Dopamine Prisoners is an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange (KA152) at Jezioro Gลฤbokie, Poland, from 27 November to 5 December 2026. It is open to young people aged 18-30 from Poland, Germany, Italy, Romania and Slovakia. There is no participation fee: accommodation, meals, activities and eligible travel expenses are covered by Erasmus+. At Youth Works Hub, we went through the application call and the full infopack, and this guide brings every detail together.
What Is Dopamine Prisoners About?
Dopamine Prisoners is an international youth exchange that brings together young people from five European countries to explore the relationship between technology, dopamine-driven digital habits and mental wellbeing.
The main topics are:
๐ง Mental health
๐ฑ Digital wellbeing
๐ต Social media addiction
๐ง Mindfulness
๐ณ Healthy offline habits
If you have never joined one before, our guide explains what an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange is and how these short international meetings work.
Why This Project Was Created
Young people spend more and more of their everyday lives in digital environments. For many, social media, gaming and constant online stimulation are connected with difficulties in:
๐ฏ Concentration
๐ด Sleep
๐ Emotional regulation
๐ช Self-esteem
๐ค Maintaining meaningful offline relationships
These challenges can be especially hard for young people living in smaller or marginalised regions, where access to psychological support, youth activities and international opportunities is more limited. Dopamine Prisoners was created as a response to these needs.
More Than Reducing Screen Time
The project focuses not only on cutting screen time but on understanding the broader connection between:
๐ฒ Digital habits
๐ Mental wellbeing
๐ญ Emotions
๐ฅ Relationships
๐งญ Sense of agency
The project does not aim to demonise technology. Its purpose is to help young people become more conscious, critical and responsible users of digital tools.
Main Objectives
๐ Increasing awareness of digital addiction
๐ช Strengthening mental wellbeing
โ๏ธ Building healthier online and offline habits
๐ Empowering young people
What Will You Do During the Exchange?
During the exchange, participants will:
๐งฉ Explore the mechanisms behind digital addiction
๐ Analyse the influence of social media on mental health
๐ฌ๏ธ Learn emotional regulation and stress-management techniques
๐ง Practise mindfulness
๐๏ธ Experience outdoor and offline activities
๐ซ Strengthen face-to-face relationships
๐ Work in intercultural teams
๐ ๏ธ Co-create workshops
๐๏ธ Create an international podcast
๐๏ธ Plan follow-up activities in their local communities
Young people are not passive participants. They are expected to co-create, facilitate, reflect and share responsibility for the learning process.
What Will You Learn?
๐งช Dopamine and digital habits: understand how digital stimulation affects behaviour.
๐ฑ Digital platforms: learn how apps and social media capture attention.
๐ฆ Digital wellbeing: recognise unhealthy habits and digital overload.
๐ Emotional regulation: learn practical stress and emotion-management techniques.
๐ Healthy digital routines: build healthier online and offline habits.
๐ง Podcast and media skills: develop storytelling and basic podcasting skills.
๐ฃ๏ธ Breaking language barriers: gain confidence communicating in English.
How Learning Works: Non-Formal Methodology
The project uses a non-formal education methodology based on active participation, learning by doing and reflection. Instead of traditional lectures, participants learn through:
๐ฅ Group work
๐ Peer-to-peer activities
๐ Storytelling
๐ฌ Discussions
๐ง Mindfulness
๐จ Creative exercises
โ Practical tasks related to digital wellbeing and mental health
A strong focus is placed on cooperation and shared experience. Participants work in international groups, exchange perspectives and contribute to a common podcast. The methodology is designed to create a safe, inclusive and flexible learning environment that supports personal growth, self-awareness, communication and intercultural understanding.
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๐ All opportunities in Poland โ
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Who Can Take Part?
The project targets young people aged 18-30 from Poland, Germany, Italy, Romania and Slovakia. There are 45 participants in total, 9 per country, including group leaders.
The organisers particularly welcome young people who:
๐ก Come from smaller towns, rural or peripheral areas
๐ช Have limited access to international mobility or non-formal education
๐งฑ Experience social, geographical, economic or emotional barriers
๐ฎ Struggle with excessive use of social media, gaming or digital technologies
๐ก Are interested in mental wellbeing and healthier digital habits
๐ Are motivated to actively participate and co-create the project
Priority is given to young people who have had limited or no previous access to international mobility opportunities. You can read more about age limits in Erasmus+ activities in our guide.
