Call for Youth Exchange Creative Lab
7 – 15 May 2025 (including travel days)
Vatra Dornei | Romania
About the project
Creative Lab is an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange that will take place from 7–15 May 2026 in Vatra Dornei, in the beautiful mountain region of Bucovina, Romania. The project brings together young people from six European countries to explore the connection between creativity and entrepreneurship in today’s fast-changing world. In a highly digitalised and competitive environment, creativity has become a key competence for innovation, start-ups and sustainable solutions. This youth exchange aims to empower young people to transform their ideas into realistic, impactful projects that respond to current social and labour market needs.
Throughout the exchange, participants will work in a “creative laboratory”, experimenting with non-formal learning methods that stimulate innovation, teamwork and design thinking. They will explore how to identify opportunities, develop entrepreneurial mindsets and turn ideas into viable projects. The programme includes interactive workshops, group challenges, collaborative project design, intercultural learning, and an outdoor activity in the surrounding mountain area. By the end of the exchange, participants will have strengthened their creative and entrepreneurial competences and gained the confidence to become active changemakers in their communities.
Involved countries
Czech Republic, Turkey, Italy, Poland, Spain, Romania
The venue & accomodation
Accommodation
The project will take place on the outskirts of Vatra Dornei, in the historical region of Bucovina, surrounded by mountains and nature while still offering the comfort of modern facilities. Participants will stay at Siady Guesthouse, accommodated in rooms of 2–3 people (in some cases up to 4). Each room has a private bathroom, towels and bed linen are provided, and WiFi is available at the venue.
The menu consists mainly of traditional eco dishes from local farms (meat, cheese, eggs), with vegetarian and limited vegan options available. Any special dietary requirements must be indicated in the application form.
Weather
In May, the weather in the mountains can still be quite unpredictable. Temperatures are usually between 10°C and 19°C (or higher) during the day, but they can drop to 4–9°C at night. Rain and occasional chilly evenings are possible, so it is recommended to bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable shoes in case of colder weather or outdoor evening activities.
The eligible participants
There will be 5 participants per country + 1 group leader.
The participants:
- are aged 18 – 30 years old (group leader 18+ years old)
- Czech citizen or resident
- willing to develop key competences in creativity and entrepreneurship
- have at least basic level of English recommended
- are able to demonstrate their motivation and interest in the project
Financial conditions
Accommodation, food and all materials at the project will be covered by the Erasmus+ programme. The travel costs for the Czech participants will be covered within the limit of 309 EUR.
Plase note that in case you are selected for the project, you will be asked to pay a membership fee of 900 CZK (or 35 EUR for payments from abroad) – we will use this contribution to cover the compensation for the trip coordinator, the costs of materials and preparation, and the complete support of the participants before, during and after the trip. Instructions for paying the membership fee will be sent to you by e-mail, along with instructions to confirm participation and other steps.
The membership fee also ensures your membership in the Youth Progress organization, free entry to all local activities and is paid annually – if you decide to go on another project with us this calendar year, you will not have to pay it again.
Your participation in the project is fully financed by the ERASMUS+ program. However, the program does not reimburse us, the sending organization, so thank you for helping us continue to provide these great opportunities to young people. 
* In case of cancellation of participation by the participant, the contribution is non-refundable.
** In case of cancellation of the project by the organizers or due to force majeure, the contribution will be refunded to the participant’s account.
*** The membership fee may be waived in exceptional cases, e.g. if the participant faces a financial disadvantage, which will be evaluated individually by the sending organization.