🇦🇹 Erasmus+ Youth Exchange in Austria 🎭 Theatre of Change: Theatre, Inclusion & Active Citizenship 🌍

Open call for young people aged 18 to 30 from Austria, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina to join Theatre of Change, an international Erasmus+ youth exchange from 9 to 17 August 2026 in Vienna, Austria. Using theatre, storytelling, role-play, improvisation and dialogue, you'll explore inclusion, discrimination, participation and active citizenship.

About the Project

Throughout this week in Vienna, you'll connect with young people from diverse backgrounds, take part in applied theatre workshops and address real-life social issues in a safe, supportive atmosphere. This isn't about professional acting; it's about new avenues for self-expression, active listening, building trust and understanding how theatre can empower young people to reflect, voice their thoughts and drive change in their communities. No theatre experience is needed, just motivation, openness and a willingness to take part.

Curious what a Youth Exchange actually involves? Here's the rundown: https://youthworkshub.org/15107/

Why We're Here

🎭 Explore social issues through creative theatre methods

🌍 Develop intercultural communication and teamwork skills

🗣️ Build confidence in self-expression and public speaking

📚 Learn non-formal education techniques for youth work

🤝 Create inclusive spaces for diverse voices and perspectives

✊ Inspire active citizenship and community engagement

Who Is This For

🔞 Young people aged 18 to 30 from the partner countries

🎭 Interested in creativity, theatre, self-expression, inclusion, social issues and intercultural exchange

🌱 No theatre experience needed; activities are beginner-friendly and flexible for different confidence and language levels

⭐ Especially encouraged: young people facing fewer opportunities, such as financial barriers, migration background or limited access to international mobility

Eligible Countries

🇦🇹 Austria, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇷🇴 Romania, 🇷🇸 Serbia, 🇹🇷 Türkiye, 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina

Accommodation & Food

🏠 Youth Hostel Brigittenau in Vienna's 20th district, an eco-friendly hostel in a quiet, green neighbourhood with common areas, a garden and 24/7 reception

🛏️ Cozy 2-bed rooms with private bathrooms, gender-separated, with quiet hours

🍽️ Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner (a mix of Austrian and international cuisine), with vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free and allergy-sensitive options on request, plus daily coffee breaks

Travel & Reimbursement

✈️ Book travel only after confirmation from your sending organisation, and keep all original tickets, boarding passes and receipts

💶 Travel reimbursed up to the Erasmus+ distance-band limit: 🇦🇹 Austria €56 (green); 🇵🇱 Poland €285 (green); 🇷🇸 Serbia €417 (green); 🇹🇷 Türkiye €395; 🇷🇴 Romania €417 (green); 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina €417 (green)

🌱 Green travel (train, bus or carpooling) is mandatory for the indicated countries

🏦 Reimbursement is made after the exchange by bank transfer to the sending organisation (4 to 8 weeks), for the cheapest route only; taxis aren't reimbursed unless pre-approved

What's Included

🎭 7 days of interactive workshops, theatre labs and intercultural learning

🏠 Accommodation, meals and all activities fully covered by the project

✈️ Travel reimbursement according to Erasmus+ rules

📜 An official YouthPass certificate

🤝 A chance to learn, connect and create with young people from 6 countries

After the Exchange

The project continues at home: each participant contributes to dissemination on social media, and each team delivers one local follow-up activity (online or offline), such as a small workshop, a presentation, a theatre sharing session or a school/community activity.

Safe Space

This project works with personal expression and sensitive social issues, so a safe, respectful atmosphere is essential: respect for identities and boundaries, zero tolerance for discrimination or harassment, confidentiality of personal stories, no forced sharing, and the right to pause or step out. A co-created code of conduct, safeguarding measures and a clear reporting path are in place.