I’m young and curious
Learn what youth exchanges are, what you could gain and what a first step might look like. Exploring this page is not an application.
European Opportunities
Discover Erasmus+
Erasmus+ is the European Union’s program for education, training, youth, and sport. SYL helps young people in Sweden navigate and access these life-changing opportunities.
Key Action 1
Learning Mobility of Individuals
KA1 supports non-formal learning and participation, including youth exchanges, youth worker mobility and youth participation activities.
- Youth Exchanges: Groups of young people from different countries meet to work on shared topics (climate, culture, digital skills).
- Mobility of Youth Workers: Training courses and seminars to enhance skills for youth leaders and mentors.
- Youth Participation Activities: Initiatives encouraging civic participation and democratic dialogue.
Key Action 2
Cooperation Among Organisations
KA2 supports cooperation between organisations to share practice, build capacity and develop approaches that benefit young people.
- Small-Scale Partnerships: Flexible projects ideal for grassroots NGOs to build capacity and international links.
- Cooperation Partnerships: Larger initiatives aimed at developing educational toolkits, research, and policy recommendations.
How Funding Works for Participants
An approved project grant can contribute to travel, accommodation, meals and activity costs. The exact support, limits, any justified participant contribution and reimbursement conditions depend on the project. Confirm them with the organiser before booking.
Before you take part
Check the basics early. Each activity has its own requirements, budget and support arrangements.
Age
Youth exchanges are generally for participants aged 13–30; group leaders must be 18 or older. An opportunity may set narrower criteria.
Duration
Youth exchanges usually last 5–21 days, excluding travel. Youth-worker mobility can run 2–60 days; exact duration varies.
How participation starts
Individuals normally take part through an organisation; organisations apply to a National Agency. First express interest and wait for organiser confirmation before making arrangements.
A clear next step
- 1
Understand the opportunity
Read about the format, who it is for and what participation may involve before deciding whether it suits you.
- 2
Express interest — without a guarantee
Tell an organiser or partner organisation that you would like to learn more. Interest does not confirm a place, funding or travel.
- 3
Confirm before booking
Wait for the organiser to confirm your place, budget terms, insurance and safeguarding arrangements before making travel bookings or other commitments.
Frequently asked questions
Useful basics before you decide whether to explore an opportunity further.
Do I need to be a student?
No. Youth exchanges use non-formal learning, such as workshops and discussions, and are not restricted to university students.
Are costs covered?
Erasmus+ grants can contribute to travel, practical and activity costs, but they are not a blanket promise of a free trip. Check budget caps, any justified contribution, reimbursement timing and insurance with the organiser before committing. For youth exchanges, participants with fewer opportunities must not be charged a participant contribution.
Who is the age range for?
The general interest form accepts ages 13–35; this is not an Erasmus+ eligibility rule. Standard youth exchanges are for ages 13–30, while other activities have different rules. If you are outside the form range, contact SYL with your question.
How do I apply?
Start by telling an organiser or partner organisation that you are interested. Programme applications are made by organisations to National Agencies; an expression of interest is not a place or funding.
What about inclusion, accessibility and safety for minors?
Ask the organiser early about inclusion, accessibility and safeguarding. Before committing, clarify support needs, supervision, travel, insurance and any parental or guardian consent requirements for minors.
What is Youthpass?
Youthpass can help document and reflect on learning from an activity. It is not a degree.