Seeking Connections

15.08 – 25.08.2024

Orsa, Sweden

Event summary

Can the captivating interplay between social media, mental health, nature, and photography be effectively explored in a single event? We believe it can. In an age where capturing the world around us is more accessible than ever, we aim to provide deeper insights into these interconnected topics. We’re excited to embark on this journey with you.

Throughout this event, we will delve into the powerful influence social media has on mental health, and how nature and photography can serve as a remedy. The constant online presence and digital noise can often lead to stress and anxiety and by focusing our lenses on the natural world, we seek to rediscover tranquility and balance. Participants will learn not just the technical aspects of photography and videography, but also how to use these tools to strengthen mental well-being and foster a healthier relationship with social media.

We welcome young adults from Estonia, Greece, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden to join us on an unforgettable 11-day journey set in the beautiful landscapes of Sweden. During these nine days, you’ll engage in various activities, including hands-on photography and videography workshops, discussions about the impact of social media and mental health, as well as immersive experiences in nature.

The exchange provides a unique opportunity for you to meet, share and learn from like-minded individuals across Europe, whilst fostering an environment of respect, inclusion, and community. Join us on this fun journey where we where we combine the art of photography with the therapeutic benefits of nature. Be ready to challenge yourself, grow, and discover something new. Sweden awaits you!

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission Erasmus+ programme. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

International Youth Exchange

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Where you'll be staying

Venue & Location

The venue is situated in Orsa, a calm village located in the middle of Swedish forests and surrounded by beautiful scenery. It’s peaceful and relaxing, far from the city hustle. Our participants will be accommodated in 4-5 people rooms inside wooden, traditional cabins. The venue also has big shared rooms where we’ll have some of our group activities, but we will try to spend the majority of our time outside.

Here’s what you can expect at the venue:

A lake that’s just a quick 15-minute walk away
Cozy indoor spaces and a big room for group activities
A nearby village with natives
Friendly huskies in the area
Modern Finish sauna
Swimming pool
Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served at the same location every day and we are also providing vegetarian options!

Although most of our activities will be held outdoors, some will take place in our shared common room indoors. The serene and picturesque village of Orsa provides an ideal setting for our program and you’ll have the opportunity to make new friends, participate in activities, and soak in the natural beauty of the area.

Discover non-formal learning!

What can you expect?

Photography As An Art Form

In this project we are placing a significant emphasis on photography, recognizing it not only as an expressive and creative art form but also as a valuable tool for learning and communication. By capturing and sharing visual projects, participants can document, analyze, and express their realities and perspectives, as well as connect and interact with others. The program also seeks to foster a sense of curiosity, adventure, and belonging among the participants, while promoting dialogue and understanding among different communities. We will explore how social media impacts mental health and learn ways to use photography to create positive and inspiring content. Through workshops and practical sessions, you’ll discover techniques to harness the therapeutic effects of nature, bringing a sense of calm and well-being into your digital narrative.

Making New Friends

By bringing together young adults from diverse backgrounds and cultures, we aim to foster an environment where making new friends is a natural part of the experience. Through collaborative activities, group discussions, and shared adventures in the beautiful Swedish landscape, participants will bond over common interests and collective goals. This shared journey will most certainly help build a strong sense of community, encouraging participants to support and learn from one another, ultimately bringing people together in a meaningful way.

Outdoor Exploration And Adventure

Sweden’s natural beauty is the perfect backdrop for going on hikes and regular walks, and what better companion than photography is there? Allowing you to capture the beauty, diversity and thrill of the natural world while soaking up the fresh air, admiring the plants and animals and reconnecting with nature. These outdoor adventures aren’t just about exercise; they’re also a great opportunity to reflect and dive deeper into our mental health related discussions

Have fun while developing yourself!

