How do young people find mobility opportunities, and what are the barriers?

Last updated on Wednesday, 02/07/2025

Eurodesk has recently published the 2025 Eurodesk Info Survey, focusing on the information needs of young people, their motivations and experiences with mobility, but also on barriers and challenges.

The survey:

• Ran from October to December 2024
• Collected 7144 valid answers
• Targeted young people aged 13-35 from 36 European countries

The Eurodesk Youth Info Survey 2025 probed the opinions of young people on mobility in general. 98% of the respondents stated that they would be open to going abroad for a mobility experience, with 69% being very open to that idea.

75% of the respondents stated that having an information centre nearby that provides information and personalised support is useful or very useful.

40% of the respondents did not go abroad. The most prominent reasons mentioned related to lack of awareness and information (24% were not informed, 22% did not think about it, and 21% did not know how to do it) and to lack of time (29%).

As we reflect on the findings of the Eurodesk Youth Information Survey 2025, it is clear that young people continue to view mobility experiences as invaluable to their personal and professional development.

The survey reveals that young people from minority backgrounds, non-binary youth, and those from economically less fortunate circumstances face significant obstacles. These include financial and administrative hurdles, difficulties in making new friends abroad, and a lack of language skills.

The survey also highlights the importance of being present where young people are - in schools, local communities, as well as online. By leveraging online platforms, youth information services can create more inclusive and accessible information strategies that cater to the needs of diverse youth groups.

“This survey not only reaffirms the value of mobility experiences for young people but also underscores the need for tailored support and inclusive strategies. By learning from these findings, we can work towards creating a more equitable and supportive environment that allows all young people to benefit from these enriching experiences.” - Audrey Frith, Eurodesk Director

This research provides actionable insights. It underscores the need for tailored approaches to reach underrepresented groups while enhancing accessibility. It is an invitation to act. The report contains a set of lessons learned and recommendations to improve the quality of youth information services in Europe.