A Youth Exchange brings together groups of young people from different backgrounds from two or more eligible countries, providing them with an opportunity to meet, discuss, and confront various themes, whilst learning about each other countries and cultures.

Youth Exchanges are open to all young people from the UK, regardless of their background, education or socio-economic status.

Youth Exchanges are intended to contribute to the personal development of the young people taking part. The experience can develop confidence, open horizons, and promote a climate of understanding between Europeans. They can allow participants to learn in non-formal ways that feel exciting and energising.

However, please note the following activities are NOT eligible for grants as Youth Exchanges:

			Academic study trips
			Exchange activities which aim to make financial profit
			Exchange activities which can be classed as tourism
			Festivals
			Holiday travel
			Language courses
			Performance tours
			School class exchanges
			Sports competitions
			Statutory meeting of organisations
			Political gatherings
			Work camps

Promoters: Bilateral projects involve two promoters, trilateral three, and multilateral four or more. They must be from an eligible Programme Country and either be a non-profit/non-governmental organisation, local/regional public body, an informal group of young people, or a body active at European level in the youth field. Promoters must be from different countries, of which at least one must be an EU country.

Participants: Young people aged 13-25 who are legally resident in a Programme Country. The Youth in Action programme encourages the involvement of 'young people with fewer opportunities', i.e. those who are at a disadvantage compared to their peers, because they face social, economic, educational, cultural, geographical, health-related or disability-related obstacles. Please see the Programme Guide, Part A, Section 1 for further detail.

Group Size: From a minimum of 16 participants up to an overall total of no more than 60, with group leaders not included. For bilateral projects the minimum group size per promoter is eight, trilateral six, and multilateral four. Ideally the participants should be balanced in terms of each group's size and gender ratio.

Group Leaders:Each promoter must include at least one group leader to accompany the young people and ensure there is effective learning, protection and safety. Although, there is a maximum of two per promoter, more can be funded in exceptional circumstances (e.g. to aid participants of physical disability).

Duration: 6 to 21 days, excluding travel days.

Partners promoters are other groups in Programme countries you will work with.

The first step is to form your own group and brainstorm ideas. The second step is to identify interested promoters to partner with - the project can then continue to be developed collaboratively. A single promoter will need to be nominated to act as co-ordinator and make the application on behalf of all promoters.

Applicants must summarise the daily activities the project will put into practice and the working methods which will be used - this is known as the programme of activities. This usually takes the form of a daily timetable which divides each day into three segments: A.M, P.M, and evening (see example below).

The programme of activities should meet the needs and interests of the participants, reflect the themes and objectives of the project and have clear learning outcomes.

The promoter who is acting as co-ordinator completes the application form on behalf of all promoters for all the costs of the projects. This is then submitted to the National Agency of the country where the activities are taking place. It is recommended, although not essential, that the role of co-ordinator is taken by the promoter from the country where the activity is taking place.

Please make sure you read the information above regarding eligibility before, applying to ensure your application is not rejected for technical reasons.

Application form and Guidance notes are available for download in the Apply section of the website. Please get in touch if you need more help.