Skip to content
Blog KA152 Guide

Complete Guide to Youth Exchanges

Everything you need to know about KA152 Erasmus+ youth exchanges — from application to Youthpass, including what a real programme day looks like.

📅 April 2024⏱️ 8 min read✍️ CLAVE Youth 2 Can Act

What is a KA152 Youth Exchange?

A KA152 youth exchange is an Erasmus+ programme where groups of young people (aged 18–30) from at least 2 different European countries meet for 6 to 21 days to work together on a specific topic through non-formal education activities.

Exchanges can be bilateral (2 countries) or multilateral (up to 6 countries). They usually involve 10–60 participants plus group leaders, and are built around a theme — from climate change to digital citizenship, mental health, arts or social entrepreneurship.

💰 Full cost coverage

Travel (up to €360–1,285 depending on distance), accommodation, food, activities, insurance and local transport are all 100% covered by the Erasmus+ grant. Cost to participants: €0.

Step-by-step: from interest to departure

1

Express your interest

Contact CLAVE and tell us about yourself — your interests, availability and what type of exchange theme appeals to you.

2

Motivation letter & interview

Write a brief motivation letter explaining why you want to participate. CLAVE may conduct a short informal conversation to understand your profile better.

3

Confirmation and pre-departure preparation

If selected, you'll receive full programme details, a preparation session and a pre-departure briefing covering logistics, cultural context and learning objectives.

4

The exchange itself

8–14 days of intensive non-formal learning, intercultural activities, teamwork and unforgettable experiences with young Europeans.

5

Return, reflection and Youthpass

A reintegration session helps you make sense of the experience. You complete your Youthpass competency reflection and receive your official EU certificate.

6

Local action

Erasmus+ encourages alumni to carry their learning back into their communities. CLAVE supports you in designing a local follow-up action or project.

A typical day at a youth exchange

📅 Tuesday — Day 4 of 10 (Sample Programme)
08:00Morning energy activity — group energiser outdoors
09:00Breakfast together
10:00Workshop: "Mapping our community challenges" (World Café format)
13:00Lunch + free time
15:00Cultural visit: Local heritage tour guided by host group
18:00Intercultural evening: Polish & Romanian traditional food
20:00Dinner + social time
22:00Evening reflection circle (optional)

FAQ

Do I need to speak English?

Working English is recommended, as it's the main communication language. However, CLAVE facilitators are bilingual and can support Spanish-speaking participants. Language barriers are also used as a learning opportunity, not an obstacle.

What if I've never done this before?

Most participants are first-timers. CLAVE designs its programmes for people with no previous Erasmus+ experience. The pre-departure preparation specifically addresses nerves, expectations and practical questions.

Can I go alone, or do I need a group?

You can absolutely join as an individual. CLAVE forms groups from individual applicants when needed. You'll arrive as a participant, leave as part of an international community.

"I came as a shy kid who'd never left Spain. I came back speaking three languages, with friends across 6 countries and knowing exactly what I want to do with my life."

— Participant, KA152 Valencia–Portugal–Poland exchange

Apply for a youth exchange

CLAVE runs KA152 exchanges throughout the year from Valencia and Alicante. Check current availability and apply.