In today’s globalizing world, where intercultural interactions are increasing, limited awareness of cultural diversity, along with deeply rooted prejudices and stereotypes, continues to hinder healthy intercultural communication among young people. This situation challenges social cohesion and highlights the need for learning environments that actively foster cultural awareness and address prejudices. This case study examines a short-term Erasmus+ mobility project, exploring how it develops participants’ cultural awareness while confronting pre-existing prejudices through non-formal, experiential learning. The project brought together 41 participants from five countries, selected from young people interested in intercultural exchange but facing social, economic, or geographical barriers that limit access to international experiences. The learning environment was immersive, combining collaborative group work, cultural exchange activities, local food tastings, and visits to cultural sites, allowing participants to engage with culture as a lived, everyday practice. To assess the project’s impact, multiple data collection tools were used, including Mentimeter, KWL chart, Participant Experience Questionnaire, and documentaries produced by participant groups. Findings showed a shift from surface-level, object-oriented understandings of culture toward relational and process-oriented perspectives. Initial associations focused on food, beverages, flags, and language, while post-project reflections revealed a broader, more nuanced understanding, including traditions, history, social interactions, and communication. Participants reported increased awareness of their own prejudices, greater tolerance of differences, improved English communication skills, and enhanced self-confidence. Overall, this study demonstrates that short-term youth exchange projects, when structured as reflective and immersive learning environments, can meaningfully foster intercultural awareness and contribute to reducing prejudice among young people.

Authors:
İmge Çiftçi, TED University, Türkiye
Ecem Ertaç, TED University, Türkiye
Ayça Akın, TED University, Türkiye
Dilay Mocan, TED University, Türkiye
Müzekka Barkın Demirci, TED University, Türkiye
Sibel Balcı, TED University, Türkiye

About the Presenter(s)
Imge Çiftçi is a Political Science student and Erasmus+ project coordinator at TEDU. Her interests are intercultural learning and non-formal education. She is co-authoring a study on her Erasmus+ project with her mentor, Prof. Dr. Sibel Balcı.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/imge-%C3%A7ift%C3%A7i-199896177/

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