I have had many experiences since the first day I went to Poland. foods, cities, people, cultures... I tried brand new tastes, visited many cities, and while doing these, it was very enjoyable to learn about protecting the environment and recycling. Getting to know different cultures gave me a different perspective. But the biggest thing Erasmus gave me was definitely friendship. It was great to meet and spend time with many people, especially my friend whose house I was staying with. I also improved my language and had experiences living abroad. The only bad thing was that it ended very quickly.

Ayşenur, Turkey

Within the scope of this project, I learned about environmental awareness and how to protect the environment through the 5R principle. I had more knowledge about environmental issues. Additionally, I am very happy to have met different people and cultures in the Erasmus+ project, and I m happy to be the part of this Project . Being part of such a comprehensive and beneficial project, I am proud of my involvement and contributions. It is a subject that I strongly encourage everyone to experience and be conscious of. I express my gratitude to everyone, including my friends and teachers.

Aykut,  Turkey

The We Are Green Europe project allowed me to discover new cultures, meet a lot of very interesting people and practise my English in a real world scenario. Throughout the entire motility in Întorsura Buzăului Romania we were constantly chatting with one another, exchanging experiences of living in different parts of the continent, and, what is probably the most important, for once the differences, rather than put us off, made us even more curious. We also had a lot of fun, as the name of it suggests, with the ecological part of our mobility. I'm sure I will remember it for the rest of my life.

Szymon, Poland 

When I joined the Erasmus project, I didn't think it would be one of the best experiences in my life. In Romania I met kind people, who are now my friends. I visited very interesting places and tried local food, which was really tasty.

The activities we did improved my English skills and I got to know better the 5R rules and of course how we can protect our environment.

Basia, Poland 

The week we spent in Romania was amazing and we stayed in a city called Intorsura Buzaului. We learned about their culture, national dishes, and some of their holidays. We also managed to participate in their celebration. On the 1st of March they celebrate Martisor, also known as the Spring Festival. We were doing some presents for each other on this occasion. It was a wonderful week with a lot of experience.

Klara, Poland

I'll never forget the week I spent in Romania. Having met the Romanian team in Poland I was really looking forward to visiting their country. I was impressed with their hospitality and the good organisation in Intorsura Buzaului. I felt like a princess being driven everywhere and fed with the best dishes. It was also interesting to discover the similarities and differences between different nations. I am encouraged to take part in more Erasmus + projects in the future as we not only learned new skills but discovered a lot about ourselves as well.

Julia, Poland

My experience in Spain was wonderful. The memories I made are filled with joy, laughter and adventure. I met incredible people from all over the world, forming friendships that will last a lifetime. The Spanish cuisine was a delightful discovery; every meal was a treat. Exploring the culture and beautiful landscapes of Spain, Barcelona was an unforgettable journey. It was a perfect blend of learning, fun and growth, I cherish every bit of it.

Delita, Lithuania

This Erasmus project was not only getting to know green Europe and how to help it, but also discovering new friends, a way to overcome fear and meet new unique people, see many new places and learn about the traditions of another country.

Emili, Lithuania

Our time in Romania was amazing. We had the opportunity to try Romanian dishes and to discover their culture, including the vibrant Martisor celebration on March 1st. I met many new people from different countries and made many new friends. Overall, it was an unforgettable week filled with exciting activities.

Jakub, Poland

If someone asked me if I would participate in the Erasmus+ project again? Yes, I definitely would. The students from abroad are very friendly and we instantly connected with each other. I made new friends with whom I still talk to. The project has opened my eyes to see the world from the other side. I would definitely come back. See you soon, Barcelona!

Martyna, Lithuania

Being a part and parcel (as I like to assume) of the Erasmus project has made me realise how many things that I do not know about are out there, waiting to be discovered. The activities about environmental issues and their impact on people were evenly discussed and quickly developed to be our most important thing to know, and mostly to resolve. I thank each person I got to speak to for proving that knowledge is given by our commitment, strength of mind and decisiveness. (Sabrina, Romania)

The Erasmus + mobility in Isparta, Turkey was an incredible experience, which I would definitely repeat. Besides the fact that I've met wonderful people, I had the opportunity to participate in different interesting activities about means of protecting nature which showed me how much I can influence the environment through the actions that I do. I've learned a lot of things that will surely help me in the future, but I was also lucky enough to make unforgettable memories with the people involved in the project. (Alexandra, Romania)

In this project I've learned a lot about other people and cultures and I am thrilled about this because I feel I've grown as a person.

