Pick of the Week: "Life is a Cinema", a Fully Funded Erasmus+ Youth Exchange in Puglia, Italy 🎬

This one caught our eye. Every week we pick one opportunity worth stopping your scroll for, and this week it is "Life is a Cinema", a fully funded Erasmus+ Youth Exchange that turns film into something you live together rather than watch alone. Organised by The Melting Pot and funded by the Erasmus+ programme, it takes place in Carovigno, in Italy's beautiful Puglia region, from 9 to 17 November 2026, bringing together young people aged 20 to 30 from Italy, Denmark and Slovenia for a week where cinema becomes a shared language and a space for dialogue. If you have never done one of these before, here is exactly what a Youth Exchange is, from arrival to Youthpass.

A Week Where Cinema Becomes a Shared Language

The main aim of the project is to promote cultural participation by transforming cinema into something people experience together, not alone in front of a screen. Over seven working days, participants use film as a starting point for dialogue, exchange and connection, discovering how a story on screen can bring different countries into the same room.

What Actually Happens During the Exchange

The exchange is built on active participation and learning from each other through non-formal education methods: energizers, debates, presentations, theatre, role play, outdoor activities and simulations, all aimed at producing the results of the project. There is a strong focus on multiculturalism, so participants connect with the local community and share the culture of their own countries during scheduled intercultural nights. Along the way, everyone develops their 8 key competences, and this learning is certified through a Youthpass. If you are wondering what that certificate actually proves and how to make the most of it, here is our guide to what Youthpass is.

The Goals Behind the Project

🎥 Create a safe and inclusive intercultural environment where young people can live, learn and engage in dialogue through non-formal activities connected to cinema.
🎬 Promote cultural participation by transforming cinema into a shared community experience.
🛠️ Develop key and digital skills through film discussions, storytelling, acting, filming, editing, guided reflection and Youthpass.
🤝 Strengthen empathy, critical thinking and intercultural dialogue by challenging stereotypes through shared narratives.
🌍 Ensure a lasting impact by sharing short films and organising screenings and follow-up activities in partner countries.

Who Can Take Part

The exchange is open to young people aged 20 to 30 from Italy, Denmark and Slovenia. It is designed for participants who want to actively contribute, share their own culture and get fully involved in a creative, hands-on week.

Where You'll Stay

Participants are hosted by Hotel Il Timone in the village of Carovigno, just 15 minutes by train from Brindisi. Accommodation is in rooms of maximum four people, mixed by nationality and divided by gender, with breakfast, lunch and dinner served by the village restaurant. The venue provides blankets and towels, but not personal items such as a hair dryer, soap, shower gel or shampoo, so bring your own. It is within walking distance of a supermarket and the nearest beach, and staff members are on site with a car for any emergencies.

Getting to the Venue

The closest airports are Brindisi and Bari. Once you land, you take a train to Carovigno, where the organisation's staff will pick you up by car, so it is very important to communicate your exact arrival time in advance. If you fly to Bari, the last train to Carovigno is at 23.03; from Brindisi, the last train is at 20.45, so choose a flight that lets you catch it. For the way back, the first train from Carovigno to Brindisi is at 6.05 and to Bari at 5.45, so it is suggested not to book any flight departing before 8.30. The recommended train company is Trenitalia.

Travel Budget and Reimbursement Rules

The travel budget is 100€ for participants from Italy and 295€ for participants from Slovenia and Denmark. The maximum amount is 295€, already reduced because it includes the transfers to and from Carovigno train station. Once selected, participants agree on the route with the contact person, always choosing the cheapest option (the organisation suggests Skyscanner). A few conditions apply:

🎫 Booking through a travel agency is not allowed (Kiwi.com or similar is fine).
🧾 Keep all tickets and boarding passes for the reimbursement process (a clear photo or scan is enough for physical tickets).
💺 Only basic fares are reimbursable (you can add priority later).
🎒 Travel light with just a backpack and the organisation covers one washing-machine coin; stored luggage is not reimbursable.
📆 You can travel up to 2 days before or after the project if it is cheaper, but extra accommodation is then on you.

Reimbursement is transferred to your personal account, usually within a maximum of two months after the exchange, once the dissemination tasks are complete.

What to Bring and Prepare

There will be an intercultural night, so bring some national products (food, drinks) and prepare something to present your country. As both day and evening activities happen outside, a light jacket is recommended because the nights can get fresher. And, as the organisation puts it, do not forget to bring a positive attitude and your smile.