Organising your own youth exchange

This exchange stemmed from six places in Europe with the same city name (Linden) in the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, France, Spain and Germany. Ten young people from each country came to the Netherlands. I wanted to help with the organisation to do something in return for the countries that had made it such a beautiful experience for me in the past.

Because of the war in Ukraine, it became clear how important it is to have connections across borders. Therefore, the theme of the exchange became: together we are stronger, develop for Europe. One thing was certain: we will speak English. That is quite a step for someone aged 15, but one language ensures that everyone is equal. We wanted to create a group feeling and show that we can work together, whatever your nationality. People across borders can be your friends just as much as your neighbour.

The organisation consisted of ten young people. In the beginning, we didn't know what everyone’s strengths and weaknesses were, so we discovered it together. We made the programme together, a budget, wrote the funding application and arranged practical matters. We knew it was a lot of work, but in the end we thought it was super cool that we were given the responsibility and freedom to put something like this together.

All activities had a link to working together and to Europe. It was extraordinary to see that everyone approached the activities differently! Afterwards, we heard from the participants that they felt like one group and got to know another side of themselves. What I also really liked was that the participants were really a reflection of society. Yet everyone was equal. There were girls who liked each other and no one had any judgment on that. I thought that was so cool, because that really isn't possible everywhere.

I really enjoyed organising a youth exchange. It gave me a lot of satisfaction and self-confidence that things just work out!

Updated on kedd, 17/02/2026