The flagship Virtual Exchange course 'Cultural Encounters' focuses on key debates around climate change As young people mobilise around one of humanity’s biggest questions, this course asks: what is the impact of climate change on the planet; political action and the movement of people?

Participants have the opportunity to access multimedia lecture series with materials from expert academics and practitioners. In addition, participants meet online in their intercultural dialogue groups to discuss the themes and engage in interactive skill-building activities.

The conversation about climate is a conversation about movement. Scientists point to the slow but steady upward movement of the planet’s temperature. Activists demand movement and change from governments and policymakers. Unprecedented global youth movements have emerged and shifted public discourse. New and more extreme climatic events are forcibly displacing people from their homes or livelihoods, and depleted natural resources threaten stability and peace. Still, beliefs and behaviours about climate are often unmoving.

From 12 October to 11 December 2020, youth from all over Europe and the Southern Mediterranean region can learn with, and from, each other through Virtual Exchange. With the guidance of certified dialogue facilitators, they will meet weekly to discuss the themes of the course and engage in interactive assignments building 21st-century skills and bringing their online experience to their offline realities. Participants develop transversal skills such as self-esteem, curiosity and cross-cultural communication skills and will be awarded Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange digital Badges highlighting the skills achieved.

Review the Course Outline for more details about the weekly programme, assignments and requirements.

Become an Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange Partner

Join a network of innovative educators and youth workers pioneering Virtual Exchange in their institutions and organisations. Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange offers support and consultation to partnering organisations that would like eligible students, volunteers or affiliates to take part in this interactive online course. Please contact our partnerships team via partner@sharingperspectivesfoundation.com

Who can join?

This course is open and free of charge to anyone between 18- 30 years old and is a resident in or with the nationality of, one of the Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange Project countries.