A strong international youth project begins with a shared purpose, not a bus reservation. What will young participants explore, decide and create together? Based in Leipheim in Bavarian Swabia, InKontakt e.V. works with creative and intercultural exchange formats. This resource brings together planning questions, useful methods and verified public information for associations, schools and volunteers.
What makes an exchange meaningful?
A youth exchange should go beyond sightseeing: participants work together, make decisions and learn from each other.
Shared experience, not parallel groups
Mixed-country teams can create a performance, podcast or exhibition together. Joint outcomes make collaboration visible.
Youth participation from the start
Ask young people about interests and support needs. Let them shape workshop formats, responsibilities and presentations.
Communication beyond language barriers
Language animation, visuals, short conversations and multilingual facilitation support inclusive communication.
Care, accessibility and reflection
Clear safeguarding contacts, breaks, accessible activities, consent and image rights are essential, with time for feedback.
Six steps to a youth exchange
Define aims and participants
Clarify age range, group size, learning goals and partner countries.
Find and brief partner organisations
Agree on roles, coordinators, communication languages and shared responsibility.
Co-design the programme
Balance creative workshops, icebreakers, free time and youth-led activities.
Check funding early
Review DPJW, DFJW or Erasmus+ criteria, deadlines and responsibilities for your project.
Organise safe delivery
Plan travel, supervision, health support, consent, media rights and emergency contacts.
Reflect and document
Ask participants what they learnt and shaped. Publish photos or videos only with suitable permissions.
Practical methods from InKontakt
Talent Academy formats can combine music, theatre, dance, visual art and media with intercultural group work. A meaningful experience matters more than packing every hour with activities.
Playful first-contact exercises without a fluency requirement.
Theatre, music and media let participants express ideas in different ways.
Small challenges with clear shared roles build trust.
Daily check-ins and room for breaks help participants be heard.
Funding and organisations
For German-Polish exchanges, the Deutsch-Polnisches Jugendwerk (DPJW) is an important source of information. The Bayerischer Jugendring (BJR) advises on exchange programmes in Bavaria. Depending on project partners, the German-French Youth Office (DFJW) or Erasmus+ may also be relevant. Check the rules before combining funding sources.
Frequently asked questions
Must an exchange be held in Munich?
No. Youth projects may also take place in smaller towns such as Leipheim or appropriate group accommodation across Bavaria, subject to programme requirements.
Do participants need advanced language skills?
Not necessarily. Language animation and supportive group methods help people communicate.
Does InKontakt run every training session listed here?
No. We share selected third-party opportunities; registration and participation conditions are managed by the named organiser.
Trusted resources
Use these official sources to verify current requirements.
- Bayerischer Jugendring · Jugendaustausch ↗
- BJR · Förderung deutsch-polnischer Jugend- und Schüleraustausch ↗
- Deutsch-Polnisches Jugendwerk (DPJW / PNWM) ↗
For general orientation only. Always check current conditions, deadlines and responsible bodies with the funders.
Plan a German–Polish youth exchange in Bavaria
From partner idea to funding application: a practical starting point for youth associations, schools and volunteer teams.