The EU funds youth exchanges which give young people the chance to experience another country and work together in a team. It’s an opportunity to gain skills in areas such as project management and to improve your foreign language proficiency. Youth exchanges take place outside the school environment and offer a structured programme (eg with a mix of workshops, exercises, debates and role play).

The exchanges are open to young people aged 13-30 and last from 5 to 21 days. They can be in another Member State or outside the EU.

Youth exchanges enable young people to discover new cultures and friends, develop new competences, and better appreciate values like solidarity and democracy.

The learning process is based on non-formal education and involves at least two organisations (sending and receiving) from different countries within or outside the EU.

To participate in a youth exchange project you need to link-up with a participating organisation. It can be a non-profit organisation, association, NGO, public body at local, regional or national level or a social enterprise. It applies for youth exchange funding via the Erasmus+ National Agency in the country in which it is established. The agency can help you find an organisation to sponsor your exchange.

Informal groups of young people active in youth work, but not necessarily in the context of a youth organisation, can also apply for a grant.

If you are an organisation willing to participate, don’t hesitate to contact your Erasmus+ National Agency.