Introduction
Have you ever heard of virtual youth exchanges?
These projects are online activities that facilitate people-to-people engagement, fostering intercultural understanding and enhancing soft skills development.
They can be part of projects focused on youth (non-formal education) or higher education courses. These exchanges are always guided by a trained facilitator.
Virtual exchanges also contribute to sharing European values.
Additionally, in certain situations, they can get people ready for, enhance, and expand in-person exchanges, sparking new interest in them.
The main objectives of online youth exchanges
Online youth exchanges need to inspire young people to have valuable cultural experiences online.
The online activities should encourage discussions on important topics and promote social inclusion among the youth. Trained facilitators will guide these discussions, helping young people connect, engage, and feel empowered.
To summarise, the main objectives of online youth exchanges are:
- Encouraging people to interact for cultural understanding and tolerance
- Supporting different virtual exchanges alongside Erasmus+ physical mobility
- Improving critical thinking and media literacy
- Developing digital and soft skills for better job opportunities among students, young people, and youth workers
- Advocating for citizenship and shared values like freedom, tolerance, and non-discrimination
- Reinforcing the youth aspect in the EU’s connections with other countries
What’s in it for young people?
Virtual Exchanges allow every young person to experience international and cross-cultural education, whether in school or outside it, without having to travel.
Even though virtual discussions or training can’t completely replace the advantages of being physically present, participants in virtual exchanges can still enjoy some benefits of international education.
These exchanges also promote European values and, in certain situations, can get people ready for, enhance, and expand in-person exchanges, sparking new interest in them.
Partnerships should unite organisations from Erasmus+ program countries, the Western Balkans, the Eastern Neighbourhood, the Southern Neighbourhood, Russia, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
How to apply?
To conclude, read more about the official guide on the European portal.
You will find all the details of the program, how it works and how to participate as an organisation.
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