Bridging Cultures through Education: An Erasmus+ Experience in Romania

https://youtu.be/RPd9pnOvkGo?si=WZPu7eTsD0tF9hUO

In April 2026, a meaningful international educational exchange brought together students and educators from Turkey and Romania under the Erasmus+ project “I Have Time to Share with You” (Seninle Paylaşacak Vaktim Var). This initiative, coordinated by the Ankara Provincial Directorate of National Education and implemented by Etimesgut Şehit Kaymakam Muhammed Fatih Safitürk Anadolu İmam Hatip Lisesi, took place between April 20–23, 2026, at Liceul Teoretic “Radu Vlădescu” in Pătârlagele, Buzău, Romania.

A Dynamic Start: Building Connections

The mobility began with interactive ice-breaking sessions and team-building activities designed to foster communication and friendship between the Romanian and Turkish students. These early moments laid the foundation for collaboration, mutual respect, and cultural exchange.

Learning Beyond Borders

The project participants were actively involved in a variety of classroom activities, attending lessons in English, Romanian language and literature, mathematics, physics, IT, and geography. This immersive experience allowed the Turkish students to observe different teaching styles and educational systems while improving their language and academic skills.

Interactive Workshops and Thought-Provoking Discussions

A central component of the mobility was the series of collaborative educational workshops. These sessions focused on:

• Student-centered pedagogy, emphasizing interactive and participatory learning methods
• Lateral thinking, encouraging creative approaches to problem-solving
• A round-table discussion on “The Ethics of Social Media Use”, where the students reflected on digital responsibility
• Digital safety topics, including cyberbullying, online rights, and responsibilities

These activities not only enhanced critical thinking but also addressed relevant challenges faced by today’s digital generation.

Sharing Best Practices and Innovation

The teachers and students engaged in valuable exchanges of experience and educational practices. Key themes included:

• International collaboration and inclusion through projects such as eTwinning Bookfest 2026 and A Song for Our Souls in an English-Speaking World
• The integration of modern technology in education, showcased through the school’s Smart Lab
• Insights into the host school’s Erasmus accreditation achievements, including the previous international mobility in Bulgaria
• Modern teaching methods like project-based learning and ICT integration
• The impact of group mobility for students and the importance of job shadowing for educators

Lasting Impact and Future Collaboration

The mobility concluded with the certification of participants, recognizing their involvement in this international Erasmus+ experience. More importantly, it ensured the sustainability of the partnership between the institutions, opening doors for future collaborations and shared educational innovation.

A Shared Vision for Education

This Erasmus+ mobility demonstrated how education can transcend borders, bringing together diverse perspectives and fostering a spirit of cooperation. By sharing time, knowledge, and experiences, both students and teachers gained valuable insights that will continue to influence their personal and academic journeys.

Ultimately, “I Have Time to Share with You” was more than a project mobility, it was a powerful reminder that meaningful connections and collaborative learning can shape a more inclusive and forward-thinking educational landscape.

The contents of this publication reflects only the views of the author, and the National Agency and Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.