Young Entrepreneurs in Action

Youth Exchange

17/08/2025 - 25/08/2025

Izvoare, Harghita County, Romania

52 young people • 5 countries • 1 unforgettable adventure

What happens when you bring together 52 energetic, ambitious, very-motivated young people from Romania, Hungary, Czechia, Slovakia, and the Republic of Moldova… and drop them in the middle of the mountains in Izvoare, Romania?

You get a youth exchange full of creativity, big ideas, brainstorming, intercultural magic, and the birth of real young changemakers.

Welcome to Young Entrepreneurs in Action!

Where entrepreneurial mindset met personal development, and both decided to go on a wild, productive road trip together.

About the Youth Exchange

This 7-day Erasmus+ mobility focused on developing the entrepreneurial mindset and strengthening young people’s ability to overcome challenges with confidence and creativity. Through interactive workshops, problem-solving missions, creative activities, and team-building activities, participants explored how to take initiative, work effectively in diverse teams, and turn ideas into action.

While the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, the learning was real: teamwork improved, leadership emerged, and participants grew more aware of their strengths and potential.

What We Aimed to Achieve

The project’s goal was simple yet powerful:
To empower young people to become resilient, proactive, and innovative citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to their communities.

Objectives:

Strengthen understanding of the entrepreneurial mindset and personal development through interactive workshops and non-formal learning.
Help participants grow into proactive changemakers by developing leadership, critical thinking, and productivity skills.
Provide practical tools for creativity, intercultural collaboration, and problem-solving, enabling young people to design and implement innovative ideas.

Who Were the Participants?

Our youth exchange brought together 52 motivated young people aged 16–21 from Romania, Hungary, Czechia, Slovakia, and the Republic of Moldova. Each participant came with their own dreams, talents, and perspectives, creating a diverse and energetic international group.

They were students, aspiring entrepreneurs, creative thinkers, problem-solvers, and young people curious about the world and eager to grow. Some arrived with business ideas already in mind, while others came simply wanting to explore their strengths and learn something new.

What united them all was a shared desire to challenge themselves, collaborate across cultures, and discover what it means to turn ideas into action.
Together, they created a dynamic environment where learning felt natural, teamwork flourished, and every voice mattered.

Young Entrepreneurs in Action: Dive Into Our Experience

Getting to Know Each Other

The very first day of Young Entrepreneurs in Action was all about breaking the ice and building our international team. Participants arrived with excitement, curiosity, and plenty of energy, ready to start an inspiring week together. We played dynamic icebreaker games, shared stories from our home countries, and quickly bonded through laughter and teamwork. It was the perfect warm-up before jumping into the entrepreneurial challenges ahead — a fun, welcoming start that set the tone for a week full of creativity, collaboration, and growth!

Exploring the Youthpass Certificate

During the exchange, we discovered the Youthpass certificate.

We talked about how Youthpass isn’t just a paper; it’s a way to recognize and celebrate everything we’ve learned, from teamwork and communication to digital safety skills.

It was a great chance for everyone to reflect on their personal growth, from teamwork to digital safety, and see how these new skills can help in their future studies and careers. The Youthpass showed us that learning goes well beyond just the activities—it’s about real development.

Healthy Lifestyle & Risk Awareness

As part of the youth exchange, participants took part in an interactive workshop on drug and alcohol prevention, risks, and safety, as well as strategies for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The session encouraged young people to reflect on the choices they make, understand potential risks, and adopt habits that keep them healthy and connected to the real world. Through discussions, practical tips, and engaging exercises, participants gained guidance on how to take care of themselves both physically and mentally while staying aware of their surroundings.

Unlocking the Entrepreneurial Mindset

We kicked off the exchange by breaking the myths around entrepreneurship. Participants explored what lies behind an entrepreneurial mindset: curiosity, resilience, responsibility, and the courage to take initiative. Through games and discussions, they realized that entrepreneurship is less about money and more about how you think, act, and solve problems.

Entrepreneurship Theatre Play — Creativity Meets Real-Life Challenges

In this fun and imaginative activity, participants stepped into the world of entrepreneurship through theatre. They acted out real-life business situations—unexpected problems, tough clients, risky decisions—and used humor and creativity to find solutions on the spot. From dramatic negotiations to hilarious product failures, the theatre play helped them explore entrepreneurial challenges in a relaxed, expressive, and memorable way. It was a space where learning felt like play, and where every scene brought new insights.

