Creative Youth Information Award category

Taste The World: International Day

Title of the Project

Taste The World: International Day

Organisation

Eurocentrum Liberec

WEBSITE

https://tvorimevropu.cz/liberec/

Project link

https://www.tul.cz/en/erasmus-2/international-day/

https://tvorimevropu.cz/event/international-day-2025-v-liberci/

Project dates

October 15, 2025

October 15, 2025

What is it about?

 International Day Liberec is a mobility festival organised by Eurocentre Liberec in partnership with the Technical University of Liberec (TUL). Our mission is to make European opportunities -such as studying, working or volunteering abroad -visible and attractive to the youngest generation through a peer-to-peer approach. The event reached approximately 1,450 participants in a single day, effectively transforming the university campus into a gateway to the world for regional youth.

To address the diverse needs of our visitors, we structured the day into several segments:

Instead of only a general theory, we built a bustling Opportunity Fair. Here, regional and international organisations offered specific vacancies for internships and volunteering. This direct interaction allowed students to get immediate answers and personal contacts for their future careers.

To provide a solid formal background, we organised a keynote session titled “Study, Work, Travel in the EU” for 370 students from 10 secondary schools. This session focused on the practical “how-to” of mobility, covering everything from legal frameworks to logistical tips.

The heart of the event was youth-led inspiration. We invited students and recent graduates to share their own first-hand stories from abroad. Because these speakers shared the same perspective as the audience, the information felt much more authentic and accessible.

We also involved students in content creation through an Erasmus+ poster competition. Participants shared their own visual visions of mobility, which were displayed for public voting. This made the experience significantly more interactive and participatory.

By combining professional coordination with authentic peer-to-peer exchange, the project demonstrated that the EU is a practical space for personal and professional growth.

How is this project relevant to the specific category?

This initiative, titled Taste the World, redefines youth information by replacing traditional, top-down communication with a dynamic “gastronomic” storytelling concept. The project focuses on making complex information “digestible”, visual, and peer-led.

  1. The “Six-Course Menu” (Innovative Storytelling): Consistent with the event’s theme, we replaced formal lectures with a series of high-energy, 15-minute photo presentations. Predominantly young speakers shared their personal journeys abroad, focusing on the “human element” and authentic experiences rather than just administrative rules. This fast-paced format prevented information fatigue and kept the audience engaged by showing that mobility is a reachable lifestyle choice.

  2. Direct networking via “Student Tapas”: To lower the threshold for participation, we created informal discussion zones where the flow of information continued after the stage presentations. Attendees had the opportunity to follow up with speakers at dedicated tables for “bite-sized” personal interactions. By having students as the primary information providers, we ensured the language remained accessible. These informal “Tapas” sessions allowed for a relaxed exchange of practical advice, building trust in a way that formal institutional booths often cannot.

  3. Visual engagement (Erasmus+ posters): The creative atmosphere was complemented by an Erasmus+ poster exhibition. These student-created visuals provided an additional layer of information, illustrating diverse international experiences through art and photography. The exhibition served as a backdrop for the event, allowing interested visitors to engage with the content at their own pace and vote for the most inspiring work, which added a participatory element to the fair.

By combining professional coordination with these “à la carte” formats, we transformed a standard fair into a youth-led festival. This creative mix successfully translated complex EU opportunities into an engaging experience, demonstrating that youth information can be both expert-led and highly relatable.

What was the impact of the project?

The impact of “Taste the World” resonated throughout the Liberec region, creating a measurable shift in how youth perceive international mobility. By reaching approximately 1,450 participants in a single day, the project became one of the most significant youth information events in the area.

The primary impact can be seen in three main areas:

Regional networking: We successfully brought together students and teachers from 10 different secondary schools. For many of these pupils, it was their first real contact with the university environment and European mobility experts. This cross-sectoral connection ensures that information continues to flow within these schools long after the event, as teachers return equipped with new resources and contacts.

Empowerment through representation: By featuring young speakers as the “stars” of the event, we provided relatable role models. Seeing peers return from successful stays abroad changed the narrative for many attendees from “I could never do that” to “I can do this too.” This shift in mindset is crucial for students from regional schools who might otherwise feel disconnected from European opportunities.

Building a trustworthy hub: The presence of both experienced professionals at the Eurodesk stand and student ambassadors at the “Tapas” tables created a unique ecosystem of trust. We managed to reach 370 students through deep-dive lectures, ensuring they left with not just inspiration, but practical, legal, and logistical knowledge.

The project also fostered social inclusion by integrating international students into the programme, promoting a more cosmopolitan atmosphere in Liberec. By demonstrating the high demand for such information, we have strengthened the cooperation between Eurocentre and the University, ensuring that youth mobility remains a strategic priority for the local community in the years to come.

Did the project have any green focus?

Sustainability was integrated into the event’s logistics and content. To reduce environmental impact, we prioritised a “paper-less” approach, substituting bulk printed brochures with digital QR codes linked to Eurodesk resources. In our keynote lectures, we explicitly promoted “Green Erasmus”, educating students on low-carbon travel options and the financial incentives available for choosing trains over planes.

We also used the existing university infrastructure, eliminating the need for temporary builds and reducing the energy footprint. Furthermore, our “Taste the World” theme was a creative metaphor; by focusing on “intellectual nourishment” rather than providing extensive physical catering for 1,450 people, we significantly minimised food waste and plastic packaging. This approach allowed us to maintain a vibrant, high-impact event while remaining environmentally responsible and aligned with European green priorities.

How did you ensure Eurodesk's visibility in your project?

Eurodesk’s visibility was ensured by combining professional expertise with youth-friendly formats. I personally managed the central Eurodesk hub, providing expert counselling using specialised materials and publications. This intergenerational approach established the network as both authoritative and accessible. We integrated Eurodesk branding into the university’s digital infrastructure, presentation slides, and event signage. Furthermore, logos were prominently displayed on all competition posters, linking student creativity directly with the network. Martin Fišer’s keynote lecture explicitly positioned Eurodesk as the primary expert source for EU opportunities. By weaving the brand into all formats, we established it as an indispensable bridge.

Project highlights

https://www.tul.cz/en/erasmus-2/international-day/

Your project on video

https://www.facebook.com/reel/781589477824958