Facilitating youth exchanges in 2026 means working with participants who are constantly connected, informed—and influenced by AI.

So where does that leave the facilitator?

“Cool Facilitators” is a 8-day training course bringing together 20 facilitators, youth workers and volunteers the to rethink facilitation in the digital age. Instead of competing with technology, participants will explore how to use AI as a support tool for engagement, reflection and learning—while keeping the human connection at the center.

Through hands-on sessions, experimentation and exchange of real experiences, participants will gain practical tools, test new approaches, and strengthen their ability to design meaningful learning processes.

In the end, the seminar invites one key question:
How can facilitators create learning that is both digitally relevant and deeply human?

We are looking for motivated youth workers, trainers, facilitators, youth leaders, volunteers and project coordinators from European Union Member States and third countries not associated to the Erasmus+ programme, who are interested in exploring how facilitation can evolve in a digital and AI-shaped reality.

Participants should be actively involved—or planning to be involved—in youth work, and motivated to strengthen the quality, relevance and impact of Erasmus+ youth exchanges by combining non-formal learning with digital tools and AI.

Who can apply?

• Resident or citizen of European Union Member States and third countries not associated to the Erasmus+ programme

• 18+ years old

• Actively involved, or planning to be involved, in youth work, youth projects or youth organisations (as a volunteer, youth worker, trainer, facilitator or project coordinator)

• Interested in facilitating or supporting Erasmus+ youth exchanges

• Curious about the role of AI and digital tools in learning and youth work

• Open to experimenting with new methods and reflecting on their own facilitation practice

• Open-minded, motivated and ready to actively participate in interactive sessions, group work and discussions

• Comfortable working in an international and intercultural environment

• Available for the full duration of the seminar and committed to active participation

• Willing to apply the learning in future projects and share the experience within their organisation or local community

No participant can arrive later than the official arrival day or depart earlier than the official departure day. Skipping activity days is not tolerated.

We encourage greener means of travel whenever possible, such as public transportation, carpooling, or contracted bus. Upon your selection, we will organize and arrange the most efficient route and means of travel to Mezőberény, Békés County, Hungary, at Picnic Park and Leisure Center. 

The transport tickets will be purchased by the organization for the participants.
IMPORTANT: Please do NOT buy any tickets on your own without first consulting us, to avoid any risk of your travel expenses being ineligible for reimbursement.

Arrival in Mezőberény: 18 May 2026
Departure from  Mezőberény: 27 May 2026
(Some groups might start the travel during the night in order to arrive in time to the activity in time)

IMPORTANT: Most of the costs like travel, activities, materials, accommodation, and daily food, are covered by the Erasmus+ programme. Rest, such as insurance, travel upgrades such as priority, checked-in luggage, 1st class tickets, etc, are not covered. Please, remember, The EU does co-fund, not fully fund this event, therefore you must cover your additional expenses.

All the participants must have valid travel insurance for the whole project period, including the travel days. The insurance must cover the following: 

1. Third-party liability 

2. Lost or stolen baggage. 

3. Accident and serious illness. 

We cannot accept participants without private travel insurance. Supplementary, we also recommend that you get a European health insurance card. Your national health insurance provider issues this card. 

In the area, the average temperature in early spring is between 5°C and 20°C. Please check accuweather.com for more updated information about the weather. Casual, comfortable sportswear, slippers or sneakers for indoor and comfortable shoes for outdoor activities. It may also rain throughout our stay, so please pack warm clothes, waterproof jackets, and shoes. 

Day 1 – Getting Acquainted & Building the Learning Community

Arrival, group formation, setting expectations and introducing the seminar focus on facilitation in the digital and AI era.

Day 2 – Local Realities of Facilitators & Youth Work Contexts

Exploring participants’ experiences, challenges and needs in facilitation, with a focus on how digitalisation and AI already influence youth work.

Day 3 – Understanding AI in Youth Work

Introduction to AI tools and their role in learning processes; opportunities, risks, and ethical considerations in non-formal education.

Day 4 – Field Visit & Intercultural Learning (Békéscsaba)

Study visit and field-based learning, connecting local practices with reflection on facilitation, community engagement and learning environments.

Day 5 – Designing Blended Learning Activities

Combining AI tools with participatory non-formal methods; creating meaningful, inclusive and engaging learning experiences.

Day 6 – Testing & Improving Facilitation Methods

Practical sessions where participants test, adapt and receive feedback on facilitation approaches using digital and face-to-face methods.

Day 7 – Developing the “Cool Facilitation” Approach

Co-creating principles, tools and approaches for future youth exchanges; consolidating learning and defining personal takeaways.

Day 8 – Evaluation & Future Cooperation

Reflection, Youthpass process, evaluation of the seminar and planning follow-up actions, partnerships and future projects.

In order to apply,  you have to create  an ASEY account, using  the link below.  If you already have an account  you  need to  log in  and complete the application form!
When you are creating the account and applying please carefully read the application form and note that:
1. We are not responsible for the wrong or incomplete data you introduce in the form.
2. Your data such as name, e-mail, and date of birth must be correct. Making mistakes will automatically translate into wrong information on your certificate received at the end of the project.
3. You must use no other e-mail address other than yours. Make sure you have access to it.
4. You have to specify to us if you prefer a vegetarian or vegan menu or have any allergies or intolerances - this cannot be changed during the project .