We’re looking back at the last days of summer, when the youth exchange “The Elements of Me – The Creative Path to Emotional Balance” took place in Portorož. Twenty-five young people from Spain, North Macedonia, Slovenia, and Serbia had the opportunity to spend seven unforgettable days in the company of their peers, exploring a deeper understanding of themselves through the four elements. The youth exchange took place between September 25 and October 1, 2025.
Over the course of five days of experiential workshops, reflection, and group activities, participants explored questions such as: What gives me a sense of stability and security? What brings me a sense of lightness? What ignites passion and energy within me? What helps me relax, recharge, and regain my balance?
Through non-formal learning methods, body awareness, dance, and movement, music, art, and self-reflection, the young people acquired new tools for better self-understanding, recognizing and regulating their emotions, and personal growth. The four elements served as a starting point for them to explore their own strengths, needs, and ways of coping with everyday challenges.
This is how Milica, a participant from Serbia, summed up the experience at the “The Elements of Me” youth exchange.
At the “The Elements of Me” youth exchange, we took an in-depth look at mental health, self-care, and personal growth.
Using the metaphor of the four elements—earth, water, fire, and air—and employing methods of non-formal education, body awareness exercises, movement, music, art, and reflection, we explored the four elements. These were:
Earth (stability and boundaries): what gives us a sense of groundedness and stability and helps us maintain our personal boundaries.
Water (Emotional Regulation): How to better understand, process, and “purify” your emotions, thoughts, and reactions.
Fire (motivation and passion): what gives us energy, ignites our passion, and helps us cope with stress and emotional challenges.
Air (connection and inspiration): what helps us slow down, feel freedom, connection, and inspiration.
It was truly a wonderful and unforgettable experience. Learning from one another, listening to different perspectives, and working together to create a safe space reminded me of the power of community and empathy.
I would wholeheartedly recommend an Erasmus+ experience like this to anyone. It’s a transformative experience that stays with you long after it’s over! It fosters personal growth, helps you build connections, and broadens your horizons.
