THE YOUTH EXCHANGES
WHAT IS A YOUTH EXCHANGE?
A Youth Exchange is an ERAMUS+ program that brings together young people from different countries for a short international project (usually 5–21 days).
Through games, workshops, discussions, and creative activities, participants explore topics like culture, climate, inclusion, or digital life, while living and learning together.
WHAT YOU DO
Take part in interactive workshops
Share your culture and learn from others
Create projects, debates, videos, or performances
WHO IT'S FOR
Young people aged 13 to 30 years old
No diploma or experience required
Open to all backgrounds
WHAT'S COVERED
Travel
Accommodation
Food
Activities
HOW TO PARTICIPATE?
There are two ways to take part in a youth exchange: projects can either be run by youth organisations accredited by Erasmus+ National Agencies (or other organisations), or organised by an informal group of young people aged 13 to 30. Individual applications are not possible.
YOUTH EXCHANGES ORGANIZED BY ORFEAS
YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES IN EUROPE
In 2010, Orfeas organized a youth exchange focused on youth unemployment and equal opportunities in Europe, bringing together young participants from several European countries. During the exchange, participants shared experiences and discussed the challenges young people face in accessing education and employment, as well as the importance of equal opportunities for all. Through workshops, group discussions, and interactive activities, they explored possible solutions to unemployment and social inequalities while developing intercultural understanding and teamwork skills.
PARTNERSHIP BUILDING
In May 2010, Orfeas organized a youth exchange dedicated to partnership building, bringing together young people and youth workers from different European countries. The project focused on developing cooperation and creating strong international partnerships through teamwork, intercultural exchange, and collaborative activities. Participants took part in workshops, group discussions, and practical exercises.
TASTE OF EUROPE
In September 2018, the youth exchange “Taste of Europe” brought together 55 participants from nine European countries in Xylokastro. The opening ceremony, attended by national TV, included a welcome from the mayor, icebreaker games, and a city treasure hunt with local treats as prizes.
Participants discussed national eating habits with expert input and organized intercultural evenings where Sweden, Italy, Slovakia, and Portugal shared traditional foods with locals and local TV.
The group also visited Trikala, where they presented their food cultures, shared music and dances, tasted international specialties, interacted with locals at the market, and attended talks on ecological footprints and ancient Greek diets.
BUILD ECOTOPIA
The youth exchange Build Ecotopia, held from 16 to 23 September 2022 in Xylokastro, brought together participants from the Netherlands, Ireland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Portugal, and Greece to explore environmental issues such as food waste, fast fashion, and the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Participants engaged with local residents through surveys and discussions to better understand environmental practices in the community. The programme also included a visit to the village of Zaholi, where participants created a “map of the senses” to explore local nature. Alongside the learning activities, intercultural evenings allowed participants to share their traditions and build friendships, making the exchange both educational and culturally enriching.
VOICE OF YOUTH AGAINST VIOLENCE THROUGH ART
The youth exchange “Violence through Art”, held in November 2024, brought together participants from Latvia, Italy, Portugal, Romania, and Greece to explore different forms of violence through creative activities. Through workshops with a psychologist, participants discussed topics such as bullying and imagined a “perfect town” where everyone feels safe. They expressed their ideas through art, emotional theatre, and short films, learning basic filmmaking and editing skills. The programme also included intercultural activities, a cultural night with traditional food, and a visit to Ancient Corinth. The exchange concluded with a final exhibition showcasing the participants’ films and artworks, highlighting both their learning and creativity.
ORFEAS AS A SENDING ORGANIZATION
UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENCES APPRECIATING SIMILARITIES
In November 2012, Orfeas participated as a sending organization in the youth exchange “Understanding Differences, Appreciating Similarities”, held in Bologna, Italy. The project brought together young people from different European countries to explore cultural diversity and promote mutual understanding. Through workshops, group discussions, and intercultural activities, participants reflected on cultural differences and common values while developing communication and teamwork skills. The exchange encouraged tolerance, respect and intercultural dialogue.
DISPLACED
In January 2014, Orfeas acted as a sending organization for the youth exchange “Displaced” in Amsterdam, which brought together participants from Greece, Romania, Spain, and the Netherlands. During the ten-day exchange, young people explored themes related to migration by sharing personal experiences and participating in intercultural activities. They also developed practical skills through workshops in photography and video-making, working in teams to create short films about their stories and perspectives. The exchange encouraged cooperation, cultural understanding, and personal growth, while helping participants build lasting friendships in an international environment.
DANCE WORLD
In May 2015, Orfeas participated as a sending organization in the youth exchange “Dance World”, held in Daugavpils, Latvia. The project brought together young people from different European countries to explore cultural diversity through dance and artistic expression. Participants took part in workshops where they learned traditional and modern dance styles, shared elements of their own cultures, and worked together on group performances. The exchange promoted creativity, intercultural dialogue, and teamwork, while giving participants the opportunity to experience Latvian culture and build international friendships.
REFUGEE CRISIS
In March 2017, we had the opportunity to take part in a youth exchange organized in Valencia, Spain, focusing on the topic of the refugee crisis. Participants spent a meaningful and productive time in an international environment, taking part in workshops and discussions that helped them better understand the challenges faced by refugees in Europe. Through this experience, they gained new knowledge, developed intercultural skills, and returned to Greece with valuable insights and perspectives gained during the exchange.
