YOUTH EXCHANGES, TRAININGS & SEMINARS
WHAT IS A YOUTH EXCHANGE?
A youth exchange is an ERAMUS+ program that brings together young people from different countries to explore a common topic (usually 5–21 days). It can focus on culture, environment, inclusion, digital skills or active citizenship.
Furthermore, participants improve their communication skills, gain confidence and create international friendships. Through workshops, discussions and group activities, they learn from each other while discovering a new culture.
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 main ways to take part in a youth exchange. First, projects can be organised by youth organisations accredited by Erasmus+ National Agencies or by other eligible organisations. Alternatively, young people aged 13 to 30 can create an informal group and develop their own youth exchange project. However, individual applications are not possible.
YOUTH EXCHANGES ORGANIZED BY ORFEAS
YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES IN EUROPE
In 2010, Orfeas organised a youth exchange focused on youth unemployment and equal opportunities in Europe, bringing together young people from several countries. Through workshops, discussions, and interactive activities, participants explored social challenges, shared experiences, and developed intercultural and teamwork skills.
PARTNERSHIP BUILDING
In May 2010, Orfeas organised a youth exchange focused on partnership building, bringing together young people and youth workers from different European countries. Through workshops, discussions, and collaborative activities, participants strengthened cooperation, developed international partnerships, and improved their intercultural skills.
TASTE OF EUROPE
In September 2018, the youth exchange “Taste of Europe” brought together 55 participants from nine European countries in Xylokastro. During the exchange, participants explored European food cultures through discussions, expert sessions, and intercultural evenings where Sweden, Italy, Slovakia, and Portugal shared traditional foods with locals and local TV. Additionally, the group visited Trikala to present their cultures, share music and dances, taste international specialties, and attend 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. Throughout the exchange, participants engaged with local residents through surveys and discussions, while a visit to Zaholi allowed them to explore local nature through a “map of the senses” activity. In addition, intercultural evenings gave participants the opportunity to share their traditions, build friendships, and create a meaningful cultural exchange.
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 violence through creativity. During the exchange, participants discussed topics such as bullying through workshops with a psychologist and expressed their ideas through art, theatre, and short films while developing filmmaking skills. Additionally, they took part in intercultural activities, visited Ancient Corinth, and presented their creations in a final exhibition.
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.
TRAININGS
Sustainability & Climate
Change Adult Training 2026
Learn Through Experience
This adult training equiped participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to address environmental challenges. Through non-formal education, teamwork, and experiential learning, they explored climate change, sustainability, climate adaptation and mitigation, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Interactive Workshops
Instead of traditional lectures, participants took part in hands-on workshops and simulations based on real-life scenarios. They managed climate budgets, redesigned sustainable cities, created environmental festivals, and responded to unexpected challenges. As a result, they strengthened skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, public speaking, and decision-making.
Beyong the Classroom
The training also included an educational visit to Kalavryta, where participants discovered the links between cultural heritage, collective memory, and environmental sustainability. In addition, intercultural exchange and group discussions encouraged active citizenship and inspired them to create positive change in their own communities.
