Erasmus+ Youth Exchange
What is an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange?
Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges bring together young people (aged 13-30) from different countries to live, learn, and create together, usually for about a week.
They’re not school trips, nor a holiday. They’re non-formal learning experiences, designed to build teamwork, intercultural understanding, and real-life skills through creative, hands-on activities.
Each exchange focuses on a topic that matters, like inclusion, mental health, digital creativity, climate action, youth participation and many others.
During the youth exchange, you might:
- Join group projects, workshops, or games
- Share food and culture with others
- Explore the host country and meet local communities
- Talk about social issues and exchange ideas
- Build something together: a campaign, a video, a performance
Who can apply?
You can apply for an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange if:
- You’re aged 13-30
- You’re open to learning, meeting others, and trying something new
You don’t need any qualifications, school certificates, or experience. Erasmus+ is about learning by doing, for everyone, especially those who don’t usually get these opportunities.
Is it really Free?
Yes. Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges are funded through Erasmus+, the EU programme for education and youth.
Here’s what’s normally covered:
- Travel (within EU travel budget limits)
- Shared accommodation (usually with others of the same gender)
- Three meals per day, plus coffee/snack breaks
- All planned learning activities, workshops, and excursions
You might be asked to:
- Pay a small participation fee, depending on the host organisation
- Organise your own travel insurance (recommended)
- Bring something for a “Cultural Night” (e.g. snacks or traditions from Malta)
Organisations can offer extra support for young people facing challenges (financial, geographic, learning or other), part of Erasmus+’s commitment to inclusion
What Will You Learn?
Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges are based on non-formal education, learning through experience, teamwork, and reflection.
What you gain:
- Confidence, independence, and collaboration skills
- A better understanding of your own and others’ cultures
- Practical skills: communication, languages, planning, problem-solving
- Ideas to start your own Erasmus+ projects or join others
- A Youthpass Certificate, an official EU tool that helps you reflect on your learning and describe it (useful for your CV, interviews, school or job applications)
How Does an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange Work?
Youth Exchanges are coordinated by youth organisations or informal groups, both in Malta and abroad. These organisations are responsible for:
- Designing the programme
- Ensuring safety, support, and accessibility
- Managing the logistics and learning process
Before the trip, you should receive an Info Pack with practical details. You’ll also be supported by a group leader (age 18+) who helps guide the experience.
There are no tests, no exams, just people learning and growing together.
How to Join an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange
There are two main ways:
- Apply through a local organisation.
Follow Maltese organisations, youth groups, and Erasmus+ organisations, they usually post open calls for participants on their social media. - Create your own group.
If you’re 13-30, you can form a group of 5+ people and apply to join or even organise your own project. You’ll need at least one leader aged 18+.
Erasmus.mt and organisations like @ProjektaMalta can support you through the process.
When Do Exchanges Happen?
Year-round, with most projects running during:
- Summer holidays
- Easter, Carnival, or Christmas breaks
- School mid-terms (October-November)
No Experience? No Problem.
We’ll Support You Every Step
Check out these other Erasmus+ Youth Opportunities:
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