This summer, an international youth exchange titled “Stronger Together – Building Body and Mind” took place, bringing together young people from Estonia, Lithuania, and Malta. The theme was physical health and an active lifestyle, but the week offered much more – cultures were shared, new friendships were formed, and memorable time was spent together. We asked participants and organizers what the experience was really like for them.
🧳 First Impressions and Expectations
Marek: “I decided to participate in the youth exchange because I wanted new experiences and to meet young people from other countries. It seemed exciting to go somewhere new and make new friends. Before the program started, I expected it to be fun and that we would do many activities together. I also hoped that the people would be nice and the weather would be good.”
Emily: “I decided to participate because I was offered the opportunity – it had been discussed at the youth center before. I was inspired, and when I was invited, I immediately seized the opportunity. My expectations were to gain good memories and learn more about others and their countries.”
🤝 Intercultural Experience
Marek: “The most interesting difference between young people from Estonia, Malta, and Lithuania was that Lithuanian youth talk a lot and are very open. Maltese youth are somewhere in between – they communicate, but not as much as Lithuanians.
I learned that Malta has many traditions and they often hold celebrations. Talking to the Lithuanians, I realized that we have a similar history, but we live a bit differently.
The stereotype that Estonians are quiet was probably a bit true. I myself didn't dare to speak much at first. I thought Lithuanians might be too pushy, but in reality, they were very friendly.”
Emily: “How they talk to each other. Yes, definitely the language, but I've noticed that some countries are more energetic, with a different tone of voice and facial expressions.
Different foods, traditions, dances, history, language, and games played in childhood.
I highly recommend youth exchanges.”
💡 Learning and Development
Marek: “The most important thing I've learned is that even if someone is from another country, we are actually quite similar. You just need to dare to communicate. I've noticed that my English has improved, and I'm not as afraid to speak anymore. I've also become more confident in speaking up in front of others.”
Emily: “‘Communication is key’. We all came to that conclusion. To solve problems, you have to talk and ask for help. I have become more social, my self-confidence is higher, and I can express myself better.”
❤️ Emotions and Relationships
Marek: “My favorite moment was when we had a cultural evening, and everyone introduced their country's dishes, and we danced together. It was great to talk about the Estonian sauna, and afterwards, everyone participated together. It was simply a lot of fun, and everyone was together like one big group.”
Emily: “There were many good moments. I think my favorite was our last evening – we had a picnic and spent the evening all together.”
🌱 Recommendations for other young people
Marek: “If anyone is thinking about going on a youth exchange, I say definitely go. It might seem scary at first, but it's actually such a great experience. You'll make new friends and develop yourself. And it's just a really cool way to spend the summer.”
Emily: “My recommendation is to definitely participate. Youth exchange develops your mindset, provides new skills both mentally and physically, and you gain new friends and memories!”
👩💼 Experience of Youth Workers and Organizers
🧭 Start of Organization and Preparations
Aveli: “I had been thinking about organizing a youth exchange for a long time – ever since I participated in the BiTriMulti international training for youth exchange organizers in Ireland in 2022. From that moment, I knew I had to gain this organizational experience at least once.”
Liisi: “I had already gained experience organizing a youth exchange last year, but this time I had much more responsibility, which felt very developmental and also a pleasant challenge. It was also extremely cool to see the young people interacting and getting to know each other last year.”
Aveli on the topic and choice of countries: “The theme came entirely from the ideas of our own Estonian youth. Initially, interested young people could register, and we selected suitable candidates. Once the group was formed, we started holding regular meetings. The young people put all their ideas on paper, and from there, the themes of sport/activity and mental health resonated.”
Liisi: “The topic came entirely from the young people. They said that while we had dealt with mental health, sport, physical activity, and overall health had somehow remained untouched. The choice of countries also came mostly from the young people, but here the contacts we had recently gained from Malta during a study trip proved very useful. It was also great that the Klaipėda youth center in Lithuania contacted us and wanted to participate.”
🎯 Goals and activities
Aveli: “From the participants' perspective, the goals were to offer theme-related activities and guests, and to introduce the cultures of Estonia, Lithuania, and Malta. As organizers, we aimed to gain our first organizational experience, be present for the participants, and do everything as well as possible.”
Liisi: “Our main focus became physical health and sports, but mental aspects were definitely included as well. We held meetings with young people to brainstorm cool activities or interesting guests that would fit our theme.”
💬 Collaboration and Dynamics
Aveli: “The APV meeting with partners went well – we covered all the important topics. However, we sometimes had to re-ask questions on WhatsApp and wait for replies. Unexpected situations also arose, such as the room allocation for group leaders. We had to find solutions that suited everyone.”
Liisi: “Aveli put it very well, but I would add that the cultural background and differences depending on the workplace were clearly evident. For example, the Maltese group was from a school, while the Lithuanian group came from a youth center, just like us.”
Aveli on youth work: “In Malta, the approach to youth work is very similar to ours, but in our context, misunderstandings arose between formal and non-formal education. With Lithuania, there were no such conflicts.”
Liisi: “Lithuania was quite similar. We mostly discussed different funding opportunities and working conditions with them.”
🌈 Moments and emotions
Aveli: “One of the most memorable moments was when all the participants of the youth exchange stood up and applauded for us. Another moment was when we did the final activity – everyone had a paper on their back where others wrote good wishes. Later, people came to us with tears in their eyes, saying they would miss us.
Additionally, one young person from abroad asked if Liis and I were sisters – it was funny and sweet. Even though we don't look alike at all, it was a sign of our strong collaboration.”
Liisi: “It's hard to pick out just one moment. The free, sincere, funny, and honest communication between the young people and us was very heartwarming. And not just with Estonian youth – the young people from Lithuania and Malta also quickly trusted us.
Our mixed Estonian room (boys and girls together) was like its own comedy series – socks everywhere, hot water gone, but laughter was guaranteed.
The concluding last day was wonderful – a water fight on boats, a picnic, music, and papers full of good wishes.”
🔄 Impact and Recommendations
Aveli: “I hope that young people take away the phrase: ‘communication is the key’. Also, that they became more aware of how to resolve conflicts. And of course, that they remember some enjoyable active pursuit or a piece of mental health knowledge.”
Liisi: “You can already see some of this in the young people's responses. But I can say that when you've been with young people for several summers and you see how they've changed – becoming much braver, more confident, and more profound – that's a big deal. I believe others had a similar impact.”
💡 What do you recommend to other youth workers?
Aveli: “If you have an experienced mentor by your side, it's a much more enjoyable and inspiring experience. If organizing a youth exchange is close to your heart, definitely do it. Team up with someone whose strength is, for example, budgeting, and carefully consider who to organize it with – I was very lucky with Liis. Be patient, do your homework, and definitely conduct the APV.”
Liisi: “Definitely give it a try! Even if you've done projects before, you'll learn a lot here – even about yourself. Get the young people involved, and it will be easier and more exciting. Sleepless nights are coming, but that's part of the process. And afterwards, it feels a bit funny when the whole half-year is over.”
