The Erasmus+ programme is an opportunity for learning, and experiencing intercultural exchange for Georgian youth, significantly contributing to personal and professional development. Georgia’s engagement with Erasmus+ has seen remarkable achievements.

 

Georgia stands out for hosting the greatest number of youth exchanges, with 204 out of 532 across the Eastern partnership countries between 2014 and 2020, accounting for 38% of all youth exchanges. This not only highlights Georgia’s youth sector’s commitment to fostering international youth interaction but also its capability in organizing and managing youth events. As a result, Georgian youth have actively participated in these exchanges, with 812 outbound exchanges, representing 25% of all exchanges in the Eastern partnership region. Remarkably, Georgia has welcomed 7,692 participants, the highest in the region, further emphasizing its leading role in facilitating youth mobility.

 

The impact of these exchanges on Georgian youth cannot be measured nor overstated. They have provided platforms for learning, cultural exchange, and personal growth, shaping participants into active contributors to their communities and Georgia’s democratization. Many have taken their experiences further, involving themselves in Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), youth organizations, and even taking representation roles as European Youth Ambassadors and leaders of their communities in the EU4Youth Alumni Network. These positions allow them to transfer their Erasmus+ experiences to advocate for youth issues, promote inclusivity, and drive positive change among other Georgian young people.

 

This impressive participation in Erasmus+ underscores the potential and eagerness of Georgian youth to engage with their European counterparts, share knowledge, and collaborate on projects that address common challenges.

 

Georgia’s story within Erasmus+ serves as a powerful call to action for the youth sector to remain involved and lead the way in enriching Georgia’s presence on the European stage, and to move forwards towards a bigger amount of opportunities for the sector within the Erasmus+ Programme.