Youth and internationality
Through youth services, young people in Seinäjoki have the opportunity to participate in various international youth exchanges, camps and projects. International activities are organized in Seinäjoki, elsewhere in Finland, and abroad.
International youth exchanges and camps are generally aimed at young people over 15 years old.
Schweinfurt–Seinäjoki sister city exchanges
Seinäjoki and the city of Schweinfurt in Germany organize youth exchanges each year aimed at young people, where participants get to know the culture of the host country and city, visit local youth venues and events, and spend time with local young people. Exchanges are arranged every other year in Seinäjoki and every other year in Schweinfurt. About a group of 20 young people plus 3 instructors from the visiting city, together with a smaller group of local young people, participate in the youth exchanges.
The young people selected for the exchange take part in planning meetings and preparations before the trip.
The next youth exchange to Schweinfurt will be organized in July-August 2026. Based on applications, a group of 20 young people has been selected for the trip, and meetings will be held a few times beforehand for familiarization, planning and fundraising.
Opportunities for young people in the European Union’s ERASMUS+ programme
Discover EU
Seinäjoki’s youth services were granted Erasmus+ project funding for the DiscoverEU participation action. The project runs from 2025-2027, during which two one-week trips to Europe will be made using train routes. The project’s target group is 18–21-year-old young people who have fewer opportunities than others to take part in similar projects.
The young people themselves will plan and carry out the trip with the support of youth workers. Each trip includes 5 young people and two youth workers. The first trip will take place in June 2026.
More information about DiscoverEU: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/fi/programme-guide/part-b/key-action-1/discovereu-action
Youth exchanges
A youth exchange is an international meeting of youth groups that the young people plan and carry out themselves with the support of instructors. The young people choose a topic that interests them and design the exchange program around that topic together with other participating youth groups. Youth exchanges include youth groups from at least two different countries. Youth exchanges are intended for young people aged 13–30.
If you and your friends have a good idea for a youth exchange, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Read more about Erasmus+ youth exchanges: https://www.oph.fi/fi/ohjelmat/nuorisovaihto
European Solidarity Corps
In the European Solidarity Corps, young people have the opportunity to carry out and participate in projects that strengthen European solidarity and cohesion. Young people aged 18–30 can participate in the European Solidarity Corps.
Voluntary service
Voluntary service offers young people the opportunity to work for the benefit of the local community and learn new things. The service can be carried out either in another country or in the home country. Voluntary service can be related to, for example, environmental protection, culture and the promotion of equality.
Voluntary services have two durations: 2 weeks to 2 months, or 2 to 12 months. The participating young person does not receive pay for their work, but their accommodation, meals and travel are covered.
European young volunteers have worked in Seinäjoki on various youth-related projects and in youth centres during 2016-2020.
Other opportunities within the European Solidarity Corps include:
- internships and work
- solidarity projects
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