Reminder: "IRL" exchange is important for all! YFU staff from 20+ countries gathers for an in-person meeting in Denmark.

Last week, YFU Denmark, together with YFU Estonia hosted the third YFU International Staff Workshop (ISW) in Tommerup, Denmark, bringing together 70 staff members from more than 20 countries! This gathering was a unique opportunity for YFU staff from across the globe to connect, share knowledge, and strengthen both professional and personal bonds that are essential for our collective work in the field of international student exchange.

A Unique Format for Open Exchange

What sets the ISW apart is its collaborative and flexible structure. Rather than a traditional, speaker-led event, the workshop thrives on open discussions and active participation. Each attendee was encouraged to bring three topics or questions from their area of expertise to spark meaningful discussions. These topics were explored in smaller groups, ensuring that everyone had a voice and the chance to share their insights. This format fosters an inclusive environment where ideas flow naturally and innovation is born.

A Glimpse into Danish Education (and an exchange student's experience in it)

One of the workshop highlights was a visit to a local Danish school, where participants had the chance to hear directly from two YFU exchange students currently on program. Hugó from Hungary and Marlene from Germany skillfully compared life in Denmark with that of their home countries, touching on differences in education, lifestyle, and cultural norms. Additionally, the school’s director and members of the student council delivered insightful presentations on the Danish education system and the school’s culture, providing valuable context and inspiration for all of us involved in education and exchange programs.

The value of meeting in real life

ISW 2024 wasn’t just about meetings; it was about creating a deeper connection within the international YFU community and sharing our collective wisdom. The event allowed us to:

Meet our global YFU colleagues face-to-face: Strengthening personal connections that enhance daily cooperation.

Build stronger working relationships: Creating smoother collaboration between partner organizations and regions.

Exchange new ideas and best practices: Learning from each other’s experiences and finding innovative ways to improve our work.

Build a supportive environment: Recognizing that we face challenges together, and together we can overcome them.

Bringing New Energy and Ideas Back Home

We all left Denmark with new perspectives, practical tips, and renewed motivation to continue the important work of promoting international student exchange. The energy throughout the week was contagious, and we’re excited to bring our insights and strengthened relationships back to our teams and communities.

A big thank you to Erasmus+, YFU Denmark and YFU Estonia, and all the participants for making this event a success! ??

– Together, we’re shaping a more connected, understanding world, one exchange at a time. –