🌊🎨 Express, Connect, Include — discover new ways of building bridges through creativity!

In a world where cultural misunderstandings, generational gaps, and social barriers still shape how we connect with one another, finding spaces for dialogue, empathy, and understanding has never been more important. How can young people and communities overcome these divides? How can creativity become a tool for inclusion and mutual understanding?

That is why “Our Inclusive Ways to Express” brings together young people from across Europe for an inspiring Youth Exchange on the Romanian seaside, where the sea becomes the backdrop for connection, reflection, and creative expression.

For 7 unforgettable days, participants will explore the themes of intercultural dialogue, intergenerational understanding, social inclusion, and creative self-expression through non-formal education methods and artistic experiences. Through interactive workshops, creative laboratories, cultural evenings, discussions, and collaborative activities, you will discover how arts, culture, and creativity can bridge differences and bring people closer together.

Participants will engage in activities involving visual arts, storytelling, theatre, movement, and creative expression, while also sharing their own cultural perspectives and experiences. The exchange will create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone is encouraged to express themselves, listen to others, and celebrate diversity.

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 Inclusive Ways to Express” is more than a Youth Exchange — it is a journey toward understanding, empathy, and inclusion. By the end of the project, participants will strengthen their communication and teamwork skills, develop intercultural competences, discover new creative ways to express themselves, and become ambassadors of inclusion in their local communities.

🌍 Ready to bridge divides, celebrate diversity, and discover inclusive ways to express yourself? Join us on the Romanian seaside and become part of a creative journey where differences become strengths.

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!

✅ Who can apply?

• 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
  
  

👤 Group Composition:

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

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: 

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. 

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 one another, explore cultural diversity within the group, and begin building trust, cooperation, and mutual understanding.

Day 2: YouthPass, Team Cohesion & Safe Spaces – Participants will strengthen group dynamics through collaborative activities while discovering the Youthpass Certificate and learning process. The day will also include a protection and safety workshop, creating a shared understanding of wellbeing, inclusion, respectful communication, and safe participation throughout the exchange.

Days 3–6: Inclusive Ways to Express – Creativity for Connection – Participants will explore how creativity, arts, and culture can bridge intercultural, intergenerational, and social divides through interactive workshops using theatre, storytelling, music, movement, and visual arts. Activities will focus on identity, inclusion, diversity, empathy, and belonging, while encouraging intercultural dialogue and intergenerational exchange. Participants will collaboratively create artistic outputs that promote understanding, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate diversity in an inspiring Romanian seaside environment. 

Day 7: Reflection, Dissemination & Celebration – Participants will reflect on their learning journey, evaluate their personal development, and discuss ways to share the project results and learning outcomes (DEOR) within their local communities. The exchange will conclude with a Youthpass ceremony, 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 .