ERASMUS+, Key action 1: youth exchange
Dates: 2—13 July 2026
Venue: Alicante, Spain
Czech team: 5 participants + 1 group leader
Please read the info-pack.
Hosting organisation: Xeracion
Project report:
Hola from the beautiful country of Spain! This time my Erasmus+ journey brought me to the sunny city of Alicante, where from 2nd to 13th July 2026 I had the opportunity to take part in a youth exchange dedicated to one of the most inspiring topics for active young people – how to design and organize your own Erasmus+ Youth Exchange.
From the very first day, the atmosphere was full of positive energy. Through icebreakers, team-building games and informal activities, we quickly got to know each other and created a friendly international community. Participants came from Czechia, Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal, bringing together different cultures, ideas and perspectives. It did not take long before strangers became friends.
As we gradually entered the main topic of the project, we explored different leadership styles and learned about the various roles people naturally take within a team – from pilots and participants to passengers, protesters and prisoners. We also discovered different personality types represented by the elements of fire, air, earth and water, which helped us better understand ourselves and the people we work with. These sessions showed us that every successful project needs a balance of different personalities and approaches.
The most exciting part of the exchange was putting theory into practice. Working in international teams, our task was to create and facilitate our own workshop. Our group designed a United Nations simulation based on two fictional countries – Gramaland and Pecinia, where Gramaland was striving for independence. Participants had to negotiate, debate and search for peaceful solutions while representing different countries and interests. Other groups prepared equally creative workshops focused on topics such as entrepreneurship, emotional well-being and expressing emotions through art. It was inspiring to see how many different ideas could emerge from one international team.
Of course, Erasmus+ is not only about workshops and learning. We also had the opportunity to discover the beauty of the Alicante region. During our free day, we rented a car and visited the breathtaking Cala del Moraig, where we enjoyed crystal-clear water, stunning cliffs and unforgettable views. It was the perfect chance to relax, strengthen friendships and recharge before returning to the educational part of the programme.
Towards the end of the exchange, we focused on the practical side of organizing Erasmus+ projects. We learned where to find funding opportunities, how to prepare an application and what steps are necessary to transform an idea into a real international youth exchange. These sessions inspired many of us to start thinking about organizing our own projects in the future.
The project concluded with a beautiful closing ceremony on the beach, where we reflected on everything we had learned, shared our favourite memories and said our emotional goodbyes. As always, it was difficult to leave behind the people with whom we had shared almost two unforgettable weeks.
Looking back, this youth exchange was much more than a training about Erasmus+. It was an experience that strengthened our confidence, improved our teamwork and leadership skills, and showed us that young people are capable of creating meaningful opportunities for others. We left Alicante not only with new knowledge about project management, but also with new friendships, unforgettable memories and the motivation to become organizers ourselves one day.
A huge thank you goes to everyone who made this project possible. Erasmus+ once again proved that learning can happen far beyond the classroom and that some of the most valuable lessons come from working, sharing and growing together with people from all over Europe.
Michal P.
