Tuesday in Poprad, Slovakia.
 
Debate and Exploration Day
 
The day began with a structured debate led by the school team on the topic: “Every EU citizen should have the same rights, no matter where they live.” The discussion covered a range of rights—human, economic, and political—and gave us an insightful introduction into how formal debates are conducted.
 
Later, we worked in groups to prepare for a debate focused on migration. We studied profiles of individuals seeking asylum in the EU and were tasked with deciding who should be granted entry. Our decisions considered factors such as personal safety, family circumstances, and humanitarian need. This activity deepened our understanding of EU asylum policies and decision-making processes.
 
We also learned the official rules of debating and participated in a workshop that helped us refine our argumentation and public speaking skills. These skills were then put into practice during a Live Action Role Play (LARP) session. Taking on different roles, we debated real-world issues such as trade, climate change, and peace, presenting our arguments to other groups and analyzing the outcomes. The activity helped us apply our morning lessons in a creative and engaging way, fostering critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving.
 
The day ended with a reflective session where we discussed the strengths and challenges of our group work, sharing ideas on what could improve collaboration and communication in the future.
 
After our learning activities, we took a scenic train ride to the High Tatras. There, we hiked through breathtaking natural landscapes, following the path of a crystal-clear waterfall. Along the way, we passed a Sherpa delivering supplies to mountain chalets—a unique and memorable sight. The evening was spent immersed in the peaceful beauty of Slovakia’s nature, providing a perfect close to a day full of learning and discovery.