Noortevahetus "Journey to the common values of different cultures" Kayseri, Türgis

Kolm tagasivaadet toimunud projekti.

                                                                                              I

From June 18th to 24th, 2023, I had the most wonderful time of my life. It was during my participation in the "Journey to the Common Values of Different Cultures" project in Turkey. Being non-European, joining an Erasmus project presented various challenges, but this project was a unique and final opportunity for me. The central theme of this project was intercultural understanding. We enjoyed cultural nights from different countries and learned about Turkish cuisine through daily meals. While communication with people from different cultures requires a common language, not everyone spoke English or my English was not perfect at all in this project. Nevertheless, we learned how to overcome language barriers using gestures and simple words. During the workshops, we also tried the traditional Japanese art of origami. It was a pleasure to share my culture with others. Experiencing and teaching each other's cultures was a truly enjoyable experience. Despite being a minority as an Asian participant, I was warmly accepted by the other participants. Through this experience, I learned that direct communication is crucial in understanding others. Exploring other cultures and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds has broadened my horizons and provided opportunities for personal growth. I am deeply grateful for this valuable experience. Participating in this project will undoubtedly remain a lifelong memory in my life.


                                                                                              II

It was pretty amazing project. We visited many places, did many workshops, met locals and discovered local culture. 
Before I came to Turkey, I didn’t know much about, only that their food is amazing and they are quite religious country, however after being there for almost 2 weeks, I can see how much different it actually is! 
Driving culture, lines are not important same as speed, also they have speed limit 82 so that you can speed up 10% without getting fine.
99% of population are muslims and after they religion they need to pray 5 times a day and first one is at 4am, it would be alright however every part of the city has mosque which call people for every prayer. If you go to Turkey, be prepared, don’t forget air plugs. 
Cuisine is amazing, maybe little bit too oily than what I am used to however has huge variety of different meals and sweets and tastes delicious! 
During the project I managed to experience all of it and much more. 
Project is sponsored by EU and in total there were people from 5 different countries like North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Italy, Turkey and Estonia
I think one of the most important and amazing things about every project is community and people you meet during the project. Everyone is so different, you meet new people, learn to see life from different perspective, step outside your comfort zone and open yourself to new experiences!

I am grateful for this opportunity and I deeply encourage everyone to join project and see for yourself!


                                                                                             III

Erasmus+ projektil osalemine Türgis Kayseri linnas 17.-25. juunil oli minu jaoks unustamatu kogemus. See oli minu esimene kord Erasmus+ projektis osaleda ning see pakkus mulle võimaluse avastada erinevate riikide kultuure nagu Türgi, Makedoonia, Bulgaaria ja Itaalia.

Projekti jooksul külastasime mitmeid huvitavaid kohti, mis aitasid meil paremini mõista Türgi ajalugu ja traditsioone. Üks meeldejäävamaid kohti oli mägi Erciyes, kus saime nautida imelisi vaateid. Lisaks külastasime Ottoman'i tänavat, kus tundsime end nagu ajarännakul, kogedes Türgi mineviku atmosfääri. Samuti oli meil võimalus avastada Kapadokya piirkonda, kus imetlesime ainulaadseid looduslikke maastikke ja koobaselamuid. Seljuki muuseumis saime süveneda ajaloolisse pärandisse ning õppida Seljuki impeeriumi tähtsust.
Projektil osalemine võimaldas mul kohtuda inspireerivate inimestega erinevatest kultuuridest ning jagada kogemusi ja teadmisi. Õppisime üksteiselt ning avastasime uusi perspektiive. See kogemus laiendas minu silmaringi ja aitas mul arendada oma kultuuridevahelisi oskusi.

Kokkuvõttes oli Erasmus+ projekt Türgis tõeliselt rikastav kogemus. Sain mitte ainult avastada Kayseri linna ja selle ümbritsevat ilu, vaid ka õppida erinevate riikide kultuuridest. See kogemus jääb mulle alatiseks meelde ning julgustab mind avastama veelgi rohkem maailma ja selle mitmekesisust.