This article was created as part of the AIcess: Breaking Media Barriers youth exchange, supported by Erasmus+
On April 3rd, through the AIcess youth exchange program held at Hotel Hollywood in Ilidža, around 35 participants had an opportunity to meet, learn about AI and accessibility in media, and represent their countries through a diverse range of activities. Young participants from Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belarus, Armenia, Belgium, and Germany gathered to celebrate diversity together.
A highlight of the program was the Intercultural Night, where each national group presented its country’s traditions through food, clothing, music, dance, and interactive activities. The evening was filled with energy and creativity, as some participants organized quizzes and games, while others turned the space into a lively dance floor, inviting everyone to join in.
The event showcased the richness of cultural heritage and demonstrated how meaningful connections can be built through openness and shared experiences. Despite different backgrounds and traditions, participants found common ground in celebration, curiosity, and mutual respect.
The article “Intercultural Competence Beyond International Student Mobility: Insights from a Global Study” written by Jie Wang, Grand H. L. Cheng, Tingting Chen, Kwok Leung for Journal of Organizational Behavior, explores how intercultural competence develops not just during study abroad experiences, but after individuals return to their home countries. Based on 96 interviews with people from 43 countries who studied in the UK or the US, the study identifies five key dimensions of intercultural competence: communication, adaptability, flexibility, empathy, and resilience. It finds that these are not fixed skills gained during mobility, but evolving capacities that continue to develop as individuals navigate professional environments, institutional structures, and social norms in their home contexts.
The research shows that the impact of international education depends heavily on contextual and structural conditions in returnees’ home countries. Participants applied their intercultural skills across sectors like education, healthcare, governance, and civil society, contributing to leadership, inclusion, and institutional change. However, their ability to use these competencies was shaped by factors such as workplace hierarchies and policy environments. Overall, the study concludes that intercultural competence should be understood as a dynamic, context-dependent process, rather than a static outcome of studying abroad, and highlights its broader role in professional practice and societal transformation.
With that being said, we can draw the conclusion of how important being a part of a culturally diverse group actually is. Youth from different countries connecting to fulfill multiple goals of education, spreading awareness, and working together resulted in a beautiful display of unity.
One of the participants, Gordana Spajić from Montenegro described the intercultural night as “A fusion of different cultures presented in a cheerful, interactive character that leaves unforgettable memories” and her colleague from the same country Kristina Vukčević added to it explaining it as “A nice experience where we learned something about each country that we didn’t know before, that even though we are from different cultures, we speak the same language when we have fun and rejoice.” Illiana Bolukomini from Belgium added, “It was a fun, interesting, and educational moment. Overall, a good sharing experience.”
“It was so fun! You can learn about different countries, their diversity, and also represent yours. You learn about different stories around the world.” said one more of the participants, Darya Buyala, from Belarus.
The success of the evening reflects the enthusiasm, effort, and spirit of all those involved. Special appreciation goes to the participants, whose willingness to share their cultures and engage with others made the event truly memorable. Their energy and openness stand as a strong example of how youth can lead the way in fostering intercultural understanding and unity.