By taking part in the activities about zero waste and refuse, I was well educated about the environment and the measures we can take to make a difference. 

The remarkable Turkish family welcomed me so warmly and made me feel accepted as well as loved.

I recommend the involvement in this type of project to everyone who wants to evolve and be an active participant in the development of a better world. (Melania, Romania)

Erasmus + has provided me with an incredible life experience by giving me the chance to travel abroad, meet new people and learn about our effect on the environment. Also, thanks to the activities we had back in Turkey, I've realised that everything we do has a consequence on the environment and that everything we change about our behavior makes a difference.

I believe that we should protect our nature and take care of it as much as we can. (Ana, Romania)

This experience was the most beautiful in my life. I met wonderful and kind people, I visited unforgettable places where I felt like I was in a dream and I found out many things about the Turkish culture. Also, I've learned useful information about the 5 R's and practical ways in which we can protect our planet. 

The family that hosted me received me with a lot of love and they treated me as if I were their daughter. I miss them very much.(Bianca, Romania)

Going to Turkey was an extraodinary experience, I loved the views, the people and, of course, the food. I was welcomed warmly by the family and they made me feel like home.

I learned a lot about Zero waste and the 5 R's from the activities we were involved in. 

What I liked the most was the fact that we could work, but also socialise with students from the other 4 countries involved in this project. 

It was really a one of a kind experience. (Iulia, Romania)

Aitana, Spain

When I first heard that I was invited to the Erasmus+ project, I was very excited. I was excited to meet new people, get to know new cultures and have one of the most special experiences of my life. The activities we did when we went to Poland enabled me to speak English well, improve my general knowledge, improve my socialization skills and to be sensitive to the 5R rules, that is, environmental problems. Thanks to the Erasmus+ project, I was able to see the living conditions and living standards of a different country, which informed me when I go abroad in the future. made. In short, participating in the Erasmus+ project gave me one of the most beautiful, special and important experiences of my life.

Utku, Turkey 

The Erasmus project brought many good things to me. In addition to learning new information and improving my language, we had the opportunity to make good friends, learn about different cultures, learn about Polish architecture and visit touristic places.We also learned about many issues related to zero waste. I think the project will give me a lot of advantages in finding a job in the future and if I go abroad again. It was also a very friendly and nice environment.

I couldn't understand how the week passed. I hope I have the chance to go again.

Fatma,Turkey

Taking part in this project makes me in many senses. It made me feel developed. I am very happy to know new cultures and to have gained knowledge for a more sustainable environment. Being involved in this project has made me realize more clearly what we can do for a more sustainable World. Now I know more consciously what we can do for a cleaner environment. Thanks to this project, I met people and learned their way of life, how their food and culture was. They were all very sweet and loving people, I hope we meet them again.

Thanks to this project, I also learned what to do in case of going abroad and realized what it feels like to be abroad, which makes me feel confident 

Erva Nermin, Turkey

Honestly, I don't know where to start because this experience has been unique. The fact of getting together with people from other countries in a country completely different from ours is something incredible. The laughter, the fun, the experiences, the atmosphere... are some of the words with which I would describe this experience, but I don't think it can be explained in words... a picture is worth a thousand words. (Eric, Spain)

I sincerely appreciate having had this opportunity to have a new experience, I really liked it even though the first few days I felt uncomfortable because I had not gained enough confidence, but then I began to gain confidence with the girl who touched me and with her family who I had a great time and I miss being there, it was one of the best experiences I have had for the simple fact of socializing with people from another country and being able to learn things for everyday life, it was simply a unique experience🫶🏼.(Marta, Spain)

I enjoyed this experience, I pass really grateful moments that are going to stay in my mind all my life, on the other hand Erasmus+ opened my mind and now I am looking forward to travel as much as possible in all my life because I have realize in Erasmus+ that it is like I type of life that I would like to have, and apart from it, I met with people that if Erasmus+ didn't give the opportunity I wouldn't have known them. (Alex, Spain)

The mobility in Turkey was a great opportunity for students, teachers and school. I mention this because every experience like this enriches us, makes us want to be better, to develop, to train, to socialise and to face challenges. We can learn at any age! Every international mobility means something new: discovering people, places, another culture, another civilisation, it means getting actively involved, becoming aware of problems, looking for and finding solutions.