Social program

In addition to our daily activities we’ve designed an engaging social program for each evening. One of the highlight of this program is our cultural nights where teams from each participating country gets a chance to share their unique cultures. Whether it’s through games, songs, dances or any other creative medium, these evenings will be rich with learning and laughter. While we aim to foster new friendships and mutual understanding, we also recognize that social situations can feel overwhelming for some. Please know that we’re committed to making these activities as comfortable as possible for everyone. Each activity is meant to be enjoyable and inclusive, providing a warm and relaxed environment where you can connect with others at your own pace.

How to get to the event?

Travel

You must arrive at the venue on August 15th and participate for the entire duration of the event. The departure day is August 25th. To reach the venue, you can fly to Stockholm and then take a train to Orsa. We will provide more detailed travel information once you have been selected to join the project. Your travel expenses will be covered up to a specified limit. Reimbursement will be processed after you have submitted all required documents (invoices, boarding passes, receipts, etc.), within a month following the event. If you manage your expenses wisely, it’s possible to have your full travel costs reimbursed! For additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Participants are required to begin and end their travel in their country of origin. Traveling to the event from other countries (for example, if you are studying abroad) is not permitted.

The travel reimbursement limit depends on the travel distance. The upper limit per country is: Spain (3000-3999km): 530€ Greece (2000-2999km): 360€ Slovakia (500-1999km): 275€ Estonia (500-1999km): 275€ Sweden (100-499km): 180€

Meet the people behind Youth Europa!

Organisers

Since every project that we are carrying out is based on our own interests and skills, you can expect us to be highly motivated and energetic. Our extensive experience makes us more flexible and helps us make meaningful adjustments to the program. Keep in mind that youth exchanges are collaborative events where you also have the chance to help and contribute. Come and meet some of the awesome people behind Youth Europa and who knows, maybe you’ll join us one day!

Proof of participation

YouthPass Certificate

As a participant of this event, you will receive YouthPass – a certificate of non-formal education recognized all across Europe that allows you to describe what you have done and learned. On top of that, it can be a great way to stand out at a job interview or when applying to a university, not to mention the part where you get to show off to your friends:)

Send your application!

Deadline: 15.06.2024

Contact us

Ask us anything!

Frequently Asked Questions

How the heck is this so cheap?

This project is supported by Erasmus+ program. This enables us to keep the participation fee very low and even remove it for people who are in financial difficulties. We know it sounds too good to be true, feel free to check out the reviews:)

Not at all. We try to focus on non-formal learning methods. This means that all activities are interactive and you will usually work in groups.

What are the participation requirements?

Everyone who comes from the eligible countries and is 18 to 30 years old is welcome to apply. There are no prerequisites, we actually welcome people who have no prior experience at all. Also, this event is not political. We don’t care if you hold conservative or more liberal views. Just be friendly and cooperative, we’re all here to learn, make friends & have fun!

How do I sign up?

Click the “apply now” button below if the deadline has not passed. Fill the form and answer all the questions as sincerely as possible. We will get in touch with you if you have been selected. Make sure that @youtheuropa.org mails don’t go to your spam!:)

How are participants selected?

The participants are selected based on their motivation and interest in the topic. There is no catch, you just need to be sincere and honest in your application. Also, if you’re not selected in this project, it’s more likely that you get selected for the next ones.

How do I buy the tickets and plan my trip?

Questions such as this one will be answered by the organisers or your group leader. Don’t worry, we will help you find the best possible option!

What kind of travel cost will be covered?

We will cover your trip to and from the project destination. There are some limits that apply, this is based on your travel distance. These limits are mentioned in the information above. If you buy the tickets early enough, it’s common to get your travel 100% covered.

How & When do I get my travel reimbursement?

After the event, all participants will fill the reimbursement form where you will be asked to upload the travel cost documents (itinerary, boarding passes, invoices etc.). The reimbursement process usually takes between 1-2 months. Remember that we will help you on every step of the way.

Do I have to speak in front of a group or lead workshops?

Nope. You will not be forced to do anything that you’re not comfortable with. But it’s definitely a great place to step our of your comfort zone. This is going to be a journey in your personal development:)

I still have some questions

No problem, get in touch with us and we will do our best to provide you some answers. You can do so by heading over to the contact page.

Seeking Connections