Developing yourself through travelling and meeting European cultures
Imagine that you travel with five other people from the Czech Republic to Italy, for example. The group of Greeks, Romanians and Estonians is heading to the same place to spend there one week together. During this time you gather new experiences there, you learn, even though you actually play games led by experienced youth workers. You try to push your limits, to get out of your comfort zone, but only when you feel like it. No one judges your appearance, no one solves your orientation or skin color. The adventure begins with the first meeting. The activities change according to the theme you discover together during that week. It could be focused on human rights, ecology, mindfulness, etc. It's never boring. You will bring home new experiences, international friendships and probably the determination to take life into your own hands. Just like at school, you get a school report, so at those educational camps you get a certificate, it's called Youthpass and it's based on your own self-evaluation. And the best at the end! Participation in such educational camps which are officially called “Youth exchanges” or “Training courses” is for free! They are financially supported by the Erasmus + program.
So how it works?
Basically, there is an organisation in the Czech Republic or abroad that applies for Erasmus+ funding to organise such an international meeting. They write a project application that involves topics and schedule of the activities and also partner NGOs who will send them participants after the project is approved. It means that If you would attend such an international adventure all you have to do is to follow Czech NGOs
who organise Youth exchanges or Training courses in the Czech Republic
who is connected as a partner organization of other European NGOs which will host you, so you can apply through this Czech NGO who is looking for participants to send them abroad.
Let's summarize the facts and some basic rules
01 You can participate in Youth exchanges if you are between 13 - 30 years. For Training courses, there is a limit of 18+. This applies generally but each project could have its specific age limit (e.g. only for teenagers 13 - 17 yr.)
02 The basis is non-formal education. It means that experienced leaders prepare for the group interactive activities in which you participate and contribute to the flexible results created by the group. There are activities like theatre playing, discussions or space for selfreflection. In non-formal education, there is no wrong answer.
03 It's always an international environment and mostly there is a need to be able to express yourself in English language.The financial support by Erasmus+ covers the travel costs (first you buy a ticket and it is reimbursed at the end of the project), accommodation and food which is provided to you on the spot by the hosting NGO.
04 What is expected from you? When you apply for the international camp you should show up your motivation to take part in the activities and your desire to meet and share with others, for example, to bring some traditional candies.
05 NO drugs! NO offensive behaviors! NO verbal abuse!
Who organizes international educational camps in the Czech Republic?
Where can I find those opportunities for young people to go to such an educational camp abroad?
Websites or Facebook of organizations that organize international camps or are partners of European NGOs and so they can send you to them:
Websites with youth information and European youth opportunities:
May I apply as a Czech participant even though I do not have Czech nationality?
Yes, you can if you have a document that proves your long-term staying in the Czech Republic. (e.g. working contract, certificate of study)
When I live in Brno do I have to apply through an organization based in Brno?
No, you can address any NGO in Czech Republic promoting a project that you would like to attend.
What is the difference between Youth exchange and Training course? Besides the age limit, it seems to me like it goes the same way…
An Youth exchange is focused on developing competencies of young people between 13 - 30 years. A Training course is focused on youth workers (couches, youth leaders, teachers, educators, youth center staff, etc.) to gain new techniques and methods or get inspiration for youth work.
Where do the projects take place?
In all EU countries and candidates countries (Northern Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey) also in EHP countries (Liechtenstein, Norway), Great Britain and partner countries (countries of the Western Balkans, Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, Southern Mediterranean and Russia).
The international camp always takes 1 week?
The length of the project could be between 5 to 21 days but it is usually one week. Depends on the exact project.
I am on a wheelchair. Is it possible for me to take part in?
YES, it is possible to apply even though you face some physical or any other handicap or disadvantage. Only what you have to do is to say it in advance (when you fill the application for the project) so the hosting NGO will be ready in case you need some special support (barrier-free accommodation, assistance at the airport) to provide it. Also, there are experienced organisations that are able to adapt activities so everyone (even blind people) can participate. There could appear other obstacles like you need a visa or you do not have money to buy the flight ticket in advance. All those problems could be solved! All you need to do is to DO NOT HESITATE TO WRITE ABOUT IT IN THE APPLICATION FORM! The organisation will suggest possible solutions and provide you with support.
Do I need any certificates of the level of English?
No. For participating in Youth exchanges it's enough to understand the basics and not be afraid to try to express yourself. For Training courses, there might occur some more professional vocabulary but you can always ask others to help you to understand.
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