Once there, members of the Agoje team will be there to welcome you and provide further assistance. 

Participants from Romania (RO): If you're traveling from within Romania, the meeting point is at the North Railway Station (Gara de Nord) in Bucharest, where the Agoje team will also greet you.

*Itinerary Approval: Make sure your travel plans are approved by either the host or the sending organization before booking your tickets. 

*Travel Dates: The activity days of the project are from August 28th to September 6th, 2024. You are welcome to arrive up to 3 days before the project starts, but no later than 27th August and leave up to 3 days after it ends. Please note, however, that we will not be able to provide food and accommodation outside of the project dates. 

 Booking Your Travel: 

• Search and Approval: Once you are selected for the project, start looking for the best travel options. After you receive approval for your travel itinerary and tickets from the host or sending organization, you can go ahead and book your tickets. 

• Uploading Documents: Once your tickets are booked, save the travel confirmation email as a PDF. 

Instructions: Click on 'print' and select the 'print as PDF' option. Upload this PDF to a OneDrive link that will be provided to you via email. Please also upload your boarding passes and PDF copies of your bank statements for each transaction related to travel expenses. Remember, screenshots are not acceptable for bank statements. For boarding passes alone, screenshots are permissible. 

Note: Boarding passes saved in mobile wallets can disappear, especially with low-cost airlines. Please take screenshots of all your boarding passes before boarding the plane, ensuring you also save the boarding pass in your photo gallery for easy access.

• Payment: Reimbursement for travel expenses will be processed in a single transfer per country to the sending organization or group leader. This ensures that everything is streamlined and organized. 

Countries and Budget

• Consider getting a free eSIM from Yoxo, which offers up to 160 GB of data for your first month. After departing Romania, remember to cancel the first free month to avoid any charges. Use the referral code: MATEIC9CAF38 to activate this offer;

• Make sure to obtain the European Health Insurance Card and secure a Travel Insurance for around 15€ to cover any travel/medical needs during your stay. The insurance costs fall under the participants co-financing responsibilities, which means they won't be eligible for reimbursement;

• Always carry your passport or ID card with you. If you have two different documents, keep them in separate luggage in case one gets lost;

• The weather is generally sunny during August, but it’s a good idea to pack a jacket just in case the temperature drops unexpectedly;

• Travel light and consider only bringing a backpack for ease of movement;

• You can use your card for payments in most shops, so it’s convenient to rely on card transactions. If you need cash, avoid exchanging money at the airport where rates can be less favourable;

• Bring your good vibes! A positive attitude will enhance your experience and help you connect better with others. 

1. If you're between 18-22 years old, you're perfect for this experience;

2. You should have a genuine curiosity about the project's theme and goals;

3. Ready to explore and embrace different cultures? That's exactly what we're looking for;

4. We are looking for participants who are eager to engage in every phase of the project, from start to finish;

5. Ideal candidates are those aiming for careers in artistic fields, like marketing, advertising, or any creative profession.