critical thinking in the digital age: our Erasmus+ exchange in Slovakia

From July 16 to 22, 2026, our organization had the pleasure of sending a delegation of six enthusiastic young participants to Ružomberok, Slovakia, for the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange “Think Digital: Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills in the Digital Age,” hosted by IKReON. Over the course of an intense and inspiring week, they joined peers from Slovakia, Poland, Italy, Spain, and Armenia to dive into media literacy through dynamic workshops, hands-on projects, lively debates, and group work.

One of our participants, Hana, summed up the experience like this:

Throughout the exchange, we engaged with key topics shaping today’s online world. We examined our personal online presences to evaluate what digital traces reveal about us, then unpacked the algorithms behind content feeds to better understand and manage what we consume online. In next sessions, we explored psychological biases and how they shape our perception, judgment, and media consumption. This was followed by practical training on using digital verification tools to authenticate online videos, images, and written articles. Finally, we developed social media content while reflecting on the ethical responsibility that comes with producing and sharing information with a wide audience.

However, the project was about much more than just learning. It was also a chance to meet wonderful people and experience new cultures.

We got to immerse ourselves in this every evening during the cultural presentations, which were packed with delicious food and drinks, fun facts, traditional dances, and quizzes. On a personal note, I couldn’t have asked for a better group, and I’m taking home some fantastic new friendships.

To top it all off, the week culminated in a public event in the park, where we had the chance to share both what we had learned throughout the week and a piece of our own culture with the local community.

It was truly an unforgettable experience, and I’m so grateful to everyone who made it possible.

— Hana, Think Digital participant

If that sounds like your kind of exchange, see our Erasmus+ projects and pick one to join.