“My experience with Erasmus helped me gain a deeper understanding of events and situations, avoiding superficial views. It made me think more about the consequences, damages, and benefits that certain actions have on society,” says Ergi Kaso, a 22-year-old studying Artificial Intelligence in Tirana. Focused on a field that is shaping both the present and the future, for him, life and studies are about overcoming barriers, starting with personal ones.

“I have been part of ‘YouthCare’, an Erasmus project aiming to increase youth responsibility and awareness of environmental issues through informal education methods. The relationship with nature starts with a yoga session and continues with protecting it once this connection is built. Through several initiatives implemented by ‘Beyond Barriers’, we have used various communication channels, including theatrical performances, to deliver messages on environmental issues and care,” explains Kaso, who has participated in various exchanges and training sessions in Albania and Montenegro. He highlights the personal impact these experiences have had on him as a young student.

“You learn, you engage, and you meet people from different cultures and countries. It’s also about networking, forming new friendships, and improving social and communication skills. These experiences have also allowed us to contribute to social causes, such as volunteering in aid efforts after the earthquake and participating in environmental clean-up initiatives. Personally, I have gained leadership skills and have challenged my own shyness,” says Kaso.

The environment has been a key focus of Erasmus projects, but building a responsible society for the future, where freedom is the core principle, requires more. Alesia Dodaj, a law student in Tirana, recalls how training programmes in Romania and Croatia have shaped her knowledge. “I have taken part in several training sessions across Europe on topics related to democracy, the right to vote, and the rule of law. Through an Erasmus youth exchange programme in Croatia, I saw the power of art in fostering change and addressing social issues. It gave me a broader perspective and had a significant impact on me,” she says.

Highlighting the benefits of Erasmus initiatives, Dodaj mentions their diversity, which helps young people grow, create connections, learn about different cultures, and develop new perspectives on the world. With new friends from Finland and Georgia, she now realises that, despite different origins or cultural backgrounds, people are fundamentally similar, face common challenges, and are separated by only a few barriers. “Erasmus has helped me develop a more social outlook, encouraging me to be a stronger voice in addressing different issues. I have taken inspiration from the topics discussed in the various Erasmus programmes I have attended,” she explains.

Her most recent commitment was as part of “MediActive”, a project aimed at educating young people in the Balkans on the importance of media literacy and news awareness—an area she believes requires significant work, as these topics are unfortunately not widely covered in schools and universities in the region.

“I am particularly passionate about ‘Erasmus MediActive Youth’, a project that tackles media challenges in the Balkans. It focuses not only on education in news literacy but also on finding ways to neutralise hate speech in the media,” says Dodaj, who also assisted in coordinating the project. She acknowledges that creating social impact is not easy but believes every effort contributes to meaningful change.

Through informal education, Erasmus provides pathways to discuss and address key issues with future generations. “The programme has helped me see different perspectives, and as a future professional in the justice system, I will be open-minded and a responsible citizen,” says Alesia. Meanwhile, Ergi Kaso reflects on the most valuable lesson he has learned from the initiatives he has participated in: “Becoming a better person and contributing to our society.”

Background Information

The Erasmus+ Programme is the European Union’s flagship initiative supporting education, training, youth, and sport in Europe. It aims to enhance the skills and employability of young people, encourage intercultural exchange, and improve education systems across Europe and beyond. Erasmus+ promotes mobility, cooperation, and innovation in education and training, with a strong focus on fostering inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunities. The programme encompasses various actions, including student mobility for higher education and vocational training, staff mobility for teaching or training purposes, strategic partnerships for cooperation between educational institutions, and support for policy reform in education. The programme fosters connections between educational institutions in Albania and other European countries, leading to shared resources that enhance educational outcomes.