Youth Exchange

Youth Exchange

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oG80J6sK91Y

What is it?

- one or more groups of young people hosted by a group from another country participate in a joint program of activities;
- it involves the active participation of young people;
- it aims to make aware of different social and cultural activities;
- each project can focus on different themes and topics such as citizenship, environment, human rights, arts and culture etc.;
- on each topic, participants can: share and discuss, learn through experience, plan together and create positive contributions.

What happens during a youth exchange?

Sharing and discussions: comparing different point of views, cultures, ideas and beliefs
This can be done through different creative activities
Discussions
Games
Visual representation
To show and reflect on our differences, similarities and cultures

Learning through experience:
Group leaders meet at a preliminary meeting and design activities together
Young people are in charge of all activities
-Workshops based on specific tools such as photo, music, video, art and any other tool you can share
-Role-plays and simulations

Think, plan and act
A project can also have a practical aim
Participants can think about an issue
Develop solutions together… and implement them

What also happens during a youth exchange?

Team building activities:
-cooperative activities that aim to improve teamwork and team spirit
-ice-breakers and warm-ups: to break the ice, get to know each other and wake up in the morning
Intercultural activities: sharing national food and drinks; share local traditions
Free time: sports, social time, disco
Excursions: touristic excursions and visits related to the topic of the project