The main information about youth exchange

Summary of the youth exchange

Alongside a dynamic itinerary featuring sports, outdoor hikes, team-building games, and international cultural nights as there will be attendees from four different European countries, the core of our program centers around a structured journey. The core of the camp comprises seven structured sessions designed to guide participants through a comprehensive journey of discovery, resilience, and leadership.

Say "yes" to the opportunity to step away from screens, rediscover the joy of physical play, and connect with others
in a way that builds a more united world.

What we will learn
together:

♟️ About hope and how to bring it our and other people's lives.

♟️ To appreciate different sports cultures and understand how those can break barriers and build friendships.

♟️ To be more open and sensitive to others, their traditions, and their way of life, while learning how to respond with curiosity and solidarity.

What we will experience together:

🏹 Sharing and experiencing cultural exchange through sports, discovering new ways to connect beyond language and borders.

🏹 Moments of fun, teamwork, and exploring different traditions while getting to know each other and our beautiful countries.

🏹 A daily spiritual program (Holy Mass, testimonies, reflections, and prayer) to grow together in faith and community.

Previous Erasmus+ projects in Slovakia, Latvia

Meet the facilitators

Elizabete Mežule

Born and raised in Latvia, but now lives, works and enjoys life in Slovakia. Back in year 2022 Elizabete came to Slovakia as a European Solidarity Corps volunteer. After the volunteering year ended, she stayed to work in VIAC – Institute for Youth Support and Development as a coordinator of ESC and Erasmus+ projects. Her heart is burning for young people to find real meaning in their lives and she believes that it can be achieved through community which is fun and based on Christian values.

Emanuel Meserko

Born and raised on Slovenia. Works as a coordinator of pastoral care for youth groups in organisation Katoliška mladina. Also, takes care of implementing programme LifeTeen in Slovenia.

Who can participate?

Young people:

at the age from 16 to 22 from participating countries;
who are interested in the topic;
who can speak English at a conversational level.

A group leader

Every group needs to have a group leader, who is at the age of 18+ and will be responsible for the group.

From the group leader we expect:

active support of young people in the preparation part and within all the duration of the youth exchange;
aking responsibility in solving the problems that may occur in the group;
taking part in the common meetings according to the schedule.

By applying to this youth exchange, participants commit themselves to actively participate in the whole process, including:

reading all the information carefully;
communicating timely with the organisers;
preparing adequately for the youth exchange according to the instructions;
taking actively part in the full duration of the activities;
to participate in the evaluation process after the youth exchange;
to participate in sharing the results and outcomes of the youth exchange after the youth exchange is over.

Partners of the project

Country / Organization / Contacts of organisations / Number of participants

Slovakia / VIAC – Institut pre podporu a rozvoj mladeze / esc@ozviac.sk / 9
Slovenia / Katoliška mladina / emanuel@katoliskamladina.si / 8
Estonia / 9
Latvia / 9

ACCOMMODATION

The youth exchange will take place in St. Stanislav's Institute in Ljubljana. In one room there will be between three to seven people.

Sheets and towels will be provided.

St. Stanislav’s Institution is a cultural and educational establishment founded in 1901 by the Archdiocese of Ljubljana, Slovenia. It consists of 6 schools and is currently educating almost 1500 students. The mission of St. Stanislav’s Institution is to foster the integral personal growth of each individual in the community for the betterment of the world.

Address:

Štula 23

1210 Ljubljana

Slovenia

Important information

The place and event are strictly non-alcoholic, so we kindly ask you to respect it.

Travelling

First of all you need to arrive on 24th (Wednesday) of July by 4 PM, but depart on 30th (Tuesday) of July. And we recommend this option:

Take a flight to Ljubljana (Slovenia)

Take a flight to Triest (Italy)

Take a Flixbus to get to Ljubljana.

To receive reimbursement of travel expenses (plane/bus/train) we need you to deliver us following documents:

Invoice of your flight tickets, originals of bus or train tickets (invoice received from the airline/bus company if you buy the tickets online or from the travelling agency if you buy the tickets via an agency);
Boarding pass (from both ways).
We advise you to make screenshot of your boarding pass, especially if you buy tickets through mobile app. Usually boarding pass is not available after the flight.

*Please note that that travel costs will be reimbursed only for those who:

stay for the whole period of the youth exchange (travel days are 24.07.2026 (arriving) and 30.07.2026 (departure));
who fills the final report after the youth exchange is over;
actively participate in sharing the results and outcomes of the exchange after the exchange is over.

Amount of money for travelling

Country / Organization / Max amount of money for travelling

Slovenia / Katoliska mladina / 56 €
Slovakia / VIAC – Institut pre podporu a rozvoj mladeze / 309 €
Estonia / Caritas youth / 309 €
Latvia / LELB Diakonijas centrs / 309 €

ORGANISATIONAL DETAILS

Food

Beakfast, lunch, dinner and coffee breaks are all included. Also individual eating habits of participants will be taken into account, but don't be afraid to try Slovenian traditionals.

Insurance

It is the participant's responsibility to obtain full insurance for themselves. This includes travel insurance, medical insurance or European Health Insurance Card (yes, it actually works in case of an emergency!).

What to prepare before youth exchange?

Cultural presentation

Please prepare presentation (together with all group) of your country, culture, habits which:

🎭is interactive (other participants must be involved);

🎭 must NOT be boring – be creative as much as possible.

BRING NATIONAL FOOD

Please bring some national food, treats or some souvenirs for all participants (all costs are on your side)!

DON'T FORGET Outdoor clothes

The youth exchange will include outdoor activities. Please pack clothes which are also suitable for outdoor activities and swimsuit. And also be prepared that it is summer in Slovenia.

Online meeting

On 2nd of July at 17.00 (Slovak time, GTM+2)

There is going to be an online meeting with all participants and group leaders before the activity takes part in Slovenia. There we will meet each other and also clarify what is needed to be prepared.

The deadline for submitting project applications is June 19th 2026.

To finalize your application, you have to transfer 30 Euros to our bank account.

After the exchange they will be returned to you.

If you cancel your participation later than June 29, money won't be returned to you.

Bank account: SK61 7500 0000 0040 1397 5251

Name of account holder: VIAC - Institut pre podporu a rozvoj mladeze

CONTACTS

Elizabete Mežule
esc@ozviac.sk

+421 917364946

Emanuel Meserko
emanuel@katoliskamladina.si

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