Connect Youth International
Connect Youth International runs programmes that give young people experiences of different countries and cultures.
Young people can learn more about themselves, other people and can compare lives by getting involved in
- Youth exchanges
- European voluntary service
- Group initiatives
Youth exchanges are for people aged 15-25 years old who visit a young person in another country and then host them in return. Activities during the exchanges are informal but based on a theme of interest to the young people involved.
European Voluntary Service allows young people aged 18-25 years old to volunteer on projects for up to a year. Volunteers work in a variety of settings, including with children, the elderly or people with disabilities.
Group initiatives are projects created, devised and managed by young people aged between 15-25. These take place within their local communities in the UK. Projects have included peer-teaching, youth newspapers and arts festivals.
Young people from Nottinghamshire took part in an exchange with young people from Spain.
Here are some of their comments...
"We have had so much fun learning new things and we have felt much more confident when communicating with the Spanish. They appreciate it when you make an effort to speak their language. We have built many foundations for lasting friendships". Katie 18 and Eilise 18
"The Spanish Exchange has been a very fulfilling and rewarding experience. We have enjoyed sharing in both the similarities and differences in our cultures and learnt more each day about the Spanish and their way of life. Language wasn't as big a barrier as we first expected; signs, smiles and laughs were had by all. We taught each other about our favourite and more useful phrases! Great fun! What a laugh...and tanned!". Sean 21
"The week we have shared together has been a fantastic experience. We have finally become accustomed to the Spanish way of life - the weather, the siestas and the fiestas! We have enjoyed all the day trips and appreciated learning about the culture. However, learning the language was very difficult yet fulfilling. It has been an amazing opportunity". Michelle 18, Hannah 21 and Tim 19.
For more information on any of these ventures contact:
Keith Hanbury 0115 9254575
or visit www.connectyouthinternational.com
