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Unpluging to connect
Project dates:
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About the project
The project is built around the idea that young people thrive when they have the right environment, guidance, and opportunities to explore both their inner potential and the world around them. We have set our sights on several key objectives to make this happen. First, we aim to strengthen your personal and professional skills—such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving—so that you feel confident stepping into any situation, whether at school, in the workplace, or in your own communities. Second, we want to celebrate diversity and cultural richness through interactive sessions and group activities that encourage meaningful exchanges among participants from different backgrounds.
A special highlight of this program is our trip to Elafonisos, where you’ll get to experience camping firsthand. We’ve chosen Elafonisos not only because of its breathtaking beaches and natural beauty, but also because camping fosters a sense of responsibility, independence, and camaraderie. Living together in a communal setting encourages you to develop teamwork and communication skills in a real-world context preparing meals together, setting up camp, and respecting the environment become part of the learning process. This experience underlines the project’s goal to promote environmental awareness and sustainable living practices, all while creating unforgettable memories in an inspiring outdoor setting.
Additionally, we understand that mental well-being is crucial for young people, so the program includes workshops on coping strategies, emotional resilience, and digital balance. We also believe in helping you navigate today’s digital world safely and responsibly, equipping you with the skills to recognize misinformation and cyberbullying, and to make the most of technology for personal growth. Finally, we aim to spark your creativity and innovation through hands-on workshops, brainstorming sessions, and opportunities to bring new ideas to life.
In essence, our program integrates skill development, cultural appreciation, environmental stewardship, and a healthy dose of fun. By engaging in this collective journey—particularly during the camping experience in Elafonisos, you’ll gain the confidence, practical know-how, and sense of community needed to drive positive change in your own life and beyond.
What is a Youth Exchange?
A Youth Exchange is a unique opportunity to step out of your usual routine and collaborate with young people from different countries. For a week or more, you come together to tackle real-world issues like environmental conservation or social inclusion. During this time, participants engage in a range of educational and cultural activities, including workshops, discussions, and team-building exercises often centered around a specific theme or social issue. You’ll not only gain new perspectives but also develop valuable skills like teamwork, critical thinking, and communication. It’s a chance to make a meaningful impact while learning and growing with peers from diverse backgrounds.
Participants’ Profile
Participants:
1. Has between 18 and 30 years old;
2. Has Romanian Nationality or Residency;
3. Presents knowledge/interest in the topic;
4. Is motivated to participate in this youth exchange;
5. Is open to diversity and interculturality;
6. Assume that they will share with others the knowledge, attitudes and abilities learned, and that they will be actively involved in all stages of the project.
Group leaders:
1. At least 18 years old;
2. Have interpersonal and communication skills, team spirit, strategic thinking oriented to results;
3. Promote a positive attitude at the group level;
4. Have coordination, planning and organization skills;
5. Have an advanced level of English;
6. Have experience in volunteering, non-formal education and youth;
7. Have competences to evaluate the learning process of young people.
Number of participants
Selection criteria
1. Fitting in the participants’ profile;
2. Motivation to participate and the quality of the application;
3. Aryas NGO volunteers and the members of the communities we are activating in have priority in the selection process;
4. Gender balance;
5. Priority will be given to the candidates with fewer opportunities and those who have not participated in the Erasmus+ program until now.
Selection procedure
1. Carefully read through the info-pack and participant contract to make sure you understand the project details and requirements.
2. Complete the application form with accurate and complete information. We strongly advise you to fill out the application form by yourself and to be honest and original in your responses. The purpose of the application is to get to know you better and to understand why you are interested in our project. It is important that your application reflects your own thoughts and ideas.
3. Submit your application before the deadline. Please note that late applications may not be considered.
4. After the application deadline has passed, we will notify you of the results by email, in a maximum of 5 working days. Please check your email regularly and also your spam folder in case our email gets filtered there.
5. If you are selected to participate in the project, you will be required to sign the participant contract within 2 days and send it back to us via email. Please read the contract carefully and ensure that you understand and agree to the terms and conditions before signing.
6. Once you have completed all the necessary steps, you will be ready to participate in the project. We will provide you with all the additional instructions or guidelines to ensure that you have a successful and enjoyable experience.
Participants’ obligations and responsibilities
1. Attendance and Punctuality: Participants are required to attend all scheduled activities, workshops, and meetings. Being punctual is essential.
2. Active Participation: Active involvement in all group activities is expected. This includes asking questions, sharing insights, and contributing to discussions and complete all activities outlined in the provided info-pack as part of their obligations for the duration of the program.
3. Respect and Inclusion: Participants should treat everyone—fellow participants, organizers, and community members—with respect and dignity. Discrimination of any kind is not acceptable.
4. Cultural Sensitivity: Participants are expected to be respectful of the cultural norms and customs of the host country and fellow participants from different backgrounds.
5. Safety Guidelines: Compliance with all safety instructions and guidelines provided by the organizers is mandatory.
6. Reimbursement: Participants are responsible for keeping all receipts and submitting them in a timely manner for reimbursement.
7. Dissemination: Participants should share the experiences and knowledge gained during the program in their home communities, both during and after the program, via social media, blogs, or community presentations.
8. Evaluation: Participants must complete surveys or feedback forms to help the organizers assess the impact and effectiveness of the program.
9. Legal Compliance: Participants should comply with all local, state, and national laws of the host country during the program.
10. Confidentiality: Any sensitive or confidential information shared during the program should not be disclosed to unauthorized individuals.
11. Health and Insurance: It’s the participant’s responsibility to inform the organizers of any health issues or dietary restrictions they may have and to secure any required or recommended insurance.
12. Contractual Agreement: Participants are expected to read, understand, and adhere to any contracts or agreements provided by the organizers.
Costs
1. Accommodation: The organizers cover the costs of your stay. This usually includes lodging in hotels or hostels as described in the info-pack.
2. Meals and Coffee Breaks: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and scheduled coffee breaks are provided by the organizing team, with no cost from your side. This allows you to focus on the activities and socializing rather than worrying about meals.
3. Transportation: You will need to pay for your transport initially, but these expenses are reimbursed later by the organizers, in the Erasmus+ limits. This typically covers flights, trains, and local transport like buses or metro. Please check carefully the info-pack for more details.
4. Activities and Materials: All activities, workshops, and materials needed for the program are provided by the organizers. This can range from educational materials to equipment for specific activities like dance or sports.
5. Contribution Fee: There is a standard contribution fee of 25 euros that participants are required to pay to our association’s account. This fee helps to cover administrative costs and also supports those with fewer opportunities to participate. If you face financial hardships that make it difficult to pay this fee, you can request an exemption by contacting us directly. Documentation, such as a letter explaining your situation or proof of low income, may be required. Once you have made the contribution, you’ll need to include proof of payment when submitting your participant contract.
Other information
For any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at contact@aryas.ro.