Participant Profile in Detail
๐ Young people with fewer opportunities: a strong focus is placed on participants from smaller towns, rural or peripheral areas.
๐ต Digital wellbeing challenges: the project is especially relevant for young people experiencing digital overload, excessive use of social media or gaming, or social isolation.
๐ฅ Motivation and commitment: participants should be motivated to work on their personal development, actively take part in the activities and contribute to the project.
๐จ๏ธ Language and communication: English is the main language of the project. A basic conversational level is enough, and participants will be supported in building confidence and overcoming language barriers.
Host Organisation: Fundacja Feniks
Fundacja Feniks is a Polish non-profit organisation based in Krosno Odrzaลskie. Its mission focuses on:
๐ Promoting mental wellbeing and emotional education
๐ก๏ธ Preventing social exclusion
๐คฒ Supporting young people experiencing mental health difficulties
๐ Building peer-support systems
๐ณ๏ธ Encouraging young people to participate actively in social and civic life
Its activities include workshops, support groups, psychological consultations, educational activities in schools and youth-focused prevention programmes.
Partner Organisations
๐ฉ๐ช European Ways e.V.: works in youth work, non-formal education, social inclusion, intercultural dialogue and participation. It has extensive experience in Erasmus+ and works with young people with fewer opportunities, including young people from migrant and disadvantaged backgrounds.
๐ธ๐ฐ ล portovรฉ Dobrodruลพstvรก: a youth organisation combining sport, outdoor activities, education and youth participation. It works with young people from peripheral areas and promotes healthy lifestyles, inclusion and international mobility.
๐ท๐ด Asociatia Anastasia Ioana: provides psychological, therapeutic and educational support, particularly to children and young people with neurodevelopmental, emotional and social difficulties. Its experience includes work with autism, ADHD, social skills and inclusion.
๐ฎ๐น Muoversi Assieme M.A.NGO: works with young people from peripheral areas through non-formal education, youth participation, sustainability and international mobility. Its work includes experiential learning, social inclusion and activities supporting personal and social development.
Dates and Programme Length
The youth exchange runs from 27 November to 5 December 2026: 7 activity days + 2 travel days.
Venue and Accommodation by Jezioro Gลฤbokie
The project takes place at Pensjonat Pod Strzechฤ , located in a peaceful, green area next to Jezioro Gลฤbokie. The venue lets participants step away from everyday digital overstimulation and spend more time surrounded by nature.
๐ถ The lake is only a short walk from the accommodation, ideal for outdoor activities, mindfulness sessions, reflection and digital detox activities.
๐ฟ The quiet surroundings give space to relax, connect with each other and build stronger offline relationships.
๐๏ธ Participants stay in comfortable 2-3 person rooms, each with a private bathroom.
What Is Covered?
There is no participation fee. Accommodation, meals, activities and eligible travel expenses are covered by Erasmus+. For a full breakdown of the funding model, see our guide on what costs Erasmus+ covers.
Getting There
โ๏ธ Nearest airport: Poznaล-ลawica
๐ Nearest railway station: Gลฤbokie Miฤdzyrzeckie
The organisers strongly recommend Green Travel whenever possible, as it is more sustainable and may also allow for a higher travel reimbursement. You can travel together by car with your national group, by FlixBus or by train. If you choose a non-green travel option, the standard reimbursement limit applies. Our guide on green travel in Erasmus+ and ESC explains how this extra support works. Find more projects like this in our Erasmus+ listings on Youth Works Hub.
๐ You may spend a maximum of 3 additional days in Poland outside the mobility period. In that case, you cover the additional costs yourself (accommodation, food, etc.).
๐ซ Before buying any tickets, consult with the organisers and wait until your tickets are approved by email. Tickets that were not approved are not reimbursed.
Travel Reimbursement Rules
Participants are reimbursed for their travel expenses up to the amount available for their country and no more than their real costs. Our guide on how Erasmus+ travel reimbursement works covers the distance band system.
To receive the reimbursement, every participant must:
๐ Submit the Erasmus+ Participant Report by completing the EU Survey sent by email after the project
๐งพ Complete the reimbursement form and provide all required travel documents, such as invoices, tickets and boarding passes
๐ฃ Provide proof of dissemination activities carried out after the project
๐ถ The refund is paid at the project venue in cash or by bank transfer no later than 2 weeks after the end of the project.
