Are you ready to make a difference? This youth exchange is all about breaking barriers and taking action to promote social inclusion and reduce inequalities. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, the project addresses real societal challenges with practical solutions.

If you’re between 18 and 26 years old, ready to experience multicultural settings, and are motivated to learn and grow, this is your chance to join a meaningful adventure of impact and collaboration.

  • When: 15-20th December 2024 (travel days are Sunday and Friday)
  • Where: Manerba del Garda, Italy

There is opportunity to prolong your stay in Italy up to 48 hours longer, accommodation and food during your extra days are not supported.

Objectives of the youth exchange are:

  • Reducing Inequalities: By promoting social inclusion through interactive and creative methodologies, the project provides a platform to address societal inequalities, enabling participants to reflect, learn, and collaborate in a supportive environment.
  • Social Inclusion and Gender Equality: The project tackles gender equality as a core theme, enhancing the competences of young people by equipping them with tools and knowledge to address gender stereotypes and challenge stereotyped representations. This is particularly significant in the context of professional roles and career opportunities, as portrayed on social media.

The program will guide you through critical social topics such as gender stereotypes and biases, creating a welcoming and collaborative environment where every voice is valued. Through engaging dialogue sessions and hands-on activities, you will gain:

  • critical thinking skills
  • new perspectives and practical tools to promote equality and inclusion within your community
  • improved English skills
  • experience in multicultural environment
  • communication and leadership skills
  • networking opportunities

After the youth exchange

Every participant involved is expected to collaborate with the teammates and the sending organisation (ACTIVE Austria) to produce an article about the project’s activities and their impressions. This article should be presented on the website or social media of the organisations in each country.

Location and Venue

Your home during the exchange will be a cosy hostel in Manerba del Garda, nestled near the shores of Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake. Surrounded by olive and lemon groves, cypress trees, and vibrant Mediterranean flora, the area offers a serene yet invigorating setting perfect for learning, relaxation, and adventure. The hostel Ostello Antica Pieve is located just a short stroll from the lake’s beautiful beaches, providing nice views and opportunities to unwind in nature. With its mild climate, crystal-clear waters, and historic charm, Lake Garda is an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable experience.

Don’t forget: Bring your own towels and personal hygiene products to make your stay comfortable. 

During your stay you will be provided with 3 main meals and 2 coffee breaks on each day, starting with dinner on 15th and ending with breakfast on 20th December.

Travel arrangements

  • The closest Airport is: ORIO AL SERIO in Bergamo (Milano BGY)
  • Other suitable airports are Verona airport, Milano Linate or Milano Malpensa.

From these Airports to Manerba del Garda you have to:

  • Take the shuttle (or underground if you land in Milan) from the airport (from each airport there are shuttles every 20 minuts) to the main train station. You can check train connections here.
  • Take the train with destination DESENZANO DEL GARDA. From Desenzano train station to Manerba del Garda we will organise a private transportation to pick up participant groups.

Travel reimbursement

Travel costs will be covered, based on the country of participants, up to foreseen limits. The exact amount written on the ticket will be accepted. Travels should be by economy class and public transport. Travel tickets will be refunded based on actual costs incurred and on presentation of:

  • Invoice of the plane ticket;
  • Boarding Pass with the clear mention of the passenger’s name;
  • All other transportation-related bills.

Only the travel costs for the round trip from the sending organisation’s country will be reimbursed. During the activity, all the receipts and tickets will be collected and a reimbursement contract will have to be signed. Once the follow up dissemination is completed, you will receive the refund. Please keep in mind that reimbursement will be done with one transfer to sending organisation after the project
(no individual transfers).

Based on the Erasmus+ rules, the budget for travel expenses is calculated according to the distance calculator. The distance is calculated between the sending and receiving organisation, which in this case is Vienna-Manerba del Garda and amounts to 530 km. Therefore, the travel budget eligible for reimbursement in 275 € (320 € in case of green travel – no flights)

How to apply?

  1. Fill in registration form.
  2. We will inform you once we select the participants
  3. Planing your travel and sending us your travel plan for approval 
  4. Once your travel plan is approved you can book your travel
  5. Fully participating in the youth exchange
  6. Reporting your travel with eligible documents
  7. Italian hosting association will reimburse actual travel costs up to the limit.

Register here: https://bit.ly/my_eu_project