Erasmus+ Youth Exchange | Call for Participants

Dopamine Prisoners

Applications close in:

23 October 2026

27 Nov – 5 Dec 2026

Jezioro Głębokie, Poland

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Overview

Are you interested in digital wellbeing, mental health and healthier digital habits?

Dopamine Prisoners is an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange bringing together 45 young people from Poland, Germany, Italy, Romania and Slovakia in Jezioro Głębokie, Poland, from 27 November to 5 December 2026, including travel days. The project is aimed at young people aged 18–25 years old, including group leaders.

The project was created in response to the growing role of digital technologies in young people’s daily lives and the challenges that can be connected with constant online stimulation, social media and gaming, including difficulties related to concentration, sleep, emotional regulation, self-esteem and offline relationships.

The aim is not to present technology as something inherently negative, but to help young people develop a more conscious, balanced and responsible relationship with digital tools.

Themes

Digital Wellbeing

Mental Health

Digital Habits

Mindfulness

motional Regulation

Media Awareness

Youth Empowerment

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Methodology

The project is based on non-formal education, learning by doing and active participation. Rather than attending traditional lectures, participants will learn through group work, peer-to-peer activities, storytelling, discussions, mindfulness, creative exercises and practical tasks. Participants will work in international groups, exchange experiences and perspectives, contribute to workshops and take an active role in shaping the learning process.

Target Group

We are looking for motivated young people aged 18–25 years old, particularly those who:

  • come from smaller towns, rural or peripheral areas;
  • have limited access to international mobility or non-formal education opportunities;
  • experience social, geographical, economic or emotional barriers;
  • experience digital overload or excessive use of social media, gaming or digital technologies;
  • are interested in mental wellbeing and healthier digital habits;
  • want to develop personally and contribute actively to an international learning experience;
  • are motivated to participate in the preparation, implementation and follow-up of the project.

Priority will be given to young people with fewer opportunities and those who have had limited or no previous access to international mobility experiences.

Previous Erasmus+ experience is not required.

English will be the working language of the project, but participants do not need to speak perfect English. 

A basic conversational level is sufficient, and participants will be supported in developing confidence and overcoming language barriers throughout the experience.  

Activities

During the Youth Exchange, participants will explore the relationship between technology, dopamine-driven digital habits and mental wellbeing.

Through international teamwork and practical activities, participants will:

  • understand how digital stimulation can influence behaviour and everyday habits;
  • explore the mechanisms used by digital platforms to capture attention;
  • reflect on digital overload and excessive social media or gaming use;
  • learn practical techniques for emotional regulation and stress management;
  • practise mindfulness and experience offline and outdoor activities;
  • develop healthier online and offline routines;
  • strengthen face-to-face communication and intercultural competences;
  • develop storytelling and basic podcasting skills;
  • co-create an international podcast;
  • prepare follow-up activities for their local communities.

Two Participation Opportunities

Applicants from Italy can express their interest in one of two participation options.

1. APV + Youth Exchange

Before the main Youth Exchange, two selected participants/youth workers from Italy will have the opportunity to take part in an Advance Planning Visit (APV) in Jezioro Głębokie. 

The APV consists of: 

2 working days + 2 travel days 

It is designed for particularly motivated participants who would like to become more involved in the preparation of the project and gain practical experience in planning, organising and facilitating an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange. 

During the APV, the selected participants will work closely with the organisers, contribute ideas to the programme and help shape activities before the arrival of the full international group. 

Important commitment 

Participation in the APV is directly connected to participation in the main Youth Exchange. 

Participants selected for the APV must also participate in the Youth Exchange from 27 November to 5 December 2026. 

By accepting a place in the APV, participants commit to attending both mobilities. If a participant attends the APV but subsequently withdraws from the main Youth Exchange without an accepted justified reason, the travel costs related to the APV will not be reimbursed. 

2. Youth Exchange Only

Applicants who do not wish to participate in the preparatory visit can apply only for the main Dopamine Prisoners Youth Exchange, taking place from 27 November to 5 December 2026. 

Accommodation & Costs

Participants will stay at Pensjonat Pod Strzechą, located in a peaceful natural area close to Jezioro Głębokie. 

The location offers an ideal setting for outdoor activities, mindfulness, reflection and digital-detox experiences.

Participants will stay in comfortable 2–3 person rooms with private bathrooms.  

There is no participation fee. 

Accommodation, meals and project activities are fully covered through the Erasmus+ project budget. Eligible travel expenses will be reimbursed according to the applicable Erasmus+ limits.  

For participants travelling from Italy, the maximum eligible travel reimbursement is €309.  

Participants are encouraged to choose Green Travel whenever possible. 

Important Travel Information

Do not purchase travel tickets before receiving approval from the organisers. 

Travel arrangements must be discussed and approved in advance. Tickets purchased without prior approval may not be eligible for reimbursement.  

Interested?
Here's how to apply!

Send us an e-mail

Apply by 23 October 2026!

To apply, send your CV + Motivation Letter to mangoerasmus@gmail.com by 23 October 2026, indicating “Dopamine Prisoners” in the subject of the email.

In your motivation letter, please also indicate whether you are interested in:

APV + Youth Exchange or Youth Exchange Only

Candidates interested in the APV + Youth Exchange option should briefly explain why they would like to contribute to the preparation and facilitation of the project and confirm their availability and commitment to participate in both mobilities.