The Art of Being from the Teachers POV

The Art of Being – Selce, Croatia

The topic of this Erasmus project was of particular interest to both myself and Szilvi, who accompanied me, and students were chosen based upon their expressing a specific interest in the themes to be touched upon. Those subjects included understanding emotional and mental states, self-awareness, and techniques to handle difficult emotions.

One thing that was very noticeable, even in our early interactions with the Croatian team, was the level of detail in the organisation. Everything was thoroughly prepared, and we were given a great deal of useful instruction in how to prepare our students for the workshops they would deliver. After 13 hours of travel, we were able to find our accommodation with ease, and we were met there by members of the Croatian and Romanian groups, who had already arrived.

The first day began with a general introduction to the project, the area, and the hostel itself, and continued with team building exercises into the afternoon. The 2nd day, workshops began, and after all groups shared the findings of their research into mental health problems in their own country, it was time for our group to deliver the first of their workshops, a multi-layered exercise based around becoming aware. This was delivered very smoothly, thanks to the help we received in preparing it.

On the evening of the 2nd night, all groups shared something of their country at an intercultural evening, and this was an excellent opportunity for students to bond with those from other groups. The next day more countries delivered workshops, on topics such as emotions in ourselves and others, and personal boundaries. At the end of day 3, students were told to prepare for a hike the next day.

Early on day 4 we left for the Velebit mountain range, a couple of hours South of our base in Selce. Students divided into 3 groups depending on what they felt they were capable of, and we spend most of the day walking, taking in some incredible scenery and enjoying the mountain air. The following day was spent with relaxing workshops, such as conscious breathing, and there was some evaluation of the project so far.

Day 6 continued the workshops, with a lot of fun activities which allowed students to express themselves creatively, and also to move around a little more. The final 2 days were made up of evaluations and reports, as well as some emotional farewells. The groups said goodbye to each other and prepared for long journeys home.

Overall we were immensely satisfied with how this project was organised and delivered, very pleased with the support shown throughout, and we are very happy to have been involved.