In her thoughtful reflection “Discovering Europe Through EUdemos,” teacher Polyxeni Perakaki offers a vivid and sincere account of what the EUdemos project represents at its core: a human journey of learning, dialogue, and connection. Her experience highlights a crucial dimension of the programme — the transformative power of education when it becomes truly European in scope.
Polyxeni’s narrative reminds us that EUdemos is not simply a project about explaining EU institutions or offering international mobility. It is, above all, an initiative that brings democracy, cooperation, and European values into everyday educational practice. Through training sessions, workshops, and shared activities, teachers like her encounter firsthand the richness of intercultural dialogue and the importance of helping young people understand their place in a wider European community.
Her participation in the Sardinia Summer School stands out as a moment of both inspiration and professional growth. By engaging with scholars, educators, and colleagues from across Europe, she experienced the EU not as an abstract political construction, but as a living space where ideas circulate, identities expand, and common values take shape. Her reflection demonstrates that European cooperation becomes meaningful when educators themselves are invited to experience it in practice — to discuss challenges, explore new pedagogical approaches, and reflect together on how to nurture democratic competences in the classroom.
Polyxeni also captures one of the most powerful outcomes of EUdemos: the change it brings to the students. For many young participants, the summer schools are their first opportunity to meet peers from other countries, discover cultural similarities and differences, and see Europe through the eyes of others. These experiences — travelling, collaborating, debating, building friendships — contribute to developing the next generation of European citizens: curious, open-minded, and aware of their shared future.
Her reflection concludes with a message that resonates strongly today. At a time when public trust in European institutions is often questioned, the EUdemos project has offered teachers and students a direct way to understand what the European Union stands for: cooperation over conflict, dialogue over division, unity in diversity. Polyxeni reminds us that through projects like EUdemos, schools can become spaces where Europe is not only studied, but truly lived.
Her words reaffirm the essence of EUdemos — an educational pathway that builds bridges, nurtures civic awareness, and strengthens the democratic spirit that binds Europe together.
“Discovering Europe Through EUdemos”
Taking part in the EUdemos project has been a very meaningful experience for me as a teacher. Through the activities of the program, I gained a deeper understanding of the institutions and values of the European Union. It helped me realize how important these values are, not only for us as educators but also for our students, who will be the future European citizens.
During the summer school in Sardinia, where I had the opportunity to participate, I met many interesting people and inspiring scientists. The discussions, workshops, and shared experiences made me reflect on how education can truly build bridges between different cultures. It was also a unique chance for me to see how European cooperation works in practice.
For our students, the experience of taking part in the summer schools was truly valuable. It was not only about travelling abroad and discovering new places, but also about learning to appreciate cultural diversity and recognizing the common challenges that people across Europe face. I believe these experiences will stay with them for a long time and shape the way they think about Europe and their role in it.
As a teacher, I also felt that I worked with my students on a different level through the project’s activities. We learned together, we shared ideas, and we developed a stronger sense of belonging to a wider community. This is especially important today, when many voices question the role and importance of the European Union. The shared experiences and cooperation that came from EUdemos gave us all a valuable foundation to understand the meaning of the EU and the importance of active participation in shaping its future.
Polyxeni Perakaki