Meeting fellow teachers and students from partner countries gave us the opportunity to meet wonderful people, learn new things about different, student-centred education systems, developing competences and life skills. The presentations prepared by students from partner countries made us understand and discover the particularities of their educational systems, learn about their working methods and teacher-student relationships, activities and actions with an impact on environmental protection.

The Turkish hosts were extraordinary, both with the students and the teachers involved in the project. They were very attentive to all aspects, prepared engaging activities, various workshops and activities centred on the project theme ("We are green Europe") and very interesting educational trips. The meetings at the host high school Isparta Gazi Sosyal Bilimler Lisesi, the visit to the University of Pamukkale (where a seminar on nanoware technology used to solve environmental problems was held), the visit to the impressive historical site of Pamukkale, the educational trip to Tabiat Canyon, the trip to Lake Kovada and all the other activities had a great impact on the students and teachers.

Of great importance in Erasmus+ projects is the emphasis on socialisation, on discovering other cultures, integrating participants in a new environment, with other customs, traditions, gastronomy, etc. all linked by the use of a common language of communication, English. All this did not inhibit, but on the contrary, made people even more aware of the importance of linguistic and cultural diversity (which shapes national identity), but with English as the binding language,

One aspect that I particularly enjoy is the relationship you establish with students and teachers in a non-formal setting and the memories that obviously last a lifetime.

Voichița, Romania

A Journey of Awareness, Action, and Unity

Erasmus of Rotterdam once said, "The main hope of a nation lies in the proper education of its youth."

The Erasmus+ project We are Green Europe was not just about raising awareness on environmental issues; it was an educational experience that integrated the 5 Rs— Refuse, Reduce, Repurpose, Reuse, and Recycle,—into our daily lives. We learned about the causes of different types of pollution and their damaging effects on our planet and our health, we discovered ways to protect the environment, we explored diverse cultures, embraced European values, and, most importantly, grew as active citizens.

Our journey began with a clear goal: to make a tangible difference in our communities by addressing environmental challenges. Through various workshops, activities, and collaborations, we explored practical methods of reducing waste, reusing and repurposing materials, recycling effectively, refusing unnecessary consumption, and composting organic waste. These practices, known as the 5 Rs, became the anchor of our environmental commitment.

In the words of Erasmus, "A nail is driven out by another nail. Habit is overcome by habit." This wisdom guided us as we worked to replace old, unsustainable habits with new, eco-friendly ones. We organized clean-up campaigns, created recycling programs, and initiated reuse, repurpose and composting projects. Each step, no matter how small, contributed to a larger movement towards environmental sustainability.

But this project was not only about environmental action. It was also about cultural exchange and understanding. Participants from Spain, Lithuania, Poland, Turkey, and Romania came together, sharing their unique perspectives and traditions. We learned that while our cultures are diverse, our values as Europeans are united. We cherish democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, and we believe in the power of education to drive change.

One of the most inspiring aspects of We are Green Europe was the sense of unity and active citizenship it promoted. We were not just passive learners; we became advocates and leaders. We engaged with local NGOs, collaborated with town halls, and involved our communities. We understood that being an active citizen means taking responsibility for our environment and our future.

Erasmus also reminded us, "Give light, and the darkness will disappear of itself." Our project aimed to be that light. By educating ourselves and others, we spread awareness and inspired action. We saw firsthand how knowledge and determination could combat the darkness of environmental neglect.

I will conclude with another quote from Erasmus "‎If you keep thinking about what you want to do or what you hope will happen, you don't do it, and it won't happen." This project taught us the importance of action. Dreams and hopes are vital, but they must be coupled with concrete steps in order to become reality.

I want to thank the coordinator of our project in Spain (Enric, Sara, Irene, Elena, Adrian, Javi), and our dedicated partners from Lithuania (Daiva, Inga, Sandra), Poland (Gosia and Ewa), and Turkey (Fatih, Vahap, Mr. Sari). Special thanks to the Romanian teachers and staff members from "Mircea Eliade" Intorsura Buzaului, Covasna, the town hall, the NGOs, the faculties, the specialists and the community members who played a key role in implementing this project. Their support and collaboration were indeed invaluable.

We will remain committed to the 5 Rs, embrace our role as active citizens, and cherish our shared European values. Together, we can build a greener, more sustainable future for ourselves and the generations to come.

Mihaela, Romania