In a Youth Exchange, young people learn how others in their age group live in other countries. With the various youth groups carrying out a joint project, fresh perspectives open up for the young people and they develop a sense of responsibility and self-confidence.  

What is a youth exchange?

At a youth exchange, youth groups from two or more countries meet for a few days or weeks in order to carry out activities together. Many different topics and activities are possible at a youth exchange. Creative projects involving art, dance, video or theatre are just as suitable as sport or outdoor activities.

In the process, the young people always play an active role in planning, organising and implementing the project. The use of non-formal methods of learning are characteristic of youth exchange projects. That is to say, the young people are included in the learning process on a voluntary basis and control their own learning.

The animated film explains how a youth exchange works.

What are the formal criteria for a youth exchange?

  • Participants: Young people aged between 13 and 30 can take part provided they live in one of the participating countries. At least 16 young people must take part in a youth exchange (not counting group leaders). A maximum of 60 people can take part. At least 4 young people per participating group from one country must be there (not counting group leaders). Each national group must be accompanied by at least one adult group leader.
  • Duration: At least 5 days, maximum 21 days (not including travel days). Total project duration including preparation and follow-up evaluation: from 3 to 24 months.
  • Location: The youth exchange must take place in Switzerland (Incoming project) or in the country of one of the participating organisations (Outgoing project).
  • Advanced planning visit: As an option, a planning visit can take place before the youth exchange. This should last no more than two days (not including travel days). One person per group may take part or two people if one of them is a young person involved in the project.

You will find the qualitative funding criteria on the page Making an Application.

How are youth exchanges funded by Movetia?

  • Travel allowance: CHF 400.– per person for foreign travel, CHF 50.– per person for travel in Switzerland·      
  • Organisational support: Incoming: CHF 49.– per day and person; Outgoing: between CHF 400.- and CHF 1000.- (depending on duration) per meeting and person
  • Support in the case of the participation of people with a disability (special needs): 100% of the costs actually eligible for funding
  • Exceptional costs (e.g. visa costs): Incoming: 100% of the costs actually eligible for funding; Outgoing: are not funded.

For the detailed list and explanation of the contributions, please see the Overview of Grants.