Greencademy in the Pyrenees: Youth Exchange in Luchon

Association Petite Graine is opening applications for Greencademy in the Pyrenees, a Youth Exchange bringing together 20 participants from France, Germany, Romania and Croatia in Bagnères-de-Luchon.

The exchange will take place from 19 to 27 January 2027, including travel days. Five places are available for each participating country.

About the exchange

Greencademy brings together young people from four local communities to share their experiences of agroecology and develop ideas for sustainable action.

The Youth Exchange will provide a space for peer learning, youth leadership, intercultural cooperation and reflection on the role of young people in the ecological transition of rural communities.

The programme is based on non-formal education, learning by doing and the active participation of everyone in the group.

What you will do and learn

During the exchange, you will have the opportunity to:

• share experiences and lessons from local agroecological programmes;
• develop practical knowledge of agroecology and youth-led environmental action;
• strengthen your confidence, leadership, teamwork and sense of initiative;
• participate in interactive workshops, participant-led activities and daily reflection;
• join outdoor activities, depending on weather and safety conditions;
• develop ideas and recommendations that can be shared with municipalities and local stakeholders;
• build a European network of young people interested in agroecology and community action;
• identify and document your learning through the Youthpass process.

Participant profile

This opportunity is open to young people aged 18 to 30.

You may apply if you:

• are available for the full period from 19 to 27 January 2027;
• are interested in agroecology, sustainable development, environmental action or outdoor learning;
• are motivated to participate actively in workshops, group work and daily reflection;
• can communicate in English well enough to take part in group activities;
• are ready to live and learn in an international group and respect different cultures, identities, religions, languages and opinions;
• are willing to contribute to shared responsibilities such as preparing meals, setting tables and cleaning;
• are comfortable with simple collective accommodation, shared rooms, shared bathrooms and limited Wi-Fi.

Previous expertise in agroecology is not required. Motivation, openness and willingness to contribute to the group are essential.

Accommodation and group life

Participants will stay at Gîte Skioura, in a natural mountain environment in Bagnères-de-Luchon.

The accommodation includes:

• shared bedrooms;
• three bathrooms for the group;
• bed linen;
• three meals per day and two coffee breaks;
• shared common areas;
• limited Wi-Fi.

Towels and toiletries are not provided. Participants should bring warm clothes, a waterproof and insulated jacket, winter walking shoes with good grip, gloves, a hat and indoor shoes.

Meals will be prepared and shared with the participation of the whole group. Everyone will take turns helping with cooking, serving and cleaning.

Dietary, medical or accessibility needs must be communicated through the application form before selection and travel.

Costs and travel

There is no participation fee. Accommodation, meals and programme costs are covered by the project.

Eligible travel costs will be reimbursed within the maximum amount allocated to each country and only after the proposed journey has been approved.

For participants travelling from France, the maximum travel allocation is €100. Part of this amount is reserved for the collective transfer between Toulouse and Luchon.

Association Petite Graine will organise the transfer from Toulouse to Bagnères-de-Luchon. Participants must arrive in Toulouse on 19 January no later than 18:00. Departure from the venue will take place on 27 January from 08:00 onwards.

Do not purchase any tickets before receiving written approval from your national organisation. Tickets purchased without prior approval may not be reimbursed.

A European Health Insurance Card or equivalent proof of health coverage valid in France is mandatory. Travel insurance covering the complete journey is also recommended.

How to apply

Before applying:

1. Read the complete infopack and make sure the group-living conditions are suitable for you.
2. Complete the application form.
3. Wait for confirmation from your national organisation before purchasing travel tickets.

Applications will be reviewed according to eligibility, motivation, group diversity and suitability for the project.

For questions about the French selection process, contact contact@petite-graine.org.

This activity is part of Greencademy to the Next Level, project reference 2025-1-DE04-KA220-YOU-000362094, co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union.