Italy
participants
The activity of decorating tote bags for international students, organized by ESN L’Aquila during the Welcome Conference, has several meaningful goals that go far beyond mere creativity. Here are a few:
The tote bags, part of the Welcome Kit, become a personal symbol of the mobility journey. Decorating them together transforms a simple object into a tangible memory, enriched with meanings, dedications, and shared moments. Each stroke of paint or written word represents the beginning of a journey of discovery—not just academic, but deeply human.
The activity, set in a relaxed atmosphere with soothing jazz music in the background, encouraged spontaneous conversations, laughter, and heartfelt exchanges among participants. Erasmus students and volunteers found themselves sharing colours, ideas, and emotions, creating bonds that could last far beyond the mobility period.
During the activity, many participants wrote heartfelt dedications on the tote bags, emphasizing how important new friendships can be during a transitional time like Erasmus. This moment of connection showed that, despite cultural differences, what unites people is often stronger than what divides them.
Decorating together allowed participants to express aspects of their home cultures while discovering those of others. The colours, symbols, and words used told stories of distant countries, showing how even the most unexpected cultures can find common ground.
The activity offered students a chance to feel especially welcomed. It wasn’t just an event but a moment tailored for them, where every detail—from the music to the atmosphere—radiated warmth and inclusion.
By the end of the evening, each tote bag was much more than a container: it was a piece of shared life, a collective work of art that told the story of the connections made that night. It becomes something to treasure, a symbol of the Erasmus experience and the friendships formed in L’Aquila.
Decorating tote bags isn’t just a pastime: it’s an experience that perfectly encapsulates the essence of ESN and the Erasmus spirit. Getting to know each other, connecting, and celebrating shared humanity in all its shades.
The tote bag decorating event, part of ESN L’Aquila's Welcome Conference, unfolded in a warm and creative atmosphere. Held in a cozy venue with soft lighting and soothing jazz music, the evening welcomed Erasmus students and volunteers with all the materials needed for artistic expression.
After a friendly introduction, participants dove into decorating their tote bags with designs inspired by their cultures, personal messages, and shared moments. The activity sparked laughter, storytelling, and meaningful conversations, with volunteers and students bonding over creativity and shared experiences.
Heartfelt dedications and group photos captured the spirit of the night, as students left not just with personalized tote bags but with new friendships and fond memories. The event beautifully celebrated diversity, creativity, and the connections that define the Erasmus journey.
