Earlier this year, a group of us had the wonderful opportunity to spend five unforgettable days in Girona, Spain, as part of an Erasmus+ exchange. We participated in two parallel courses: Videography and Joyful and Sustainable Future Technologies, each offering its own unique perspective and experience.
The Joyful and Sustainable group spent three days immersed in nature, hiking through the mountains and completely unplugging from the digital world, quite literally, as there was no phone signal. Instead of scrolling through screens, we found ourselves reconnecting with one another through long conversations, shared meals, and even a few competitive rounds of board games. It was a refreshing reset, both physically and mentally, and a beautiful reminder of how grounding nature can be. Being surrounded by the forest, walking together, and reflecting on sustainability helped many of us slow down and reimagine the future through a more joyful, connected lens.
Meanwhile, our peers in the Videography course were exploring the city of Girona through a filmmaker’s eye. They created short films inspired by the textures, colors, and rhythms of the city, each one capturing a different perspective. Whether it was through observational storytelling, experimental visuals, or interviews, every piece reflected not just Girona’s charm, but also our evolving view of Spain itself, a perspective deepened by a day trip to Barcelona, where the vibrant energy of the city offered a striking contrast and complement to Girona’s quiet beauty.
Beyond the structured activities, there was plenty of time for play, exploration, and connection. We laughed a lot, danced a little, got lost and found again, shared stories in multiple languages, and learned from one another in the most unexpected ways. It wasn’t just about learning new skills, it was about being open, curious, and present.
We came back with hearts full of impressions, eyes full of color, and notebooks (and SD cards!) full of ideas. And most importantly, we brought back new friendships and a fresh sense of what it means to live and learn together.
