08/10/2023
Italy
participants
The goals of the initiative are reflected in the desire to convey an international dimension of life, seeking through our activities, to break down the relational barriers that can arise when we interface with something different. With this weekend we want to create a space for students to feel safe and free to be themselves. The overall goal is to try to give a taste of the values of ESN, of which we stand for. Our event aims to help international students to build a strong network of contacts that will support them during their experience in the months ahead.
The event includes a weekend at a self-managed house located in the mountains in the province of Bergamo. The experience begins on Friday afternoon, when the Erasmus students and two chaperones will leave Milan by bus to travel to Bergamo. Here, they will have the opportunity to take a tour of the city, exploring its history and traditions. For dinner, the Erasmus will reach home. Friday evening will include some team-building activities, after which, there will be an evening of karaoke and "guess the song" in which both Erasmus and ESNrs will participate.
Saturday's day offers two options:
1. Hike to the surrounding mountains to discover the villages in the valley. During the hike will be provided a picnic lunch. In addition, there will be moments of "mindful walking" along the route, during which students will be invited to focus on observing the surrounding nature.
2. For those who prefer to stay at home, there will be a cooking class during which handmade pasta will be prepared, which will then be cooked and served for lunch.Guided Mindfulness and Yoga sessions will be held afterwards. These sessions will be followed by a break with herbal teas, fruits and organic cookies provided by our partners. Afterwards, group activities aimed at fostering acquaintance among participants will take place. Saturday evening will include a dinner at the house followed by a social program including a themed party.
On Sunday morning, participants will have free time to rest and use the soccer and volleyball fields outside. Around 11 a.m., there will be brunch, followed by a closing time that will include the reading of anonymous "gossip box" messages and the distribution of "sugar cubes," introduced back on Friday. Finally, around 12 noon, participants will return to Milan by bus.
