Learning mobility of individuals
Have you heard of the classic Erasmus program, which allows students to change their environment and study abroad for a few months? Within the Erasmus+ program, there are also opportunities for non-formal education. Check them out!
1 – YOUTH EXCHANGES
Youth exchanges are one of the opportunities offered by the Erasmus+ program
WHAT IS A YOUTH EXCHANGE AND WHAT DOES IT OFFER ME?
It is an international group activity where young people from different European countries come together to explore and research a specific topic (e.g., environment, human rights, mental health, digital skills, etc.). During the youth exchange, you will experience and participate in a pre-planned program, which usually doesn’t include traditional classrooms but instead combines workshops, games, exercises, discussions, role plays, debates, simulations, outdoor activities, and other group activities. At the same time, you will have the chance to get to know the local area, try the local cuisine, and explore the culture through shorter recreational trips.
WHO ARE THE EXCHANGES FOR? Young people aged between 13 and 30 years old
DURATION: between 5 and 21 days
HOW TO ACCESS A YOUTH EXCHANGE PROJECT?
One way is to search for an existing opportunity that catches your attention in terms of topic and/or location – on the websites of youth organizations you follow. You can also follow our social media (IG, FB), where we share both our own volunteering opportunities and those offered by our international partners.
Another way we encourage is to create your own youth exchange on a topic that excites you, together with a group of peers, and experience the magic of planning and organizing firsthand. If the topic you choose aligns with at least one of our values, we are ready to support you in the ideation, coordination, and implementation of the exchange. If you want to create your own exchange and/or try out the role of a trainer/facilitator, contact us at info@zavod-voluntariat.si!
In a youth exchange, you can participate in several ways, such as:
- participant (aged 13 to 30) – in this case, you are part of a group of young people travelling on an exchange, learning, and participating in all activities.;
- youth Leader (age 18+) – in this case, you are a participant with an additional role. The leader takes care of their group, communicates with the organisers, helps with preparation, and ensures the process runs smoothly (e.g., supporting the national group with purchasing tickets, maintaining connection within the group, etc.). If you have already participated in an exchange and are ready to take on a little more responsibility, this is a great experience for you.;
- part of a project team – in this case, you are involved in the process from the very beginning, working with a group of peers (supported by a mentor) to develop an idea for the youth exchange and bring it to completion.
*Travel, accommodation, meals, and program costs are covered by the European Union (within the framework of the eligible budget for the youth exchange).
2 – TRAINING COURSES FOR YOUTH WORKERS
Additional opportunities offered by the Erasmus+ program are aimed at professional development (of youth workers) through non-formal and informal learning.
WHAT ARE THEY AND WHAT IS THEIR PURPOSE?
These are international learning activities designed to educate and train youth workers – individuals who work with young people, either professionally or as volunteers. The purpose of these activities is to increase the quality of work for individuals and the development of organizations operating within the youth sector and to build capacity for quality youth work. Additionally, the focus is on building communities of youth workers to support quality projects and activities for young people within EU programs and beyond.
WHO ARE THE ACTIVITIES INTENDED FOR?
Individuals (18+), who are already working with young people, either professionally or voluntarily, and/or those wishing to improve and/or acquire competences and fresh knowledge and to exchange experiences with international colleagues in this field. The key factor is the motivation to work with young people, regardless of the type of work (here are some examples):
- youth workers
- volunteers in youth organisations
- youth project leaders
- individuals working with young people in schools, non-governmental organizations, youth centers, and/or other non-formal settings.
DURATION: between 2 and 60 days
WHAT DO TRAINING COURSES OFFER INDIVIDUALS?
The above-mentioned activities allow you to develop as a professional in the field of youth work, acquire new tools and learn approaches for working with young people, and connect with organizations and youth workers across Europe.
HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE?
If you want to learn more about opportunities, follow our communication channels, which you can find at the bottom of the page, or you can also search for them independently on the Salto-youth website.
If you successfully apply for training, you will need a sending organisation from your home country. If the call does not say otherwise and you would like Voluntariat to act as a supporting organisation, please contact us at programi@zavod-voluntariat.si and/or info@zavod-voluntariat.si.
*The costs of travel, accommodation, meals, and the program are covered by the European Union (within the framework of the eligible budget for the youth exchange).
3 – STUDY VISITS, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS, NETWORKING AND COMMUNITY BUILDING
Youth learning mobilities include:
- study visits;
- on-the-job training;
- peer learning in youth organisations;
- networking and community building among youth workers;
- seminars and workshops.
If you need a supporting organisation for any of the above activities, please contact programi@zavod-voluntariat.si or info@zavod-voluntariat.si.
*Disclaimer: we do not offer the above activities in the framework of Voluntariat, but we can support your participation if there is sufficient capacity.
