Wait... So the EU Pays Me to Travel and Learn?

Roibu Vlad
May 3
3 min read

Updated: May 5

The Erasmus+ youth exchange program explained — without the boring parts. What is Erasmus+ Youth Mobility/Exchange?

Imagine spending 10 days in Spain or Slovenia, all expenses paid, working on creative projects, meeting people from five countries, and learning new skills… without ever setting foot in a classroom.

That’s the heart of the Erasmus+ youth exchange program, a little-known gem funded by the European Union for people aged 13 to 30 (the leader of the country can be 30+). And no, you don’t have to be a university student to join.

Who Can Join Erasmus+ (And Why You Don’t Need to Be Special)

If you’ve ever thought, "These things sound cool, but I’m probably not eligible" — think again.

You don’t need a university degree
You don’t need perfect English
You don’t need to pay hundreds of euros
And you definitely don’t need to be an extroverted overachiever

As long as you:– Are aged 18 to 30– Live in an EU or partner country– Are open to learning, sharing, and being part of a diverse group

You’re in.

What Actually Happens on a Youth Exchange?

This isn’t school. It’s non-formal learning, and it works differently.

You’ll join:

Workshops on topics like sustainability, creativity, mental health, entrepreneurship
Cultural nights where you share food, music, and games from your country
Interactive sessions like simulations, debates, group projects, and improv
Late-night reflections, deep talks, and possibly a group dance-off

It’s structured but never boring. It’s learning by doing, not memorizing.

What’s Covered (And What’s Not)

Let’s break down the budget.

Covered by Erasmus+:

Travel costs (flights, trains, up to a capped limit)
Accommodation (usually shared rooms in hostels or group houses)
Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and coffee breaks)
Trainers, activities, and materials

Not covered:

A possible symbolic fee (30 to 50 euros depending on the organizer)
Your souvenirs and snacks
Your sleep if you stay up talking all night

Compared to a backpacking trip, this is absurdly affordable. Most people spend more in one weekend in Amsterdam than they would on an entire Erasmus+ exchange.

What You'll Actually Take Home

Beyond the passport stamps and Instagram posts, here’s what sticks:

Communication skills (verbal, non-verbal, cross-cultural)
Confidence (especially for first-time travelers)
Creativity (thinking outside the box with people you just met)
Friendships that survive long after the project ends
A new worldview, and maybe even a new life plan

"I thought it would just be a free trip. It turned out to be the experience that changed how I see myself and the world."— Past participant, 22, Romania

You’ll also receive a Youthpass certificate, an official EU document you can include in your CV or portfolio to prove what you learned.

Why You Haven’t Heard About This

Because no one’s marketing it like a summer festival.Because the websites explaining it are written like tax documents.Because people assume it’s only for university students (spoiler: it’s not).

That’s where we come in.

At Youth Fusion, we organize and co-host Erasmus+ projects that are fun, inclusive, and easy to join — even if you’ve never left your country before.

So… What Now?

You’ve got two options: – Close this tab and forget about it – Or join the hundreds of young people already living this experience every year, for free

And if you’re still unsure?

Just reach out. We’ll explain it. We’ve been there. And we’ll make sure your first youth exchange won’t be your last.