Youth Exchange or Paid Vacation? Spoiler: It’s Both

Roibu Vlad
May 4
3 min read

How Erasmus+ lets you learn, travel, and vibe, all on the EU’s tab

Let’s just say it. This sounds too good to be true

You fly to another country, sleep in a cozy guesthouse, eat three meals a day, meet new people from across Europe, and spend your days doing interactive workshops instead of staring at a screen.

Sounds like a vacation, right?

Now add group learning, cultural discovery, real-world problem solving, and a serious dose of self-development. Welcome to an Erasmus+ youth exchange, where learning and leisure actually get along.

What is this thing, really?

An Erasmus+ youth exchange is a short-term program (usually 7 to 10 days) that brings together people from different countries to explore a topic that matters.

Think sustainability, entrepreneurship, mental health, media literacy, human rights, or creativity. Each exchange is built around one theme, and everything — the activities, workshops, and group vibe — revolves around it.

But unlike school, you’re not stuck behind a desk. You’re learning by doing.And unlike a tour group, you’re not a tourist. You’re a participant.

So… is it a vacation?

Kind of. But not in the way you think.

Here’s what it is not:

It is not all beach time or sightseeing
It is not a hotel and buffet situation
It is not a come-when-you-want setup

Here’s what it is:

You get a free flight, free accommodation, and free food
You spend your days doing meaningful activities with people from 4 or 5 different countries
You learn, explore, connect, reflect, and sometimes party a little too hard on culture night

The vacation part is the experience. New city, new people, new stories.The exchange part is the growth. New skills, new ideas, new perspectives.

You don’t need to choose between learning and fun. You get both.

What kind of learning are we talking about?

This isn’t about textbooks or tests. It’s what the EU calls non-formal education. That means learning through:

Games, simulations, and roleplays
Discussions and debates
Group projects
Artistic or creative challenges
Outdoor tasks, city explorations, and real-life scenarios

It is active, hands-on, and surprisingly deep. One moment you’re solving a challenge with your team. The next, you’re realizing how different your mindset is from someone across the continent — and how much you can learn from that.

Who is this for?

Not just students. Not just A+ achievers. Not just youth workers.

If you are between 13 and 30, live in an EU or partner country, and want to learn with others, this is for you.

You do not need to have travel experience, perfect English, or a polished CV. You just need to show up, stay open, and participate fully.

"I joined thinking I would get a free trip. I left with twenty new friends, a new sense of confidence, and a new idea of what I want to do with my life."— Participant from the Netherlands, age 20

Is it really free?

Almost. Erasmus+ covers most of it.

What is covered:

Transportation (your flight, train, or bus, up to a capped limit)
Accommodation for the full program
All meals and snacks
Program costs, trainers, and materials
Insurance and support if needed

What you might pay:

A small participation fee, usually between 30 and 50 euros
Optional personal expenses, like souvenirs or free-day activities
Travel costs beyond the limit, if you choose more expensive options

For what you get, it is one of the most affordable and accessible travel-learning experiences in the world.

What do you leave with?

Every participant gets something different.

For some, it is their first time on a plane.For others, it is their first time sharing a room with someone from another culture.For most, it is a feeling they were part of something real.

You leave with:

A Youthpass certificate
Cross-cultural communication skills
Creative problem-solving experience
New friends and connections
A deeper sense of who you are and how you relate to others

And yes, you also leave with photos, memories, and that bittersweet post-project feeling that makes you want to apply again right away.

Should you do it?

If you are curious, the answer is yes.If you are nervous, the answer is still yes.If you are tired of boring education and want to try something that actually feels human, the answer is 100 percent yes.