Exchange2Change
 Exchange programme for young people

Exchange2Change is the Goethe-Institut’s vibrant youth mobility and exchange programme, connecting young people from the UK and Germany. Whether exploring creative projects, developing leadership and team skills, or gaining insights into vocational careers, participants engage in meaningful cultural exchanges that shape their futures and build lasting connections across borders.

Thanks to the support of the Friends of the Goethe-Institut London, young people from the United Kingdom are able to participate in intercultural exchange programmes such as Exchange2Change. These programmes offer young people the opportunity to gain valuable experiences and develop important skills. They can build new connections with peers from Germany and the UK, strengthen their intercultural and teamwork abilities, and grow in confidence.

Exchange2Change Pathways

  • For young people aged between 14 and 17

    Creative Horizons

    Creative Horizons brings together young people aged 14-17 from the UK and Germany to collaborate on a creative project that reflects a topic meaningful to them. Throughout the programme, participants discover a new country, broaden their perspectives, and develop valuable intercultural skills that stay with them long after the exchange.

    One person holds a camera and interacts with another person indoors. The scene suggests a workshop or creative activity in a calm, focused setting. © Goethe Institut/Yannis Konstantinos © Goethe Institut/Yannis Konstantinos

  • For young people aged between 18 and 22

    Future Vocational Pathways

    Future Vocational Pathways is designed for students in vocational training from the UK and Germany. The programme offers the opportunity to visit each other’s countries and explore how vocational education is structured and experienced on both sides. Participants reflect on their professions, gain cultural and professional insights, and discuss how to shape their future careers. 

    A group of young people stand close together indoors, talking to each other. The setting appears lively and suggests a social event or group gathering. © Goethe Institut/Olad Aden © Goethe Institut/Olad Aden

  • For former participants

    Alumni Edition

    The Exchange2Change Alumni Edition gives former participants the chance to deepen their intercultural experience and collaborate on new outreach projects for other learners in the UK. Together, they develop a workshop that focuses on language learning, intercultural exchange, and creative approaches, building on the skills and connections they have already formed. Because the workshops are being implemented in schools throughout the UK, the project achieves a lasting and sustainable impact.

    Four young people stand close together by the River Thames in London, with Tower Bridge visible in the background. They are wearing casual clothing and pose in an urban riverside setting. © Goethe Institut/Olad Aden © Goethe Institut/Olad Aden

  • For young people aged between 14 and 17

    Kicking Off Connections

    Kicking Off Connections, launching in 2026, brings together young people from the UK and Germany to explore teamwork, fairness, and inclusion through sport. Through joint training sessions, diversity workshops, and digital media projects, participants examine football’s social impact. Delivered with partner clubs and supported by the Federal Foreign Office, the programme ends with a school‑based final presentation

    Two young people play football on a grassy outdoor field. Both are wearing sports kits and compete for the ball, with autumn trees and training cones in the background. © Selim Sudheimer © Selim Sudheimer

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More information about Exchange2Change

On the following page, you can find out more about the Exchange2change exchange programme.

Group photo Exchange2Change © Goethe-Institut/Olad Aden © Goethe-Institut/Olad Aden

Contact

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