UK-German youth exchange formats, topics, outcomes, and benefits
Encouraging UK-German Youth Exchanges
Digital, hybrid and in-person formats Surveyed young people were substantially more interested in in-person exchanges than virtual exchanges or hybrid formats. The same was true for youth workers. Trends were generally comparable between young people and youth workers, and between countries. Interviews with youth workers identified clearly that face-to-face exchange is a core part of the exchange experience, though use of digital tools such as video calls during preparation and follow-on can be an effective supplement. This is supported by the survey results from young people on the benefit of youth exchanges, which stress the opportunity to travel as a key benefit (see Youth exchange outcomes and benefits to young people, this chapter). Some youth work interviewees were interested in developing digital formats such as virtual reality exchanges, though these were considered experimental.
Graph 3.7 Young people – Interest in type of accommodation, by country group
“I think the hybrid is the best approach. I do think there’s something really valuable about using the digital. We have to help young people to build up to a physical exchange and then actually get the most out of it afterwards. I do think it could explain things. I think using virtual reality would probably be the most exciting way to do that. It’s not accessible for everybody. But I think doing something like that could be quite exciting, quite fun, and young. People might feel like they’re getting something out of the norm.” UK youth worker
UK (n=194) DE (n=690)
100%
92.0
86.5
80.4
79.4
80%
72.2
71.4
60%
54.2
47.4
40%
20%
0
Youth hostel
Guest family / home stay
Hotel
Camping
Graph 3.8 Youth workers – Accommodation considered suitable, by country group
Graph 3.9 Young people – Level of digitalisation, by country group
100%
87.0
82.3
80%
UK (n=46) DE (n=79)
62.0
60.9
54.3
91.2% 95.1%
36.1% 44.1%
8.2% 7.4%
60%
37.0
32.9
24.1
In-person
Virtual
Hybrid
20%
Valid % multiple answers possible
0
Youth hostel
Guest family / home stay
Hotel
Camping
UK (n=194) DE (n=690)
28
29
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