FAQs

An Erasmus+ Youth Exchange is a programme that brings together young people from different countries to learn, share experiences, and discover each other’s cultures. These projects usually last between 5 and 14 days and aim to promote cultural understanding, personal development, and active citizenship.

A Youth Exchange is mainly designed for young participants and usually does not require previous qualifications or professional experience. A Training Course is more specialized and is usually intended for youth workers, teachers, facilitators, or other people working with young people who can apply the knowledge in their professional practice.

Participants are usually young people between the ages of 13 and 30, although most projects are aimed at the 18–30 age group. Team leaders are usually adults over 18 with some experience in youth work or Erasmus+ projects. The exact age range always depends on the specific project.

No. Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges are not only for students. You do not need to attend a university or school to participate. What matters most is that you fit the age group, are motivated, and are open to new experiences.

You usually apply through a sending organisation that advertises the project. In most cases, the application includes filling in a form, answering some general questions, and writing a short motivation text. Your motivation is often one of the most important parts: why you want to participate, what you would like to learn, and how you relate to the topic of the project.

Definitely yes. Most people join projects without knowing the other participants in advance. One of the best parts of the experience is meeting new people and building friendships very quickly.

The best way is to follow the organisation’s social media channels and regularly check project calls. It is also useful to follow Erasmus+, Eurodesk, and national Erasmus+ information platforms for updates and opportunities.

Erasmus+ usually covers accommodation, meals, and most or all of the travel costs according to the project rules. In some cases, there may be a small participation fee or contribution, but this is always clearly explained in the project call.

In many cases, participation is almost fully funded, but conditions may vary from project to project. Sometimes travel costs are reimbursed later, or there may be a small membership or participation fee. That is why it is always important to read the project description carefully.

No. Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges are not only for students. You do not need to attend a university or school to participate. What matters most is that you fit the age group, are motivated, and are open to new experiences.

The activities can be very diverse: workshops, team-building activities, games, cultural evenings, debates, simulations, sports, outdoor activities, and many other interactive sessions. Learning happens mainly through non-formal methods, which means participants learn through shared experiences and practical activities rather than traditional classroom lessons.

The topics can vary widely, including mental health, environmental protection, active citizenship, digital challenges, media literacy, art, sports, entrepreneurship, intercultural dialogue, and many others. The exact topic is always described in the project call.

Youthpass is a certificate that recognizes the learning outcomes of Erasmus+ programmes. At the end of the project, participants receive a Youthpass certificate describing the skills, knowledge, and competences they developed during the programme. It can also be useful for future studies or job applications.

The working language is most often English, but in some cases it may also be German, French, or another language depending on the host country and the participating groups. You do not need perfect English. What matters more is your willingness to participate and communicate.

That is usually not a problem. Motivation, openness, and willingness to communicate are much more important than perfect grammar. Many participants join their first project without feeling confident in English and improve a lot during the experience.

Yes. Youth Exchanges are organised within a structured framework, with sending and hosting organisations, a planned programme, and support for participants. Of course, it is always important to follow the organisers’ guidance and ask questions if you are unsure about anything.

It depends on the project. Sometimes participants from the same country travel together, while in other cases they organise their trip individually with the guidance of the organisers. You will always receive detailed information before departure.

This depends on the location and the season, but usually you will need an ID card or passport, insurance, comfortable clothes, personal items, any necessary medication, and sometimes materials for the cultural evening or project activities.

Yes. The sending and hosting organisations usually provide detailed information about travelling, costs, ticket booking, and reimbursement. If you are unsure, you can always ask for help.