Are you ready to use music as a universal language for inclusion, intercultural dialogue, and connection? Sounds of Cultures is an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange that turns Tuzla, in the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, into an imagined perfect place for young people: a week of art, freedom, and intercultural exchange, built on music and respect towards all cultures, ideas, and realities. It brings together young people from diverse backgrounds to explore, share, and co-create music inspired by their own cultural traditions.
Through immersive, music-based activities, participants develop their musical skills, overcome personal and creative barriers, and strengthen their confidence and creativity, while helping to erase boundaries and prejudice among young people across the region.
πΌ Project Info
Sounds of Cultures exists for a week as a free space where music and mutual understanding come first. The pillars of the project are music and respect towards all cultures, ideas, and realities, and everything is designed so that young people, especially those without access to formal musical education, can create together as equals.
π― Main Objectives
π΅ Music and cultural exchange
π€ Peer-to-peer learning and the exchange of other non-formal learning methods
π Strengthening the network of young people
ποΈ Contributing to local and regional social cohesion
ποΈ Erasing boundaries and prejudice among young people
π» Discussing the future of traditional music and the preservation of traditional music from different regions or countries
β¨ Creating a free space for creativity
πΆ Working together to build a repertoire of traditional music
π¬ Intercultural dialogue
π€ Activities
π οΈ Workshops using non-formal learning methods
πΈ Music exchange and rehearsals
ποΈ Recording sessions
ποΈ Preservation of culture and intangible heritage
πΆ Concerts
π¨ Staying in the region and drawn to art as a tool for connection? This solidarity placement lives it daily: ESC Volunteering in π·πΈ Serbia π¨ Teach French Through Art, Music & Play in Novi Sad π β https://youthworkshub.org/19192
π₯ Group Composition and Requirements
Each national team consists of:
πΈ 4 participants aged 16 to 30
π§βπ« 1 group leader aged 18 or over
Participant requirements:
π Age 16 to 30 years old (group leaders must be 18+)
π£οΈ Basic English communication skills
π» A musical focus: the organisers are building a balanced ensemble and prioritise participants who play traditional and melodic instruments, as percussion and guitars are already well represented; each group is kindly asked to include at least one singer
Each national team must have at least 4 participants and one leader from the same country, sent by an NGO with an OID number.
π Important Notes and Visas
A valid Schengen visa or a Russian passport is a must for Armenian participants. Please plan any visa requirements well in advance.
ποΈ Who Are We?
The exchange is organised by akustikUm (MuziΔka omladina BiH) in Tuzla and Association Ballade in Strasbourg, two music-focused organisations that promote access to culture for all. With twenty years of partnership, they organise international Erasmus+ projects, cultural events, and youth exchanges that bring together participants from different countries to learn and share music, especially those who do not have access to formal musical education.
π Venue, Food and Accommodation
The activities take place at KuΔa plamena mira (Peace Flame House), a sociocultural centre in the heart of Tuzla's natural resort area.
π¨ Participants stay at Hotel Miris dunja 88 in the city centre, a 10-minute walk from the daily activities
π½οΈ Breakfasts are served in the hotel, while lunches and dinners take place in various restaurants and venues, with menus varied and tailored to the preferences (vegetarian and others) indicated in the application
βοΈ Transportation
The closest airport is Tuzla, followed by Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Belgrade, and Zagreb. There are many Wizz Air connections to Tuzla and many Ryanair connections to Sarajevo. Tuzla is well connected to the region by bus, as it has no railway, but note that there are no buses to Sarajevo after 6pm. Let the organisers know your itinerary so they can welcome you on arrival, and keep all tickets, invoices, and boarding passes, as they are required for reimbursement.
πΆ Travel Reimbursement
The project covers the full cost of your round-trip travel between your place of residence and Tuzla, calculated in accordance with the 2026 Erasmus+ fares, with food, accommodation, and participation also covered. Maximum reimbursement depends on the travel distance:
π 10β99 km: β¬56 green / β¬28 non-green
π 100β499 km: β¬285 green / β¬211 non-green
βοΈ 500β1999 km: β¬417 green / β¬309 non-green
βοΈ 2000β2999 km: β¬535 green / β¬395 non-green
Travel documents must be submitted to Association Ballade in one PDF file, including an Excel file summarising expenses and all bills, tickets, and boarding passes.
π Also curious about culture and inclusion in the Balkans? This placement blends creativity with belonging: ESC Volunteering in π¦π± Albania π¨ Beyond Barriers β Culture & Inclusion with French Language Workshops πΏ β https://youthworkshub.org/19677
π Rules of the Exchange
π« Do not use, carry, or possess any kind of drugs at any time during travel or stay
π· Do not drink alcohol during the working hours of the programme, and avoid excessive drinking
πΆ Accept responsibility to pay for any damage caused to other people or material assets
πΈ Notify the host organisation in advance if you do not consent to the use of photographs for dissemination
β° Respect the activity timetable, be punctual and present, and respect the ideas, opinions, and cultural differences of others
π¨ Follow local rules and the rules of the accommodation site
Participants who do not comply with these rules, or do not submit their travel documents correctly, will not be reimbursed.
π Discover Tuzla
Tuzla, in northeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a gentle city of cobbled streets and salt-scented air, famous for its shimmering Pannonian Lakes and warm amber sunsets. A few local highlights:
π§ Relax at the Pannonian Lakes, Europe's only saltwater lakes located in a city centre
ποΈ Wander through the Old Town (Stari Grad), with its Ottoman architecture, cosy cafΓ©s, and Bosnian coffee
π§ Explore the Salt Square (Trg Slobode), the largest square in Bosnia and Herzegovina, lively and beautifully lit at night
π³ Stroll through Slana Banja Park, a green oasis with panoramic views
π© How to Apply
Read the infopack, then complete the online application form. Selection prioritises a balanced musical ensemble, so highlight your instrument and whether you can sing.
β° Deadline
As soon as possible!
π Links
π Infopack: https://fioh-ngo.com/2026/08/03/%f0%9f%8e%b5-erasmus-youth-exchange-sounds-of-cultures/
π Application form: https://b24-hiozxe.bitrix24site.ru/crm_form_ahjsg/
β οΈ Important Notice
Youth Works Hub is not the organiser, partner, or representative of the listed projects. This listing is shared for information only, based on details from the source. Deadlines, eligible countries, dates, and other details may change or be withdrawn at any time, and all funding, reimbursements, and allowances are set by the project coordinator or National Agency. Applications go directly to the coordinator or hosting organisation through the official link. Listings may include third-party links (ESC Portal, infopacks, forms) that Youth Works Hub does not control. Always verify the details on the official project page before applying.
