When people hear about educational exchanges, the first images that usually come to mind are travelling abroad, attending classes at a foreign university, improving language skills, and gaining international experience. These aspects are certainly important, but they represent only one side of the exchange experience. International mobility is not only about where students go; it is also about what they bring with them. Every participant carries their own history, culture, traditions, and personal experiences. Therefore, educational exchanges should be understood not only as academic opportunities but also as a form of cultural diplomacy, where young people become bridges between societies.
In today’s world, international relations are shaped not only by governments and official negotiations but also by connections between ordinary people. This is where cultural diplomacy becomes increasingly important. According to Joseph Nye’s concept of soft power, countries can influence others not only through economic or military resources but also through the attractiveness of their culture, values, and ideas. Educational exchanges represent a powerful example of soft power because they create direct human connections that can influence how societies understand each other. Unlike traditional diplomacy, which is often conducted by political institutions, cultural diplomacy through education happens through conversations, friendships, and shared experiences.
Cultural diplomacy can be understood as the exchange of ideas, values, traditions, and knowledge with the purpose of creating mutual understanding between societies. Education provides a unique environment for this exchange. Students who spend several months abroad do not simply learn about other countries, they also create an opportunity for others to learn about their own background.
One of the most recognised examples of educational mobility and cultural exchange is the Erasmus+ programme. Although Erasmus+ is often associated with studying abroad and academic development, its impact goes far beyond universities. The programme helps participants develop intercultural competence, which means the ability to communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds, understand different perspectives, and adapt to new environments. However, cultural exchange is not a one-way process. Participants do not travel abroad only to discover other cultures; they also introduce others to their own. A conversation about national traditions, sharing traditional food, celebrating cultural events, teaching others a few words in their language, or simply explaining everyday life can become a form of cultural diplomacy. These small interactions may seem insignificant, but together they shape how people perceive different countries and communities. In this sense, young people become cultural ambassadors without holding any official position.
This role is particularly significant for Ukrainian students participating in international exchanges. In recent years, Ukraine has often been represented internationally through the context of war and geopolitical challenges. These aspects are an important part of the current reality, but they do not fully represent Ukrainian identity. Educational exchanges create an opportunity to present Ukraine through a broader perspective: its history, culture, traditions, creativity, and values. Personal communication allows people from other countries to understand Ukraine beyond the media headlines and political discussions. A personal story can sometimes have a stronger impact than official information because it creates a human connection. When Ukrainian students share their experiences, explain their traditions, they help challenge stereotypes and create a more complete image of their country. In this way, every participant contributes to cultural diplomacy.
My Erasmus+ experience in Italy showed me that cultural exchange truly works in both directions. Before participating in the programme, I mainly viewed the experience as an opportunity to learn about Italian culture and education. Living in another country helped me to develop intercultural skills, understand different perspectives, and become more open-minded. However, during my exchange, I realised that I was also sharing my own culture and experiences. People I met were interested in learning more about Ukraine, traditions, history, and daily life. These conversations became opportunities to present my country from a personal perspective and to explain aspects of Ukrainian identity that they might not have encountered before. At the same time, listening to the stories of other participants helped me understand that every person represents a unique culture and experience.
Therefore, educational exchanges should be seen as more than academic mobility programmes. They represent a form of cultural diplomacy based on openness and personal connections. Diplomacy is not created only through meetings between political leaders or international institutions; it is also created through conversations between students, friendships between communities, and shared experiences across borders. Every participant in an educational exchange has the potential to become a bridge between societies. Programmes such as Erasmus+ demonstrate that cultural diplomacy begins not only with governments but also with individuals who are willing to listen, share, and connect.
Cummings, M. C. (2003). Cultural diplomacy and the United States government: A survey. Center for Arts and Culture.https://www.cultureinexternalrelations.eu/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/eunic_cultural_diplomacy_report__.pdf
European Commission. (2023). The impact of the Erasmus+ programme on European identity and values. European Commission.https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/re
European Commission. (2024). Erasmus+ programme guide 2024. European Commission.https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/programme-guide
Nye, J. S. (2004). Soft power: The means to success in world politics. PublicAffairs.https://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/page/joseph_nye_soft_power_journal.pdf
Ukrainian Erasmus+ Office. (n.d.). Erasmus+ programme in Ukraine.https://erasmusplus.org.ua/
Institute for Cultural Diplomacy. (n.d.). What is cultural diplomacy?https://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/index.php?en_culturaldiplomacy
Alina Dohtiar
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, EU/UK, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine
Culture, Dialogue, Education, Youth
YEAs
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