Step by Step Guide to Participating in a Youth Exchange – E+ Europe

In this post, I’ll be providing you with a “Step by Step Guide to Participating in a Youth Exchange.” You’ve been accepted into one of the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange programs. Your passport, ticket, visa, and backpack are ready. You’re now set to wait at Gate X. But have you ever thought that you might find more than you expected once you pass through that gate? Just be prepared and aware. The following 9 steps can offer you a quality exchange experience. Before applying to the program, it’s essential to thoroughly research and understand everything about the Youth Exchange so that the program is fully clear in your mind. Click here to get detailed information about the program.

1. Embrace Curiosity

In the project you join, there will be many people from different cultures. Other participants have something that we lack—“curiosity.” And we have something they may lack—an “entrepreneurial spirit.” We often only talk about our hometowns. It’s great to promote your culture, but it’s also wonderful to be curious and learn about other cultures directly from the people who live them. In the projects you participate in, try asking questions and learning about different cultures and geographies from the people themselves.

2. Speak English

Youth Exchange Programs offer excellent opportunities to practice foreign languages. You can’t learn a language without making mistakes. Youth Exchange Programs provide environments where you can improve your language skills by making mistakes, observing others’ mistakes, and most importantly, having fun. Don’t retreat to your corner during the programs, don’t cling to the other Turkish participants, don’t stay in the same room, don’t make excuses—make an effort and speak English, even if it’s a bit rough.

3. Socialize

One of the most common situations in Youth Exchanges is the grouping of participants based on the country they come from. This is especially prevalent among Turkish participants and can hinder intercultural learning. The root cause might be not only the inability to use a foreign language but also the “us and them” perception.

Erasmus+ Youth Exchange programs aim to boost individuals’ self-confidence, nourish from differences, and create a perception of “us” that unites around shared values. In the programs you join, instead of keeping your distance and focusing on differences, try to engage and discover common ground.

4. Be Active

During the projects, you get to know the other group members better, bond, and start creating together. Everyone learns from each other. The more you engage, the more active you become, and the more active you are, the more you learn. Otherwise, it’s not just a loss for you, but also for the other participants, as you won’t be able to share what you’ve gained. Be active in the programs you attend, listen actively, and actively contribute.

5. Don’t Dominate

In youth programs, young people aged 13-30 and youth workers/leaders aged 18 and over come together voluntarily. In these environments, where dynamism, experience, energy, and motivation from different age groups come together, every idea is valuable and worth sharing and listening to. The most valuable songs are those sung together, not solo. While becoming active and sharing in the programs you attend, don’t dominate. Remember, this is not a competition, and no one is striving to be the best or to select the best.

6. Be Punctual

Youth exchanges also follow an activity plan. As important as the content of this plan is, another crucial aspect is “time.” Each session starts with preliminary preparation, grouping, or briefing sessions at certain times. What you need to pay attention to here is punctuality.

7. Documents Are Important

In Youth Exchanges, your accommodation, meals, and training expenses, as well as your travel expenses, are covered. The travel tickets you purchase with your own budget before the program will be reimbursed within the limits specified in the Erasmus+ program guide at the end of the program. The most serious issue in this process arises when some participants fail to submit the necessary documents on time or completely, causing inconvenience to other participants. In the programs you attend, share all your relevant expense documents with the responsible person without delay.

8. Disseminate

European Youth Programs offer exchange opportunities that spread as they are shared and increase as they spread. Sharing the knowledge, skills, and experiences you gain during the program on social media, accompanied by visuals, is very important for other young people and your sending organization. Therefore, frequently sharing posts related to the program on your social media pages contributes to the program.

9. Try Again

Youth Projects will provide you with unforgettable memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Every end is a new beginning, so don’t give up. You’ll see that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and work on projects again with many of them. Stay in touch with the organizations you participated with, volunteer, and get involved in their new projects.

I hope my post “Step by Step Guide to Participating in a Youth Exchange” has answered your questions. Thank you for reading the post to the end. I wish you safe and enjoyable travels. Feel free to leave your questions and comments in the comment section.

For information and guidance about the Erasmus+ program, you can fill out the form here.

So, what are you waiting for? Remove the obstacles you’ve set for yourself and hit the road when the time comes.

“There’s always Another Way.