Romania, Costinești
Activity Dates: 06/09/2026 - 12/09/2026
Travel Dates: 05/09/2026 - 13/09/2026
Participating Countries: RO, RS, HU, SK
🤖🎨 Create, Experience, Empower — rediscover creativity in a world shaped by Artificial Intelligence!
In today’s digital environment, Artificial Intelligence is deeply integrated into young people’s daily lives, especially in education, social media, and entertainment. Much of the content they encounter online is selected or generated by algorithms, which often encourages passive use of digital platforms, where consumption replaces creation.
With the rapid rise of AI tools capable of producing texts, images, videos, and music in seconds, creativity can sometimes feel challenging. While these tools are powerful, they may also lead some young people to doubt the value of their own ideas, perceiving them as less original or “not good enough.” This can result in reduced motivation to create and a growing pattern of “digital passivity,” where automated solutions replace personal expression and experimentation.
That is why the youth exchange “Our Creative Adventure in the Virtual World”, promotes a “balanced mix” approach that combines real-life experiences, face-to-face interaction, and nature-based inspiration with the responsible use of digital tools and Artificial Intelligence. Real experiences remain the main source of creativity, while AI is used only as a supportive tool. Cultural diversity, ethical awareness, and self-expression are at the core of this approach, helping young people develop an authentic creative voice and move from passive users to active creators who think critically and express themselves creatively in a responsible digital world.
For 7 unforgettable days, participants will embark on a journey that combines team building, critical thinking, creativity, and digital awareness through non-formal education methods and experiential learning. From icebreakers and intercultural activities to exploring fake news, algorithms, and AI-generated content, you will develop a deeper understanding of how information is shaped in the digital world.
Through outdoor exploration by the seaside, storytelling, photography, and real-life inspiration, you will compare authentic experiences with AI-generated cultural representations, discovering the value of lived reality in the creative process. Participants will also engage in workshops on ethical AI use and human creativity, learning how digital tools can support ideas without replacing personal expression.
Beyond the workshops, the Romanian seaside setting will offer opportunities for reflection, intercultural bonding, and unforgettable moments by the sea — creating meaningful connections in an inspiring atmosphere.
“Our Creative Adventure in the Virtual World” is more than a Youth Exchange — it is a journey toward understanding, empathy, and inclusion. By the end of the journey, participants will have strengthened their creativity, critical thinking, and digital competences, while discovering how real experiences and responsible use of AI can come together to support meaningful expression and active participation.
🌍 Ready to turn inspiration into creation and find balance between real life and AI? Join us on a creative journey where experience, diversity, and technology come together to shape your voice.
We are looking for enthusiastic young people from Romania, Hungary, Slovakia or Serbia to take part in this exciting youth exchange on arts and creative expression!
Resident or citizen of Romania, Hungary, Slovakia or Serbia
Aged between 16–20 years old
Curious and motivated to learn about bridging intercultural, intergenerational, and social divides through creativity, arts, and culture.
Open-minded, active, and ready to participate fully in interactive workshops, team activities, and discussions
Excited to work with peers from different countries and cultural backgrounds
Available for the full 7-day program and committed to active participation in all sessions
Willing to share what you’ve learned with your school, youth group, or local community after the exchange
From each participating country, we will select:
10 young participants (ages 16–20)
1 group leader (aged 18+), responsible for supporting and guiding their national group throughout the project
The youth exchange will take place near the Romanian seaside, at Felix Residence, located in Costinești, Romania, a welcoming location perfect for learning, relaxing, and connecting with others. Participants will be accommodated in cozy, shared rooms at the guesthouse, with 2 to 4 people per room, separated by gender to ensure comfort and privacy.
Each participant will be served three meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
IMPORTANT: We kindly ask all participants to share their dietary needs, allergies or food restrictions during the application process so that we can make sure everyone’s needs are taken into account.
Whether you're brainstorming ideas, working in teams, or enjoying an evening by the seaside, Felix Residence will be your home for the week — a place to relax, recharge, and create unforgettable memories with new friends from across Europe.