Exploring the Entrepreneurial Competences

Using interactive methods and real-life examples, participants discovered the core competences entrepreneurs use every day—like creativity, decision-making, teamwork, and strategic thinking. Each young person identified their own strengths and areas to improve, gaining a clearer picture of their personal growth path.

Mindset Reset — From Procrastination to Action

This workshop focused on the habits that hold us back. Participants explored why procrastination happens and learned simple, practical tools to move from delaying tasks to taking action. By the end, they created personal action plans that helped them stay motivated and productive during the exchange—and beyond.

Pitch Perfect — How to Pitch

What good is a great idea if you can’t explain it?
In this session, participants learned how to present their projects clearly and confidently. They practiced structuring a pitch, capturing attention in the first seconds, and speaking with purpose. The room quickly transformed into a mini TEDx stage filled with enthusiastic voices.

Entrepreneurial Personal & Professional Values

This activity helped participants connect the dots between who they are and what they want to create. Through reflection exercises and group discussions, they identified their personal and professional values, then learned how to turn those values into business ideas that feel authentic, meaningful, and aligned with their passions.

SCAMPER Method — Let’s Innovate!

To boost creativity, participants were introduced to the SCAMPER method, a powerful brainstorming tool used to innovate and improve existing ideas. By applying Substitution, Combination, Adaptation, Modification, and other techniques, teams transformed simple ideas into fresh, original, and sometimes surprisingly brilliant concepts.

Start-Up Market Simulation

The Start-Up Market Simulation became one of the most powerful and transformative moments of the entire youth exchange. What started as a playful, energetic challenge quickly turned into an eye-opening experience where participants realized what entrepreneurship truly feels like in action.

During this activity, teams stepped into the shoes of real start-up founders. They brainstormed business ideas, designed quick prototypes, defined their target audience, and prepared strategies to attract “investors.” Once the marketplace opened, the room exploded with activity—teams negotiating, pitching, adjusting their ideas on the spot, and learning how to communicate under pressure.

The atmosphere felt like a mix between a business fair and a high-energy game show: loud, dynamic, competitive, and incredibly fun. But behind the laughter and creativity were real skills being built—strategic thinking, teamwork, financial planning, marketing, and fast problem-solving.

What made this activity truly stand out was its lasting impact.

One team’s idea sparked so much interest and potential that, after returning home, participants decided not to let it stay just a simulation. They continued developing the concept, refined their business model, and began implementing it in their community. This proved that young people don’t only learn during Erasmus+ exchanges—they take action, create, and bring ideas to life.

The Start-Up Market Simulation didn’t just teach entrepreneurship.

It inspired it.

And it showed participants that with the right mindset, collaboration, and courage, their ideas can move from a small workshop in Izvoare to becoming real initiatives that make a difference.

Celebrating Cultures | Intercultural Evenings

No youth exchange is complete without a taste of each other’s culture—and we did it in style!

We dedicated two unforgettable nights to intercultural evenings, where participants from Romania, Hungary, Republic of Moldova, Slovakia and Czechia took the lead in sharing their traditions, music, food, and fun.

Romania — A Warm Welcome From the Host Country

The Romanian team opened the doors to their traditions with warmth and pride. Participants discovered the beauty of Romanian folklore, tried local snacks, and learned fun facts about Transylvania and the Harghita region. With energetic dances, traditional rhythms, and lots of smiles, Romania set the perfect tone for the entire intercultural journey.

Republic of Moldova — Hospitality & Heartfelt Traditions

The Moldovan team brought warmth and authenticity to their evening. Through traditional music, lively dances, and delicious homemade-style treats, they introduced the group to Moldova’s rich cultural heritage. Their presentation blended history with humor, making everyone feel the famous Moldovan hospitality.

Hungary — Spices, Songs & Strong Traditions

The Hungarian group brought a burst of flavor and personality to their evening. From sweet treats to spicy surprises, everyone got a taste of Hungarian culture—literally! They shared folk music, traditional games, and stories that highlighted Hungary’s rich history, inviting everyone to join in their energetic national dances.

