📅 Dates & Location
July 1 – 11, 2025 (including travel)
Bergolo, Italy
🎯 Objective
The Don’t Look Up! youth exchange is designed to empower young people to become responsible media consumers and creators. By tackling the rise of misinformation and fake news, the project encourages participants to develop media literacy, critical thinking, and digital citizenship skills 🧠💻. Set in the peaceful village of Bergolo, this exchange promotes intercultural understanding, offline connection, and collaborative learning in a unique, tech-free environment 🌿📵.
🌟 Project Goals
• Raise awareness about fake news and its impact on society 📰
• Equip participants with media literacy and critical thinking skills 🧠🔍
• Foster active digital citizenship and creative content creation 📲🎨
• Encourage intercultural learning and cooperation among European youth 🌍
• Promote digital wellbeing through a structured digital detox experience 🌙📵
🌍 Participating Countries & Group Sizes
6 participants from either
• Bulgaria
• Georgia
• Germany
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Italy
🛠️ Activities & Methodology
The program uses non-formal education methods, including interactive workshops, simulations, group projects, cultural presentations, and creative labs. Emphasis will be placed on experiential learning, peer exchange, and the creation of digital content to combat misinformation. Participants will take part in a 100-hour digital detox challenge to foster real-world connection and reflection on tech use. 🌱🤝📷
🧑🎓 Participant Requirements
• Aged 18–27 (Group leaders: 22–40)
• Interest in media, digital tools, and social issues 🌐
• Open-minded and eager to contribute actively
• Willingness to unplug during the digital detox period 📵
• Basic English communication skills 🗣️
• Youth facing fewer opportunities are especially encouraged to apply
🗓️ Project Timeline
• May 2025: Online preparation and cultural presentations 🧑💻
• July 1 – 11, 2025: Youth exchange in Bergolo, Italy 🎉
• July–August 2025: Local follow-up actions and community workshops 🌍
🏨 Venue & Accommodation
• Rooms shared between 2–4 participants, mixed nationalities 🛏️
• Facilities: kitchen, dining area, terrace, laundry, public Wi-Fi
• Meals: 3 healthy vegetarian/vegan meals + 2 coffee breaks per day 🥗☕
• Environment: Quiet village setting, ideal for reflection and nature-based activities 🌄
💶 Travel & Reimbursement
• Arrival: July 1, 2025 (to Alessandria train station)
• Departure: July 11, 2025
• Shuttle from Alessandria to Bergolo (50€ deducted from travel budget) 🚐
Maximum Reimbursement Amounts (Erasmus+ rates):
• Bulgaria, Georgia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania: €259
• Italy: €28
Conditions:
• Tickets must be pre-approved 🎫
• Only economy class is reimbursed (no extra services) ✈️
• Must submit original tickets and receipts 🧾
• Reimbursement period: 2–3 months after project 💸
🎭 Cultural Evenings
Each national team will present their culture through food, traditions, music, and interactive experiences. Bring your favorite snacks, costumes, and symbols of your culture 🎉🌍🎶
🎒 What to Pack
• Passport & insurance card 🛂
• Comfortable outdoor clothes & shoes 👟
• Hygiene items & reusable water bottle 🧼
• Cultural items for your presentation 🎁
• Board games, musical instruments, or crafts 🎲🎸
• 1 laptop per group 💻
• Most importantly: an open mind and willingness to unplug 🌿
📵 The Digital Detox Phase
For 100 hours, participants will store their phones in a communal “digital chest” to fully embrace real-life connections and mindful living. No screens – just nature, friendships, and growth. 🌄🤗
🤝 Our Approach
• Respect and participation are essential
• Drug- and alcohol-free environment 🚫
• Everyone contributes to community life (kitchen, cleaning, etc.) 🧹
• Inclusive space open to all – just tell us how we can support you ❤️
📢 This project is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union and supports the development of responsible, media-savvy, and socially engaged young Europeans. 🌍💬📱
There is a non-refundable membership fee of €50 for the sending organization, and it is due only if the applicant is approved to participate in the project.