(The swimming pool will not be accessible during the stay, but the beach is just 10 minutes away to enjoy your free time and explore the creative side of yours)
Costinești is one of the most vibrant and youth-oriented resorts on the Romanian Black Sea coast, known for its lively atmosphere, long sandy beaches, and beautiful seaside views. Popular among young people from across Romania and Europe, it offers a unique combination of relaxation, social life, and outdoor activities. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy the refreshing sea breeze, beach walks, and memorable sunsets while experiencing the welcoming energy of this iconic seaside destination.
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. Once the groups are formed, we will organize and arrange the most efficient route and means of travel to Costinești, Romania.
The transport will be planned in advanced and communicated with the participants. The transport tickets will be purchased by the organization. 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. In some cases the organizers might request a 50 EURO deposit in order to prevent late cancellations or cover name of ticket changes if cancelled (The deposit will be returned at least on the last day of the activity).
Arrival in Costinești: 05 September 2026
Departure from Costinești: 13 September 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:
Third-party liability
Lost or stolen baggage.
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.
It’s time to showcase your country and culture in a fun, creative way!
Each national group is expected to prepare a short program to present their traditions, customs, and way of life. This is a special moment when participants can get to know each other’s cultures in a relaxed and informal setting.
What to bring:
Traditional snacks and foods
National flags
Traditional clothes
Ideas for your presentation:
Creative performances (songs, dances, short plays)
Interactive quizzes or games
Storytelling sessions or short videos (optional, only during free time)
We encourage you to be as creative as possible — think outside the box! Use theatre, live presentations, dances, or even funny sketches to make your evening memorable.
In the area, the average temperature in autumn is between 15 °C and 30°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.
Arrival Day – Participants arrive at Felix Residence on the Romanian seaside, settle into their rooms, and take part in an informal welcome evening designed to create a friendly and inclusive atmosphere while meeting fellow participants from different countries.
Day 1: Building Connections & Intercultural Bonding – Through energizers, ice-breakers, and interactive team-building activities, participants will get to know each other, explore cultural diversity within the group, and begin building trust, cooperation, and mutual understanding in a safe and inclusive learning environment.
Day 2: Digital Awareness, Critical Thinking & Youthpass – Participants will explore how information is shaped in the digital world, focusing on fake news, algorithms, AI-generated content, and the impact of stereotypes in online representations of countries. Through interactive discussions and practical activities, they will strengthen critical thinking skills while also being introduced to the Youthpass learning process and reflecting on their competences.
Days 3–4: Creativity by the Seaside & Human–AI Balance – Participants will engage in outdoor exploration, storytelling, photography, and creative observation inspired by the Romanian seaside, collecting real-life experiences as a foundation for expression. These experiences will be compared with AI-generated content to reflect on authenticity, perception, and creativity. Participants will also explore ethical AI use, learning how digital tools can support, rather than replace, human imagination and expression through hands-on workshops.
Days 5–6: Creative Digital Production & Youth Expression – International teams will collaboratively design and produce digital content such as videos, photo stories, and social media campaigns focused on youth issues, cultural diversity, and inclusion. Participants will combine real-life inspiration with responsible use of AI tools to enhance their creative process, while also engaging in discussions on youth participation, digital activism, and active citizenship.
Day 7: Reflection, Dissemination & Celebration – Participants will reflect on their learning journey, evaluate their personal development, and explore ways to share their results and experiences within their local communities (DEOR). The exchange will conclude with Youthpass recognition, group celebration, and farewell activities.
Departure Day – Time to say goodbye, exchange memories and contacts, and take home new friendships, inspiration, and inclusive ways to express!
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 .
For questions or info regarding the activity, please contact us!
Coordinator
Zsombor Hajdó
Email: zsombor@asey.org
WhatsApp: +40 747 694 833
Co-coordinator
Minja Nikolić
Email: minja@asey.org
WhatsApp: +381 65 828 9293
Facilitator
Victor-Andrei Caldare
Email: victor@asey.org
WhatsApp: +40 766 415 881