Prea, Italy | 09/08 – 18/08/2024
From the 9th to the 18th of August 2024, a group of young participants from across Europe gathered in the serene village of Prea, Italy, for the youth exchange “Back to Nature,” co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme. This initiative brought together individuals eager to reconnect with nature, reflect on mental well-being, and explore sustainable lifestyles through outdoor activities and intercultural exchange.
For ten days, the participants stepped away from the noise of urban life and embraced the peaceful rhythm of mountain living. The experience was designed to foster a deeper understanding of the connection between nature and well-being. Through mindful hikes, eco-friendly workshops, and group discussions, they explored how daily habits can impact mental health and how reconnecting with the natural world can promote balance and harmony.
The programme offered a wide variety of non-formal learning opportunities, including:
– Mindful walking and nature immersion sessions
– Group reflections on sustainable practices
– Creative activities to foster emotional awareness
– Sessions on mental health awareness and stress reduction
– Community engagement and environmental action
Each day was a mix of physical activity, dialogue, and shared meals in the heart of the Italian Alps, allowing participants to build friendships, develop resilience, and experience the therapeutic power of nature.
Panagiotis:
“Through this project, I had the opportunity to reconnect with nature in a peaceful Italian village, far removed from the noise and stress of city life. Immersed in the activities, I came to realize the profound impact nature has on well-being, offering a sense of calm and clarity that’s often missing in our fast-paced routines.
I had the chance to meet new people who shared similar values, enriching the experience with meaningful conversations. The connections I made with both the environment and new friends were invaluable, reminding me of the importance of community and nature in promoting a balanced, fulfilling life.”
Markella:
“This project gave us the opportunity to explore how we as individuals view well-being, what are the actual habits we have or don’t to promote it and also see where do other countries stand in terms of this matter.
We learned how to work as a group in order to achieve goals, live together while respecting each other. All that whilst living in a tiny Italian village where we could use nature’s healing properties to our advantage such as meditating on the grass or reflecting by the river.
Most of all we learned how to connect with ourselves and each other.”
Eliza:
“‘This’ project was by far my favorite experience in the Erasmus Plus program. By immersing myself in nature and through various activities such as mindful walks and outdoor workshops, I experienced a sense of calm that is hard to find in everyday life.
This exchange not only deepened my appreciation for the natural world, but also gave me the opportunity to meet like-minded people. I look forward to more experiences like this!”
Theodoris:
“I got to meet incredible people with which I made lasting bonds and reconnected with nature to a very deep level.
It helped me find ways to improve myself mentally and physically and most importantly it introduced me to new cultures and lifestyles now embedded in my own.
I now will try to maintain this newfound connection with nature by making it a bigger part of my daily life.”
Dimitri:
“This may be the best project I’ll ever be part of. We connected with nature, we connected with each other and ultimately we connected with ourselves.
Huge credits to the organizing team for being up to our needs and taking care of our well-being.
I’ll forever be grateful for this experience.”
The “Back to Nature” project didn’t just inspire personal growth it encouraged sustainable thinking and practical actions. Participants returned home with a renewed commitment to environmental advocacy, mental well-being, and active citizenship. The impact extended beyond the mountain trails and into their everyday lives, where nature is now not just a backdrop but a source of healing and motivation.
The magic of this youth exchange lay in its simplicity: genuine human connection, the beauty of untouched landscapes, and the space to just be. In a world that rarely pauses, “Back to Nature” reminded everyone of the importance of stillness, reflection, and care for oneself, for others, and for the planet.
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