Mobility programs (including Erasmus+ student exchanges) are nowadays a consistent aspect of our lives as young citizens, even more for those residing in countries of the European Union. Whether we travel for a short-term exchange, an internship, a meeting, a training or to attend an Agora we often receive financial support to cover the related expenses and we find ourselves as part of a bigger picture, where non-formal education activities and many intercultural moments open our eyes and fill our minds with new exciting perspectives, learnings and promising plans for the future.

When analyzing the annual activity plans of youth organizations, that can be local, national or European oriented, we immediately realise how strongly mobility projects between members are encouraged. A brief reflection on AEGEE-Europe highlights clearly that we could not ask for a more youth-led vision that has embraced this philosophy.

The policy paper I am developing as policy officer aims to remind us and to emphasize the incredible potential youth mobility programs are always putting on the table for those in search of life changing experiences, whether for a university exchange of few months, a Voluntary Service abroad during a gap year or a training to improve our key competences as youth workers and youth leaders.

Preparing this form during the Covid19 pandemic (and the relative suspension to all mobilities) made me realise that this unique treasure might be seriously impacted by the consequences of this emergency.
This life-changing experiences might even be compromised in the long-term, as EU faces internal tensions and the future is filled with uncertainty.

This is the moment to share your story, this is the moment to remind everybody around you how international mobility programs changed your life!