In the quiet beauty of a Finnish winter, a group of young people came together to explore more than just the snow-covered landscapes. Northern Lights, Finnish Nights was an Erasmus+ youth exchange that united participants from Finland, Malta, and Romania in the rural town of Nykarleby. With a focus on environment, cultural heritage, and mental well-being, the project created a space for deep learning, intercultural connection, and unforgettable experiences.
A Project Rooted in Connection and Inclusion
At the heart of Northern Lights, Finnish Nights was a simple but powerful idea: everything is connected. The environment, personal well-being, and cultural identity all shape and influence each other in meaningful ways. With this in mind, the organizers designed a program that would allow young people to explore these themes while also promoting tolerance, inclusion, and non-formal learning.
The project had clear objectives: to foster cultural awareness, increase environmental responsibility, support the well-being of youth, and provide a platform for self-growth. Importantly, it also aimed to empower young people with fewer opportunities, ensuring an inclusive experience where every voice mattered.
Learning by Doing: Youth in the Driver’s Seat
The project embraced non-formal education at its core. Rather than being passive participants, the young people involved were the planners, facilitators, and leaders of their own learning journey. With guidance from experienced youth leaders, they took charge of the workshops and daily activities, shaping a program that truly reflected their interests and values.
During the exchange, which lasted seven days plus travel, the 36 youth and 6 group leaders engaged in a wide variety of activities—from outdoor adventures like skiing and ice skating to thought-provoking sessions on sustainability and cultural identity. Highlights included a Carbon Footprint workshop, public intercultural evenings, creative national nights, and collaborative cooking sessions.
Workshops like “Learning to Learn,” “Dream Island,” and “Culture and Emotions” offered space for reflection, while visits to local sites helped deepen participants’ understanding of Finnish cultural heritage.
Real Impact, Real Growth
The impact of the exchange was felt on many levels. As two participants reflected:
“I learned a lot about different cultures and I felt like I grew as a person… I did a lot of self-reflection and learned how I impact the world.”
“I gained more confidence and experienced new friends and activities that I never would’ve done if it wasn’t for this experience.”
These testimonials illustrate the transformative power of youth mobility projects. Participants gained confidence, improved communication skills, developed new social and environmental awareness, and discovered how cultural exchange can broaden perspectives and foster empathy.
A Lasting Legacy of Learning
Beyond the immediate experience, Northern Lights, Finnish Nights left a lasting impact. Young people returned home not only with new friendships across borders but also with practical knowledge and lifelong skills. Participating organizations also grew, gaining valuable insight into successful non-formal learning practices and international collaboration.
This project serves as a shining example of how youth mobility initiatives can combine fun, friendship, and deep learning to shape a more connected, tolerant, and environmentally aware generation.