Before the Project
๐ฒ Stay connected: join both the national and general WhatsApp groups and the project Facebook group. Check your email regularly, as the organisers may send additional important information.
๐ Complete the registration form: fill in the participant form carefully and share any dietary requirements, health-related needs or other support you may need.
๐ค Share your skills: if you have knowledge, experience or an activity related to mental health, digital wellbeing, mindfulness, social media, emotions or another project topic, you are welcome to prepare and facilitate your own workshop. This is completely voluntary, and the organisers will support you in preparing and delivering it.
๐ Secret Friend: during the project you will play the Secret Friend game, so bring a few small gifts, notes or little surprises for the person you will secretly support.
๐ Intercultural Evening: each national group prepares an evening presenting its country and culture. Feel free to bring traditional food, drinks, music, games, souvenirs or anything else you would like to share.
For a wider checklist, see our Erasmus+ and ESC preparation guide.
What to Bring
๐ Travel documents, European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and additional travel insurance
๐ป Laptop, used during project activities and podcast preparation
๐ Positive attitude and an open mind, ready to learn, share and enjoy the experience
๐งฅ Comfortable and warm clothes, suitable shoes, flip-flops and swimwear
๐ฅจ Traditional food, drinks and small souvenirs for the intercultural evening
๐ฉน Any personal medication you may need
How to Apply
๐ Read the infopack before applying.
๐ Fill in the Google application form for the Youth Exchange.
โ๏ธ For questions, contact the Project Coordinator, Adrianna Baranowska, by email.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dopamine Prisoners youth exchange?
It is an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange (KA152) in Jezioro Gลฤbokie, Poland, exploring the link between technology, dopamine-driven digital habits and mental wellbeing. It brings together young people from five European countries.
When does the exchange take place?
From 27 November to 5 December 2026. This includes 7 activity days and 2 travel days.
Who can apply?
Young people aged 18-30 from Poland, Germany, Italy, Romania and Slovakia. Priority is given to those with limited or no previous access to international mobility.
Do I have to pay a participation fee?
No. There is no participation fee. Accommodation, meals, activities and eligible travel expenses are covered by Erasmus+.
How many participants are there?
45 participants in total, 9 per country, including group leaders.
Do I need fluent English?
No. English is the main language of the project, but a basic conversational level is enough. Participants are supported in building confidence and overcoming language barriers.
Is the project against technology?
No. The project does not aim to demonise technology. It helps young people become more conscious, critical and responsible users of digital tools.
Where will I stay?
At Pensjonat Pod Strzechฤ , next to Jezioro Gลฤbokie, in 2-3 person rooms, each with a private bathroom. The lake is a short walk away.
How do I get to the venue?
The nearest airport is Poznaล-ลawica and the nearest railway station is Gลฤbokie Miฤdzyrzeckie. The organisers recommend green options such as travelling by car with your national group, by FlixBus or by train.
Can I buy my tickets straight away?
No. Consult with the organisers first and wait until your tickets are approved by email. Tickets that were not approved are not reimbursed.
Can I stay longer in Poland?
Yes, for a maximum of 3 additional days outside the mobility period. You cover the extra costs, such as accommodation and food, yourself.
How and when is travel reimbursed?
Up to your country's available amount and no more than your real costs, after you submit the Participant Report, the reimbursement form with travel documents and proof of dissemination. Payment is made at the venue in cash or by bank transfer no later than 2 weeks after the project.
Do I need to bring a laptop?
Yes. A laptop is used during project activities and podcast preparation.
Can I run my own workshop?
Yes, if you have knowledge or an activity related to the project topics. It is completely voluntary, and the organisers will help you prepare and deliver it.
Project Snapshot
๐ Type: Youth Exchange (KA152)
๐ Location: Pensjonat Pod Strzechฤ , Jezioro Gลฤbokie, Poland
๐๏ธ Activity Dates: 27 November - 5 December 2026 (7 activity days + 2 travel days)
๐ Countries: Poland, Germany, Italy, Romania, Slovakia
๐ Age: 18-30
Deadline
โณ As soon as possible!
Links
๐ Application form: https://forms.gle/CdYcv6Cz5rcX7pnDA
๐ Infopack: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AsowljAtEEqF4rfhwIiCFdtGa_jSK75c/view?usp=sharing
โ๏ธ Project Coordinator (Adrianna Baranowska): abaranowska.erasmus@gmail.com
