GetStarted

GetStarted is a practical and experiential training course about the basics of organising and managing international youth camps and youth exchanges, according to the framework of Youth in Action programme of the European Union. The YiA programme enables young Europeans to organise projects on an international level in order to meet each other, learn about other cultures and share knowledge and experience. Traveling, meeting new people, speaking English – these are the most visible aspects of international youth work. Yet, there is so much more than that! Great fun and joy, intense learning, enjoying connection with people you know barely for few days, feeling a part of large international community, experiences very different to what you are used to from your local group. International youth work is an exciting world that awaits young brave Naturefriends from Europe to get started in it. Programme During GetStarted, we will introduce you to the International level of the Naturefriends movement. Everybody will get a chance to learn about the other participants and their organisations as well as about the structure and history of the whole movement. Next, we will learn more about IYNF as an international network – what is its role in the movement and what opportunities it provides. After this short introduction, we will concentrate on your way to the international youth work – working with values and experiences, giving a place to touch the intercultural reality, which will be there. We will experience the great activities that IYNF uses in the field of outdoor and amateur art education. Finally, we will give space for planning next steps, especially when you will come back home getting you ready for this transition and equipping you to be able to use this opportunity with your local group within the IYNF network. The topics of the GetStarted training will be: • What is exactly a youth exchange? – why is it more than just a youth camp or trip? and how does IYNF look at youth exchanges? • Presentations of other people and organisations that are present • The life cycle of a youth exchange - from the first idea until the celebration of the success • Grant application writing: what is the Youth in Action Programme and what are the most important things you have to take care of if you want to write a successful application? • Intercultural cooperation: what are the most common challenges of working together with people from other cultures, and what are the constructive way of handling those challenges • How to design a programme-agenda of an activity, how to create a good programme- flow • How to deal with a group: ‘some basics and useful tips about group-dynamics • Introduction about IYNF and our new networking programs • And many more interesting topics, according to the needs, questions and experiences of the participants of the training. Who is it for? Everyone, who is: • Interested in the practical way of organising international youth exchanges and camps within the IYNF network • Looking forward to meet new people from all over Europe and find potential partners to really start projects after GetStarted • Motivated to get involved in international youth work • Between 18 and 30 years old, with exceptions possible on both sides • Able to understand and speak English • Working on the local, national or international level • A newcomer, ex-participant, team member, international volunteer and so on We can only accept participants from countries we have a partnership agreement with: Switzerland, Slovakia, Portugal, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy and Poland. You can find all details on our website at: http://www.iynf.org/obsah/take_part/activities.php?id_activity=77