Beyond Boundaries… or maybe we should say Beyond Mandarins

There are projects that go far beyond a simple learning experience, and Beyond Boundaries was definitely one of them. Organized by Active Vitorasko in Kosky, a small village in southern Czech Republic, it brought together more than 40 young Europeans from Czechia, Spain, Romania, Macedonia, and Italy who, in just a few days, became one big family.

From the very beginning, there was something special in the air. The days were filled with energy, laughter, and spontaneous shouts of “IVO! IVO! IVO! ABRAZO COLECTIVO!” that became our unofficial anthem. Very soon, the project earned a sweet nickname: Beyond Mandarins, after the dessert we had every day, because, like mandarins, we were all different on the outside but shared the same sweetness inside (cheesy but true) 🍊

The adventure started with a cultural visit to Třeboň, a charming historical town where we walked its beautiful streets and visited the regional archive, discovering the history of the area. It was a curious way to start the week, connecting with Czech culture before diving into the outdoor activities.

The heart of Beyond Boundaries was non-formal outdoor education. We learned through nature, teamwork, and shared experiences, from trying disc golf (a sport most of us hadn’t even heard of) to hiking through the forests of Kosky, where some brave souls even jumped into the lake in October! Later, we visited the fairytale town of Český Krumlov, wandered its colorful streets, and spent one of those unforgettable days that stay with you forever.

Life at our accommodation was full of fun and connection. Between almost professional ping pong and badminton matches (thanks to the Macedonians!), karaoke nights, and long conversations in the jacuzzi, every evening was filled with laughter, friendship, and shared moments. The intercultural nights were among the highlights, full of traditional food, dances, and curiosities from all over Europe, reminding us how precious diversity is when shared with an open heart.

A huge thank you to Marek, Pavla, and Zaneta, the amazing organizers from Active Vitorasko, for creating such a warm, inspiring, and well-balanced week. They made everyone feel at home and ensured that every activity had a real purpose.

We said goodbye to Czechia with one last “IVO!” followed by the biggest group hug of the project. Beyond Boundaries reminded us that Erasmus+ projects are not only about learning or travelling, they are about connecting, creating friendships, and finding joy in every shared moment.

Until the next batch of mandarins 🍊💛

Download the project booklet here.

"Beyond Boundaries: outdoor education for a better inclusion" is an Erasmus+ project approved and co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, organized by Active Vitorasko with the collaboration of Valdeorras Vive.