Czechia & Slovakia — A Shared Celebration of Culture

Czechia and Slovakia teamed up for one lively intercultural evening, blending the best of both cultures. Czechia brought humor, local stories, and traditional snacks, while Slovakia shared folklore, dances, and myths from their mountains. Together, they created a fun, energetic night full of music, games, and laughter—showing that collaboration makes cultural exchange even more memorable.

These nights were more than just entertainment—they were a celebration of interculturality, showing how learning about each other’s backgrounds can build stronger bonds and mutual respect. Plus, they were a whole lot of fun!

Never Goodbye — Just See You Again

As the final day arrived, it was clear that saying goodbye wasn’t easy. After a week full of learning, laughter, dancing, and connection, strong bonds had been formed. But in Erasmus+, we don’t really say goodbye—we say “see you again”. Because every end is just the start of something new.

With hugs, promises to keep in touch, and even a few happy tears, participants returned home—carrying not just memories, but new knowledge, friendships, and a drive to make a difference.

What Comes Next: DEOR & Follow-Up

One of the most important goals of an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange is to create a meaningful impact—not just during the activity, but long after it ends.

Through our DEOR (Dissemination and Exploitation of Results) Plan, participants were encouraged to take what they learned and share it with others—in schools, youth clubs, or online. They became local ambassadors for entrepreneurial mindset and personal development, using creative tools like presentations, posters, or even social media challenges to spread awareness in their communities.

Because at its heart, a youth exchange like Young Entrepreneurs in Action is not just about learning—it's about empowering young people to make a difference, in their own lives and in the world around them.

Spreading the Impact: DEOR in Action

📍 Romania, Sfântu Gheorghe

In Romania, the team from Colegiul Național Mihai Viteazul in Sfântu Gheorghe organized two dissemination sessions on the 10th and 11th of September 2025, reaching a total of 52 participants.

During these sessions, they presented the key activities and outcomes of the Young Entrepreneurs in Action youth exchange to their peers and teachers. Participants shared their personal experiences, discussed the entrepreneurial skills and competences they had developed, and inspired fellow students to explore creativity, teamwork, and innovation in their own projects.

📍 Hungary, Budapest

In Hungary, the team in Budapest carried out two dissemination sessions on the 8th and 15th of September 2025, reaching a total of 18 participants.

During these sessions, they shared the experiences and outcomes of the Young Entrepreneurs in Action youth exchange, highlighting the skills, competences, and entrepreneurial mindset developed during the project. Through presentations and discussions, participants inspired their peers to embrace creativity, teamwork, and innovation in their own initiatives.

📍 Republic of Moldova, Ungheni

In the Republic of Moldova, at Liceul Teoretic „Vasile Alecsandri” a dissemination session was held on 18th September 2025, reaching 40 participants. During the session, the team presented the Young Entrepreneurs in Action youth exchange, explaining its main objectives and activities carried out with participants from different countries.

They highlighted the skills developed, including teamwork, intercultural communication, and problem-solving, as well as the personal and professional impact of the experience. Examples of workshops, discussions, and practical tasks were shared to show how learning and collaboration took place. The session also aimed to raise awareness about Erasmus+ opportunities and encourage more young people to participate in similar projects.

📍Sâmbăta De Sus, Romania

During another youth exchange taking place in Romania, Simon Hyross carried out a dissemination activity in front of 40 participants from Romania, Lithuania, Slovakia, Portugal, and Hungary.

He presented the Young Entrepreneurs in Action youth exchange, shared its main objectives, and played a short energiser to connect with the group. Simon also showcased the project video and introduced the participants to the Ingens Risus organization, explaining the opportunities we offer. The audience was highly engaged, asked questions, and expressed strong interest in joining future activities in Ingens Risus.

📍 Prague, Czech Republic

The Czech team carried out two dissemination sessions on the 18th of September 2025 at Gymnázium Praha 9 Chodovická, reaching 30 participants in the first session and 25 in the second.

The presentations were split into two clear parts: first, the team introduced Erasmus+ in general, explaining the different types of projects students can join and the opportunities available to them. In the second part, they shared their personal journey in Young Entrepreneurs in Action, showing photos, videos, and describing the activities and experiences from the exchange. To wrap up, they explained where students can find upcoming Erasmus+ projects and how to apply, motivating their peers to explore international opportunities and step confidently into the world of non-formal learning.

