Day 1 ✅ Breaking the Ice and Building the Foundation

Every successful exchange begins with creating a positive group dynamic. The first day was all about fostering communication, breaking barriers, and setting the tone for collaboration and friendship throughout the project.

🎲 Icebreaker Activities:
The day started with interactive games designed to help participants get to know each other in a creative and engaging way:

• Name and Gesture Game: Participants turned in circles, introduced themselves with their name and an accompanying gesture (e.g., clapping), which others had to remember and repeat.

• Ball Game: Standing in a circle, participants threw a ball to one another while saying the recipient’s name. The exercise evolved, challenging participants to perform the task faster and even reverse the sequence.

These activities built a positive atmosphere within the group and helped participants familiarize themselves with one another in a fun and relaxed setting.

🌳 Expectations and Contributions:
Participants were divided into small, mixed-nationality groups and tasked with creating a "tree" on a flip chart. Each tree included branches representing their expectations, potential contributions, and fears about the exchange. The session culminated in group presentations and a collective debriefing. This activity helped clarify learning objectives and personal goals while stimulating group dynamics.

📜 Group Agreement:
Using visual aids such as pictograms, photos, and drawings, participants worked together to establish rules and values for the exchange. Topics included respecting the environment, being punctual, listening to one another, and guidelines around cell phone and alcohol use. This exercise set the foundation for successful communication and cooperation throughout the project.

💥 E-Mission-Impossible:
The highlight of the day was a group challenge designed to build deeper dynamics and test leadership skills. Participants were tasked with completing a series of diverse challenges, ranging from individual to full-group tasks, all within a 60-minute time limit. The activity required strategic planning, teamwork, and adaptability as participants interacted with locals and explored the venue’s surroundings.

After completing the tasks, the group engaged in a comprehensive debriefing and evaluation, reflecting on their successes, challenges, and group dynamics. Leaders shared insights about their experiences, and participants identified skills and attitudes they discovered or needed to improve, such as leadership, teamwork, or decision-making.

✨ Final Thoughts:
Day 1 was a vibrant start to the exchange, emphasizing teamwork, self-awareness, and the importance of group values. Through engaging activities and meaningful reflection, participants built the foundation for a successful and impactful journey ahead.

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