A YEA intercultural couch surfing experience
Today’s youth live in an increasingly digital world, where social media enables constant connection but often lacks depth. Online interactions – likes, comments, and fleeting conversations – rarely evolve into lasting friendships. So how can young people move beyond the screen to form real, meaningful connections? We believe it happens through shared, face-to-face experiences: intercultural exchanges, Erasmus programmes, volunteering, and training opportunities that allow young people to meet, collaborate, and grow together, just like the ones offered by the YEAs Initiative!
This idea came to life when two Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) created a unique couch-surfing-style exchange during the European Youth Event (EYE) 2025 in Strasbourg. Costanza, an Italian living in France, hosted Dachi, a Georgian student based in Germany. What started as a practical solution quickly turned into a rich intercultural experience. From homemade pasta to late-night conversations, their meeting embodied the power of grassroots connection within international youth networks – and proved that even simple gestures can build friendships that last.
A journey of connection before arrival
Before meeting in person, Costanza and Dachi’s connection began virtually, with a series of WhatsApp exchanges and weekly planning calls. Costanza, who was preparing for a social night with the support of another YEA, Arman from Armenia, found Dachi to be open, engaging, and full of ideas. Meanwhile, Dachi saw the message from Costanza as a sign – an opportunity to break from routine and explore, taking full advantage of the ‘Pfingsten’ (Pentecost) holidays in Germany. He journeyed from Dresden through Düsseldorf and The Hague, celebrating with friends and family, before visiting Mainz, where he experienced student life in the city of Gutenberg. His final leg to Strasbourg was eventful: delayed and disrupted trains turned a simple route into a two-hour detour. But once at Costanza’s apartment, all stress melted into a warm evening of pasta, tiramisu, and lively conversation – their first meeting in person marked by mutual appreciation for languages, stories, and good food.
A night to remember – the YEAs’ social evening
The night before the EYE event was dedicated to a special social gathering initiated by Costanza and prepared together with Dachi and Arman. Set near the University of Strasbourg, the evening was designed to build community among the YEAs through workshops and games. Dachi, initially unsure what to expect, soon found himself fully immersed. One of the highlights was the ‘Imaginary Map of Europe’, where participants physically placed themselves based on their birthplaces, current homes, and dream destinations. It broke the ice and sparked meaningful discussions. Questions like “Where would you take a visiting friend in your country?” led to a rich exchange of cultural gems. Dachi took notes – determined one day to visit every place mentioned. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, discovery, and a strong sense of unity among young Europeans.
The EYE event and an unforgettable workshop
The EYE itself kicked off with a mix of anticipation and energy. Costanza volunteered throughout but managed to attend the YEA workshop, where Dachi delivered a heartfelt talk on Georgia and its evolving relationship with the European Union. The event began with a panel featuring YEAs from the Eastern partner countries and the Balkans, focusing on EU enlargement and youth perspectives. The following day, Dachi co-led the workshop on ‘A Larger European Union? Enlargement for Beginners’. For Dachi, it was more than just a presentation – it was a personal testimony. After weeks of protests in Georgia and the country’s recent candidacy status, he reshaped his entire speech the night before, adding his own lived experiences and emotional connection to Georgia’s EU path. His words resonated deeply, with nearly 100 people listening intently and asking thoughtful questions. Costanza’s reflections during the session highlighted the privilege that many EU citizens may take for granted, and the importance of solidarity with aspiring member states. It was a moment of truth, vulnerability, and shared hope for a larger, more inclusive Europe.
Conclusion
This experience, rooted in a simple gesture of hospitality and a shared goal, became much more than a logistical solution and evolved into a true example of meaningful intercultural exchange. From virtual chats to pasta dinners, late reflections, and collaborative workshops at the European Youth Event, Costanza and Dachi’s journey showcased how real friendship and impactful dialogue can grow within international networks like the YEAs.
As the event ended, their most powerful moments came not from the stage but from personal conversations about the future of Europe. Their exchange of views on EU enlargement, politics, and identity highlighted the depth that face-to-face encounters can bring – something that social media alone can’t replicate.
For Costanza, hearing Dachi speak passionately about Georgia’s EU aspirations reaffirmed the importance of youth-led bridge-building. For Dachi, directly engaging with EU policymakers was both enlightening and empowering. Their story is a reminder that when young people come together – in person and with purpose – they can create lasting bonds, spark important conversations, and become agents of change across borders.
