We were six young people from Armenia who traveled to Poland to take part in the Erasmus+ project “Green Connection.” At the beginning, we thought it would be just another international project, but very quickly we realized it was something much more meaningful.
We met participants from seven countries — Poland, Italy, Estonia, Ireland, Serbia, Ukraine, and of course Armenia — and in the first days, we all felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. It’s not always easy to step into a completely new environment and connect with people from different cultures. We all had that quiet question inside: will we fit in?
But as the days passed, everything started to change. We began talking more openly, sharing our experiences, our cultures, and even our personal stories. Slowly, the distance between us disappeared. Strangers became teammates, teammates became friends, and by the end, it honestly felt like we had built a small international family.
We experienced so many emotions during those days. There were moments when we couldn’t stop laughing — during activities, games, or simply while spending time together. We danced to each other’s music, learned about different traditions, and enjoyed every small moment. But there were also deeper, more emotional moments. Late at night, we had long conversations about life, challenges, dreams, and personal experiences. In those moments, we felt truly understood, even without saying everything perfectly.
One of the main goals of the project was to reduce our screen time and focus more on real-life connections. At first, it was difficult. We are all used to checking our phones without even thinking. But little by little, we became more aware of it and started putting our phones aside.
Instead, we focused on what was happening around us — the people, the conversations, the nature. We became more present. By the end of the project, we had reduced our screen time by around 50%, but what we gained was much more important. We built real connections, had meaningful conversations, and created memories that no phone could ever replace.
This experience showed us that true connection doesn’t come from screens, but from being present with people, sharing moments, and opening up to each other. “Green Connection” was not only about nature — it was also about reconnecting with ourselves, with others, and with real life.
When it was time to say goodbye, it was honestly very hard. In such a short time, we had created strong bonds and unforgettable memories. For all of us, this was not just a project. It was a life experience that changed how we see connection, communication, and the importance of living in the present moment.
The project was funded within Erasmus+ project.
