Keep it real! 2026

Description

This training course is designed for those with little to no experience in preparing a Youth Exchange application. Its main goal is to support young people, youth workers, youth groups, and organizations in finding partners and preparing an eligible Youth Exchange application.

What does it truly take to prepare a REAL Youth Exchange application? What is YOUR REALITY that could be reflected in your project? If you’ve applied before, how was the experience—what challenges did you face, and what did you learn? What are the key tips and tricks for writing an application that enhances both the quality of the proposal and the future Youth Exchange itself?

"Keep it REAL! 2026" will offer participants the opportunity to explore what it takes to write a solid Youth Exchange application. This course is primarily aimed at those with little or no experience in applying for international youth mobility grants—whether you've recently applied and received a negative response or are planning to submit an application for the first time.

The main objective of this training is to help Youth Exchange applicants enhance the key quality aspects of their application process. Also, this training course will provide you with the opportunity to connect with potential partner organizations and begin developing a youth exchange project together during the course itself.

The training approach combines theoretical input with hands-on practice, allowing participants to engage in real-life problem-solving, exchange advice, and tackle challenges that matter most to them. Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges involve multiple quality criteria, and this training course will focus on the aspects that applicants often struggle with: youth participation, equal partnerships, non-formal learning, intercultural learning, the Youthpass process, viewing the project as a long-term learning journey, and managing potential risks.

We invite organization representatives to attend with a young person or young people who are actively involved in planning a Youth Exchange project. This training course will host 20-25 participants from Programme Countries, Partner Countries, and Eastern Partnership Countries. To encourage youth participation, priority will be given to young people applying individually or youth workers applying together with a young person.

Activity Structure

This training consists of three events:

Online Kick-Off Event (7 July 2026, 2 hours): Meet your trainers, the organizing team, and fellow participants. Gain insights into Youth Exchange quality requirements, assess whether your idea aligns with project criteria, and prepare for the training course.

Face-to-Face Training Course (23-28 August 2026): The training will take place in a remote venue near major cities in Lithuania. A full information pack (including details about the venue, transportation, and group structure) will be provided to selected participants after the selection process.

Online Consultations: Each project application group will plan a 1-hour consultation 1-2 weeks before the EU application deadline (September 2026), if needed.

Team

The training will be facilitated by Vika Matuzaitė and Aistė Šlajūtė, who will share their expertise and experience in Youth Exchanges. Representatives from the Lithuanian National Agency will also join the training to provide technical guidance, share real-life project examples, and engage directly with participants.

In case you have any questions regarding the training course, do not hesitate to contact the representatives of Agency of Youth Affairs (Lithuanian NA) rasa.bumblauskaite@jra.lt and martina.murzaite@jra.lt

Accommondation and food

Training will take place at Lajų Hotel in Birštonas, surrounded by nature near the Nemunas River, offering a modern and peaceful stay. Birštonas is a quiet Lithuanian town known for its mineral waters and relaxing atmosphere. Accommodation will be provided in shared rooms (2 people per room), and meals will be provided throughout the entire training period.