📍Odorheiu Secuiesc, Romania

On the 22nd of September, Romanian participants Monika and Orsi organized another dissemination of Young Entrepreneurs in Action in their school, gathering a group of 15 students and teachers. They opened with a presentation introducing the project, its objectives, and the activities they experienced during the mobility. They highlighted key moments from the workshops, teamwork challenges, and cultural exchanges, showing photos that brought their journey to life.

Teachers encouraged questions and feedback, and several students expressed interest in joining future Erasmus+ opportunities. Through this session, Monika and Orsi successfully raised awareness about the Erasmus+ program, promoted entrepreneurial competences, and inspired their peers to explore similar international learning experiences.

📍 Slovakia, Kosice

In Košice, Slovakia, participant Barbora Bilová organized a dissemination session for her class, reaching 20 students. She prepared a presentation using photos and videos from the Young Entrepreneurs in Action activities, giving her classmates a clear look into the experience.

Barbora explained what Erasmus+ is, how it works, what she personally learned, and how students can apply for future projects. The session ended with a ten-minute Q&A, where she answered their curiosities and encouraged anyone interested to reach out for support. Through her initiative, Barbora helped spark interest in international opportunities and inspired her peers to consider joining Erasmus+ projects of their own.

📍Brno, Czech Republic

In Brno, Czechia, participant Karel Zapletal held a dissemination session at Polytechnická škola Brno Jílová, reaching 17 classmates. During an English lesson, he presented the Erasmus+ programme with the support of his teacher, focusing on its main goals, opportunities, and the many benefits it offers to young people.

Karel shared what he learned through Young Entrepreneurs in Action and highlighted why international projects like this matter. His aim was clear—inform, motivate, and inspire his peers to consider taking part in future Erasmus+ experiences. Through this session, he helped spark curiosity and broadened awareness about the possibilities waiting for them beyond the classroom.

📍Pardubice, Czech Republic

In Pardubice, Czechia, participant Lukáš Grobben organized a dissemination session at Gymnázium Pardubice, Mozartova, reaching 30 students aged 15–16. Together with his Czech language teacher—his favorite, and an experienced Erasmus+ participant himself—Lukáš prepared a lively and informative presentation held during class time.

He introduced the group to the world of Erasmus+, the Ingens Risus, and the Young Entrepreneurs in Action youth exchange, sharing insights, stories, and key outcomes from the project. After the presentation, Lukáš explained how students can apply for their own Erasmus+ opportunities and opened the floor for questions. His session not only raised awareness but also sparked real enthusiasm among the students to explore international experiences for themselves.

📍Bratislava, Slovakia

In Bratislava, Slovakia, participant Matěj Milata held a small but meaningful dissemination session at Centrum Rodiny, reaching 8 young people. He shared photos from Young Entrepreneurs in Action, walked them through the activities he took part in, and explained the personal impact the project had on him—both in terms of growth and confidence.

To make the session more interactive and fun, Matěj also taught the group two of his favorite energizers from the exchange. Even in a smaller setting, his presentation created a warm, engaging atmosphere and inspired the participants to consider joining Erasmus+ projects in the future.

📍Miercurea Ciuc, Romania

The youth worker of the exchange, Victor, organized two dissemination sessions at the ASEY Network Youth Center, on the 22nd of September and 24th of October 2025, each reaching 26 participants.

During the sessions, Victor presented the Young Entrepreneurs in Action youth exchange, sharing key activities, learning outcomes, and personal reflections from the project. Participants were introduced to the skills developed during the exchange, including teamwork, creativity, and entrepreneurship, as well as the opportunities provided by the ASEY Network. Both sessions included discussions and interactive elements, inspiring attendees to explore similar Erasmus+ projects and take part in future international youth activities.

Results of D.E.O.R

Number of disseminations

16 Participants Reached

321 Awareness Raised

Increased awareness of the Erasmus+ program, the Ingens Risus organization, and opportunities for international youth mobility.

Participants gained knowledge about project objectives, activities, and the skills developed during the exchange.

Skills and Competences Shared

Spread understanding of entrepreneurial mindset and competences (creativity, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork).

Participants learned about practical methods like SCAMPER, pitching, and project ideation.

