Report on the Cross-Cultural Exchange Program in Rotterdam

Our journey began on Sunday, when we arrived in Rotterdam. Despite some initial challenges caused by a delayed flight, we safely reached our hotel and settled in, ready for an exciting week of learning and collaboration.

The program officially started on Monday, with classes beginning at 9 a.m. The first day focused on icebreaker activities, which helped us get to know the other participants from a wide range of countries, including Sweden, Estonia, France, Spain, Croatia, Germany, and Austria. This was a great opportunity to meet people from different cultural backgrounds. We also started working on presentations about our home countries, which we would share with the group the next day. In addition, we participated in a workshop on presentation and sales techniques, as well as a Dutch language course that offered a fun and practical introduction to the local language.

During the following days, we worked on a group project in which we developed a company concept and created an environmentally friendly product. Each group consisted of eight participants from different countries and was assigned a specific theme, such as recycling, sustainable packaging, or eco-friendly innovation. With six groups in total, we had plenty of opportunities to collaborate creatively and learn from one another’s ideas. The project allowed us to combine entrepreneurial thinking with sustainability while strengthening our teamwork and cross-cultural communication skills.

In the second week, we spent more time discovering Rotterdam. We visited the Dutch Photo Museum, where we learned about the country’s rich photographic history, and took part in a networking workshop that provided practical skills for future professional opportunities. We also enjoyed a business lunch at the VIPZ restaurant, run by students of the Albeda School, which offered insights into hospitality management and entrepreneurship. The next day, we explored the Port of Rotterdam and the RDM Campus, gaining a deeper understanding of one of the world’s largest ports and the modern industrial innovations taking place in the Netherlands.

On Thursday, we focused on completing our group presentations and making the final preparations for the Friday showcase. On the last day of the program, we presented our projects to the teachers and participants. The presentations highlighted our sustainable product concepts and reflected the dedication of our international teams. At the end of the day, a certificate ceremony took place, during which each participant received a certificate of attendance, officially marking the successful completion of the cross-cultural exchange program.
Overall, the program in Rotterdam was a truly enriching experience that combined learning, creativity, and cultural exchange. We developed valuable skills in entrepreneurship, sustainability, and teamwork, while also forming lasting friendships with participants from across Europe.

Teresa Schigan