🇧🇬 Erasmus+ Youth Exchange in Bulgaria 🔐 Cybersecurity, Digital Safety & Responsible Online Behaviour at COMET 💻

Scrolling, clicking, sharing — every day we move through digital spaces without always knowing what risks are behind them. Phishing. Malware. Social engineering. Ransomware. Data misuse. This youth exchange is designed to change that — giving young people from seven countries the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to understand, prevent, and respond to cybersecurity risks in everyday digital life.

InclusiON for Young People is organising COMET — Cybersecurity Optimization and Modern Evolutionary Technologies — an Erasmus+ KA152 Youth Exchange taking place in Bansko, Bulgaria, from 13 to 22 June 2026. The project brings together 35 participants aged 18 to 30 from Bulgaria, Germany, North Macedonia, Italy, Türkiye, Austria, and Romania.

What Is This Project About?

COMET responds to the growing risks young people face in digital environments. Through non-formal learning methods, peer learning, simulations, workshops, intercultural exchange, and digital content creation, the project aims to empower young people as safer internet users — and as active digital citizens who can raise awareness in their own communities.

Objectives

🔍 Improve cybersecurity awareness — recognising threats such as phishing, malware, ransomware, social engineering, online fraud, and data breaches

🛡️ Develop practical digital safety skills — protecting personal data, digital identity, privacy, and online presence

⚖️ Promote responsible and ethical digital citizenship — safe online behaviour, respect for privacy, critical thinking, and informed decision-making

🧠 Strengthen digital and transversal competences — digital literacy, problem-solving, teamwork, communication, leadership, and intercultural cooperation

🤖 Explore emerging technologies — artificial intelligence, blockchain, virtual reality, and machine learning — and their opportunities and risks

🤝 Support youth participation and peer learning — creating an international network of young digital citizens

Activities

🎯 Energizers, ice-breakers, team building, and name games

💬 Brainstorming sessions, discussions, and debates

🔬 Hands-on activities and informative workshops

🎮 Games and friendly competitions

🎭 Role-plays, drama, and skits

🌿 Outdoor activities and sessions held outside

🪞 Reflections and evaluations

Results — What Participants Will Leave With

🔐 Stronger knowledge of cybersecurity concepts and everyday digital risks

⚡ Ability to identify and respond to threats — phishing, malware, ransomware, social engineering

💡 Improved practical digital competences through simulations, group work, and problem-solving

🗣️ Stronger soft skills — teamwork, communication, public speaking, leadership, and critical thinking

🧭 Understanding of the ethical dimensions of digital technology — privacy, data protection, and democratic values

📋 Concrete outcomes — posters, a handbook, and social media content

Who Should Apply?

4 young participants (18–30) + 1 group leader (no age limit) per country.

🔹 Interested in cybersecurity, digital safety, digital innovation, and responsible online behaviour

🔹 Motivated, open to learning, and willing to actively contribute

🔹 At least basic English skills to work in groups — fluency not required

🔹 Committed to preparation activities, full participation, and follow-up dissemination and multiplier events

The Venue — Royal Bansko Family Apart Hotel

🏨 Royal Bansko Family Apart Hotel — participants housed in double-room apartments with 3 to 4 individuals sharing each unit

🛁 Towels and basic toiletries provided

🍽️ 3 meals and 2 coffee breaks per day

🏊 Access to hotel facilities: tennis court, football pitch, gym, spa centre, and indoor pool

What to Bring

💊 Personal medicine and health items

👕 Comfortable clothes for daily activities and workshops

💻 Laptop or tablet to work on group activities

🍕 Traditional snacks or food from your country for Cultural Nights

♻️ Eco-friendly items — reusable bags or cups

Travel Reimbursement

🚌 Participants from Bulgaria, Romania, Türkiye, and North Macedonia — green travel (buses, trains, carpooling)

✈️ Participants from Germany, Italy, and Austria — standard travel primarily by plane

📍 10–99 km: €56 green / €28 standard

📍 100–499 km: €285 green / €211 standard

📍 500–1999 km: €417 green / €309 standard

⚠️ All tickets must be confirmed by the hosting organisation before purchase. Contact your sending organisation for details.

💬 Never participated in an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange before and not sure where to start? This complete guide covers everything you need to know — from eligibility to what the programme actually involves: https://youthworkshub.org/15096/