In response to a number of requests from people involved in youth work around the region, West Midlands European Network will now provide advice and guidance to people wishing to submit applications to the Youth Exchange priority of the EU Youth Programme. In the UK this programme is managed by the British Council and the ConnectYouth Programme Team is supporting WMEN to provide advice to applicants in the West Midlands.

WMEN are running seminars to explore the programme in more depth from 10am - 12.30pm on Tuesday 17 June and Wednesday 9 July at the Custard Factory in Birmingham. The cost will be £20 for voluntary sector orgs and youth groups and £40 for public sector orgs. WMENs seminars are not open to representatives of private sector organisations. Should you wish to book please complete the booking form attached and return it asap as places are limited and we expect demand to be high.

The details below should provide sufficient detail for you to make a decision as to whether this programme is for you, or the group you work with. For details of our training programme go to: www.wmeuronet.co.uk  or contact sophie@wmeuronet.org

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Action 1.1 Youth exchange

Cultural exchanges for youth groups

What is a youth exchange?
A youth exchange brings together groups of young people from different backgrounds from two, or several eligible countries, providing them with an opportunity to meet, discuss and confront various themes, whilst learning about each other's countries and cultures.

Why have a youth exchange?
Exchanges are intended to contribute to the personal development of the young participants. Youth exchanges are open to all young people from the UK, regardless of their background, education or socio-economic status.

However, we are not able to provide funding if your exchange is based on the premise of:
- Business meetings of youth organisations
- Holiday travel
- Language courses
- School/Class exchanges
- Study tours

What are the general project criteria?
Participants: Young people between the ages of thirteen and twenty-five who are legally resident in a programme country. Please note that Youth in Action Programme not only encourages good quality projects but also the active involvement of young people with less opportunities.

Group size: A minimum of sixteen (eight per country) and no more than sixty participants. Partners must be balanced in terms of their number of participants.

Duration: From six to twenty one days, excluding travel.

Group leaders: Each group should nominate group leaders and their task is to oversee the smooth running of the project. There is a maximum of two leaders per group.

What type of theme should our exchange have?
The exchange should have a thematic concept, which the groups wish to explore together. The chosen theme should, as far as possible, be translated into the concrete daily activities of the exchange.

What is the European dimension?
The impact of a youth exchange should also bring the concept of "Europe" to the local community, raising and promoting positive awareness of other cultures.

Who are the partners in a youth exchange?
Each youth exchange has a host group and one or a number of sending groups. The first thing to do is to form a group, which will develop the project idea. The second step is to identify partners for future exchange.

WHAT IS A MULTILATERAL EXCHANGE?
They involve groups of young people from at least four programme countries. For multilateral exchanges the host organisation applies to their National Agency on behalf of all the partners for all costs.

How is a project financed?
The grant is calculated on the basis of real costs for travel and fixed rates for all related costs. The exact amounts are detailed in the application forms.

How do I apply?
Download a copy of the application form or contact us. Completed applications should be forwarded to the Connect Youth team at the British Council.

Project start date, between

1 May and 30 September   -   deadline 1 February

1 July and 30 November   -   deadline 1 April

1 September and 31 January   -   deadline 1 June

1 December and 30 April   -   deadline 1 September

1 February and 30 June   -   deadline 1 November

All projects must have a detailed programme see explanation below

Please describe in which concrete daily activities the theme will be put into practice and which working methods you intend to use.

Please attach an estimated timetable (daily programme outlined in the format provided below) of the planned activities. Remember that the programme should be adapted to the needs and interests of the participants, and should reflect the theme and objectives of the project, and have clear identifiable learning outcomes (which need to be clearly listed).

For more information go to: http://www.britishcouncil.org/connectyouth-programmes-youth-in-action.htm