CONSUMERISM. DECISIONS OUTSOURCED – Youth Exchange in Italy

Who makes your decisions?

What do you buy, what do you subscribe to, and why do you want the latest upgrade? CONSUMERISM. DECISIONS OUTSOURCED is an Erasmus+ youth exchange exploring how advertising, social media, algorithms and social expectations shape our everyday choices. Together, we will explore practical ways to consume more consciously, build financial autonomy and develop sustainable habits.

Sapere Aude Bulgaria invites 6 young people and 1 group leader to join the Bulgarian team. The exchange brings together 35 people from Bulgaria, Italy, Serbia, Romania and Spain.

When and where?

• Dates: 8–17 April 2027.
• Arrival: 8 April; departure: 17 April, with 8 activity days in between.
• Venue: Domus Bethaniae (Base Scout Don Saverio Gatti), Platania, near Lamezia Terme, Calabria, Italy.
• Host: The Mobility Lab; co-coordinating organisation: Sapere Aude Bulgaria.

What will you do?

• Interactive workshops, international teamwork, role plays and financial simulations.
• Explore advertising, recommendation algorithms, impulse buying and subscriptions.
• Discuss social comparison, idealised online lifestyles and the pressure to own more.
• Discover alternatives: second-hand shopping, reuse, repair and upcycling.
• Take part in intercultural evenings, a local or cultural visit, reflection and Youthpass self-assessment.
• Develop ideas and action plans to share the learning in local communities.

Who can take part?

Participants are aged 18–30. The group leader must be 18 or over, with no upper age limit. We are looking for an interest in the topic, willingness to work in an international team and commitment to the full programme.

The project encourages young people with fewer opportunities to take part; at least half of all participants will be from this group. If you face barriers to participation, please discuss your support needs with the team.

Accommodation and travel

You will stay at the Domus Bethaniae scout base, surrounded by nature, in rooms for four people with mixed nationalities.

The budget for eligible travel costs for the Bulgarian team is up to €309 per person, including the group leader. This is a maximum travel allowance, rather than money for personal spending. Routes and tickets must be approved in advance by Sapere Aude Bulgaria and the organisers. Do not buy tickets before approval. The hosts will organise transport from Lamezia Terme airport to the venue.

The infopack does not explicitly state the meal coverage or whether a participation fee applies. Contact the team for these details before confirming your participation.

How to apply

Complete the application form using the Apply button by 10 November 2026. Read the infopack and make sure you can attend the full exchange.

For programme questions and the Bulgarian team: kostov@sapereaudebg.org. For logistics: themobilitylab3@gmail.com.

Ready to look beyond your next purchase and take ownership of your choices?