Beyond FOMO: Wittenborg Students Discover New Ways to Think About Technology in Istanbul

03.08.2026

Erasmus+ Youth Exchange Explores AI, Digital Citizenship, Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Technology

Several Wittenborg students, including Garima Dhingra and Architha Challa, recently took part in the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange 'Future Skills: Shaping the 21st Century' in Istanbul, Türkiye, joining 36 participants from across Europe for a week of learning, collaboration and cultural exchange.

The programme was organised by İnsan İzi Uluslararası İnsani Yardım Derneği in partnership with EIDP, with support from the European Union Erasmus+ Programme and the Türkiye National Agency. Through non-formal learning activities, participants explored how technology is shaping education, business and society while developing digital skills, critical thinking and intercultural awareness.

Dhingra, an MSc student, and Challa, an MBA student, took part in workshops, discussions, study visits and teamwork activities focused on the opportunities and challenges of the digital age.

The programme began with discussions on 'Artificial Intelligence in Education: A Guide or a Threat?' Participants examined the role of AI in learning environments and worked in international teams to design AI-integrated classroom models.

“AI is a tool, not a threat if we design for it,” Challa reflected. “It reframed AI for me: less about replacing teachers, more about redesigning how classrooms could work.”

Participants also visited Caferağa Madrasa, a traditional Ottoman-era school model, and NUN Schools, an AI-enabled school, allowing them to compare historical and modern approaches to education.

Another focus of the exchange was Digital Citizenship and Social Media Literacy. Through debates, learning circles and practical activities, participants explored social media activism, global campaigns and how to evaluate reliable news sources in an age of misinformation.

The programme also addressed Digital Entrepreneurship and jobs of the future. Participants studied e-commerce, consumer behaviour and marketing strategies before developing ideas for sustainable digital ventures through a marketing strategy competition.

“E-commerce needs a conscience,” Challa highlighted. “Consumer behaviour, alternative marketing tactics and environmentally friendly practices all had to work together.”

The exchange also explored the relationship between technology and well-being through the workshop “Beyond FOMO (fear of missing out) and JOMO (joy of missing out): Choosing Connection on Purpose”. Participants reflected on their own relationship with technology and discussed how to create a healthier balance between staying connected online and being present offline.

The session was followed by an open-air screening of The Social Dilemma, which encouraged further discussion about the influence of digital platforms on everyday life.

The final theme focused on a Sustainable Digital Future, where participants explored environmentally friendly e-commerce practices and discussed how digital innovation can support sustainability.

For Dhingra and Challa, the exchange was not only about developing digital skills but also about learning from people with different backgrounds and perspectives.

“This experience through Erasmus+ and Youthpass genuinely reshaped how I think about the future of learning, work and technology,” Dhingra shared. “I’m taking home a stronger understanding of digital literacy, critical thinking, intercultural teamwork and the importance of combining technology with sustainability and human connection.”

Challa also highlighted the value of international collaboration during the programme:

“Working daily with participants from different countries taught me as much about collaboration and adaptability as any single workshop did.”

Alongside the programme activities, participants explored Istanbul and experienced the city’s combination of history, culture and innovation.