Inspiration and Motivation

Peer-to-peer inspiration: seeing fellow youth implement projects encouraged others to pursue their own ideas.

Some dissemination activities directly sparked interest in joining future Erasmus+ projects or Ingens Risus initiatives.

Impact of Young Entrepreneurs in Action

The impact of Young Entrepreneurs in Action has been immense, transforming participants both personally and professionally.

Many shared how the exchange boosted their confidence and communication skills:

| “I am more confident about my English. I’m also more open, better at teamwork and motivated,” one participant reflected.

Others noted how the project helped them step into leadership roles:

| “We started a new Erasmus organization where I put everything in. I also became a young politician in my region and have around 30 people under me, and I feel comfy leading our group.”

The exchange also inspired young people to apply what they learned in their daily lives. One participant explained:

| “I use the skills I learned during the Youth Exchange project Young Entrepreneurs in Action in my everyday life. I now plan my day better by making a to-do list or setting small goals, which helps me stay focused and avoid wasting time. I also feel more confident when speaking in class or working in teams. I’m no longer afraid to share my ideas, and I try to listen actively to others too.”

Another added:

| “I applied the knowledge and experiences gained from the Youth Exchange by using learning and communication methods I learned there in everyday life.”

The entrepreneurial skills gained during the exchange had a real impact, both in school and beyond. Participants shared that they improved their pitching, presentation, and project organization skills:

| “It helped me improve my pitching and presentation skills, and most importantly helped me learn how to better organize group assignments, for example in school.”

Others noted how the experience encouraged creativity and initiative:

| “I learned about new cultures from a bunch of countries, became better at taking initiative, and the project helped me become more social and get out of my comfort zone.”

For some, the exchange sparked concrete actions and personal projects:

| “I helped motivate a relative to start a business,” one participant said. while another shared, “Mostly by gaining an interest in many new things… this youth exchange also gave birth to a whole new Erasmus organization I am now a part of.”

Beyond skills and projects, the exchange left a lasting mark on participants’ social and emotional growth.

| “I feel a lot more confident in my abilities and myself. I also made a lot of new friends that made me and still make me very happy. I will always treasure the memories made there,” reflected one participant.

While another emphasized:

| “I became a lot more confident in myself and my ideas, learned how to present them better, and realized that I am old enough to do great things to help my community. I also learned a lot more about empathy and being patient with others, from sharing the house with the other participants.”

Finally, the exchange ignited a passion for Erasmus+ and future opportunities:

| “Encouraged me to apply to more Erasmus+ projects and I will apply to more. I've developed the skill called pitching, which became a very important factor in my life. I'm very thankful for this project,” one participant shared.

While another noted:

|“The Youth Exchange had a big impact on me… it made me more enthusiastic about entrepreneurship and motivated me to explore more about this subject even after the project ended.”

Through Young Entrepreneurs in Action, participants not only gained entrepreneurial competences and practical skills, but also developed confidence, intercultural understanding, and the motivation to take initiative. The exchange has empowered them to continue learning, leading, and creating impact in their communities—and beyond.

Youth Exchange Outputs

As a result of Young Entrepreneurs in Action, we gathered all the key outputs and materials from the youth exchange in one place! From workshop summaries and creative activities to photos, videos, and participant reflections, everything is organized on our Padlet so you can explore and get inspired.

Click here!

Press Coverage by External Media

The youth exchange Young Entrepreneurs in Action has been featured in multiple articles and press releases by external media outlets. These publications highlighted the engaging activities, the skills developed, and the positive impact on participants, showcasing how the mobility fostered entrepreneurial thinking, creativity, and personal growth.

Check them out here!

România Pozitivă

Știri ONG

Photo Gallery

Day 1

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Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Watch the Aftermovie

Relive the energy, creativity, and unforgettable moments of Young Entrepreneurs in Action! From teamwork challenges to intercultural evenings and hands-on workshops, this aftermovie captures the spirit of the youth exchange and the incredible journey of our participants.

Your Interest Got Sparked?

Loved what you saw? Feeling inspired by Young Entrepreneurs in Action?

Don’t wait—join our upcoming activities and become part of the Ingens Risus community!

Explore new experiences, meet amazing people, and develop skills that will take you further.

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