Turkish, Mersin – 13–17 October 2025
„We Are the Same Despite Our Differences”
Sunday, 12 October
First encounters and excitement
We arrived in Turkey late in the evening and already felt that something special was beginning for us. The families we were going to stay with were waiting for us at the hotel. We were a little nervous because it was the first time we were going to spend
a week in a foreign home, in a foreign country. However, after a few minutes, the stress disappeared – everyone turned out to be extremely cordial, warm and helpful. They showed us our rooms, treated us to food and tried to get to know us as best they could. In the evening, we talked for a long time about Poland, Turkey and our interests. Despite our tiredness, we felt very excited. The first evening made us realise what
a great opportunity it is to participate in Erasmus. We knew that we had a week full
of new impressions, people and experiences ahead of us, which we would remember for a very long time.
Monday, 13 October
Welcome and first project activities
On the first day of the project, we were given a very warm welcome at the Turkish school. From the moment we walked in, we could feel the atmosphere of joy and interest. The students treated us to Turkish tea and lokum, and the headmaster played a traditional instrument for everyone, which made a big impression on us. Then
we moved on to the presentations – each school prepared a film and talked about their country and traditions. It was not only interesting, but also helped us get to know each other better. Next, we took part in icebreaker games, which quickly broke down
the initial barriers. In the afternoon, there were workshops on social exclusion.
We worked in international groups and talked about the importance of empathy and responding when someone is rejected. It was an intense day, full of new information and the first friendships that began to form.
Tuesday, 14 October
Cultural activities and workshops on stereotypes
On Tuesday, we explored the diversity of Mersin. We visited a mosque, a Catholic church and an Orthodox church. We were surprised at how peacefully and naturally different religions coexist there. We were particularly impressed by the image of Our Lady of Częstochowa, which found its way into the church thanks to Polish soldiers. The next item on the agenda was a visit to the immigration centre. We learned about the difficulties faced by the residents of Mersin, who have been taking in refugees and people displaced by the earthquake for years. In the afternoon, we participated
in drama workshops led by a psychologist. We acted out scenes about stereotypes and prejudices. This helped us to better understand how easy it is to judge someone by appearances and how important dialogue is. The classes were challenging, creative and very engaging. We felt that we were really developing.
Wednesday, 15 October
Beach, team building and „Heaven and Hell”
Wednesday was full of excitement, but also integration in a more relaxed atmosphere. We went to the beach, where we could enjoy the beautiful weather, warm water and spend time together. We played team games and talked to our peers from Turkey and Portugal. Everyone was open and friendly, so we quickly felt like we were one group. Later, we visited the famous sinkholes ‘Heaven and Hell’. Their size and uniqueness really surprised us. We also visited a cave with a mysterious atmosphere. The trip combined education, nature and fun, and allowed us to get to know each other even better. In the evenings, we spent a lot of time with our families, trying local delicacies and learning new words in Turkish. It was a day full of energy and joy.
Thursday, 16 October
First meeting with Cappadocia
Thursday was absolutely special for us. We set off for Cappadocia – a place that looks like something out of a fairy tale. We visited the underground city of Kaymakli and couldn't believe that people really lived underground in such an extensive system
of tunnels. Later, we walked among amazing rock formations that had strange, almost fantastical shapes. We saw the Pink Valley, Pasabag and other distinctive places that we only know from photographs. As part of the project, we took photos and made recordings to show the theme of diversity in the context of nature. Working in groups was a pleasure because we already felt like good friends. In the evening, tired
but happy, we had dinner together. It was a day that will remain in our memories for
a long time.
Friday, 17 October
Balloons, summary and farewell
Friday was the most beautiful end to the whole project. Some of our group took part in a balloon flight, while the rest watched everything from a vantage point. The sight
of hundreds of balloons floating over Cappadocia at sunrise was one of the most extraordinary sights of our lives. Each of us felt that something magical was happening. After breakfast, we visited Pigeon Valley and the open-air museum in Göreme. Later, there was an official summary of the project, during which we talked about what we had learned and how this trip had changed us. At the end, we were presented with certificates and said goodbye to our new friends and host families. Although we were sad, we felt enormous gratitude.
What will we remember best?
What we will remember most is the tremendous hospitality of Turkish families, who treated us like their own. The food was delicious – from sweet lokum to dishes we had never even heard of before. We will also remember the night-time conversations with friends, when we shared our dreams and laughed until late. Cappadocia made a huge impression on us – especially the balloons at sunrise. It is an image that will remain
in our minds for the rest of our lives. This trip taught us openness, courage and that differences do not divide us, but show us how beautiful and diverse the world is.
