UK-German youth exchange formats, topics, outcomes, and benefits
Encouraging UK-German Youth Exchanges
Interviewees identified that these differences in target groups could be overcome with effective matching of partners between countries, i.e., ensuring that both partners in both were working with similar target groups, or at least taking into account the differences between participants on each side. The greater emphasis on under 18s in the UK was also the basis for stronger consideration of safeguarding (see Chapter 5). “One should try to bring out the strengths [of the young people] through the exchange. To do this, you have to be really creative and connect to the lived realities [of the young people] in the group.” German youth worker
Youth worker interviews and discussion with the resonance group also suggested a potential for differences in the age groups targeted. Youth work in the UK is typically aimed at young people aged 13-19, though a variety of exceptions do exist. Some UK interviewees identified that their emphasis on marginalisation also meant they targeted the younger end of this age range as a way of providing early intervention. By contrast, German youth work tends to focus on the 14-26 age range. Interviewed German youth workers also described models of youth participation where they supported young leaders to develop and organise their own youth exchanges – a practice more suitable for older young people.
Graph 3.14 Young people – Exchange topics wanted (DE)
Youth exchange topics Young people in the survey were asked about the sorts of project topics they would want when taking part in UK-German youth exchanges (Graphs 3.14 & 3.15). → Learning about foreign culture, countries and people was the highest rated response in both countries. 93.1% (n=631) of German participants and 83.4% (n=161) of UK participants were very interested or extremely interested in this. → The second highest rated answer, learning or developing foreign language skills, was also consistent between countries. 86.5% (n=586) of German participants and 72% (n=140) of UK participants were very interested or extremely interested in this. The bias amongst the survey sample (see Chapter 2), toward participants who had previously taken part in language exchanges, may have inflated the ranking of this answer, however. → Volunteering , as well as outdoor and adventure as well as social topics and youth issues were the next highest rated project themes in both countries. These project topics all rated similarly within each country, although in different orders. → Interest in sports and employment and entrepreneurship was low in both countries, with less than half of participants being very interested or extremely interested in these as topics.
0.1
Learning about foreign culture, countries, and people
Not at all interested Not so interested Somewhat interested Very interested Extremely interested
0.9
34.4
58.7
5.9
0.1
52.4
11.8
34.1
Language learning
1.6
1.0
Adventure & outdoor activities
15.3
37.0
42.2
4.4
0.7
Volunteering
16.8
42.6
35.8
4.0
1.9
Social topics & youth issues
35.4
42.0
4.7 15.9
2.2
22.6
32.0
37.2
6.0
Climate & environmental
30.1
28.2
27.7
Arts & music
2.5 11.5
Sports
31.4
23.5
19.9
5.6
19.6
Employment & entrepreneurship
30.2
23.6
13.1
8.4
24.6
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
Valid % (n=678)
34
35
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