**Call closed** Are you ready to cook, connect, and create a space for intercultural learning? Join us in Garlstedt, Germany, for an international Erasmus+ youth exchange where food becomes a tool for storytelling, collaboration, and building bridges between cultures.
Dates: 01–10.12.2025
Location: Garlstedt, Osterholz-Scharmbeck, Germany (near Bremen)
Deadline: 28.09.2025 at 23:59
C.O.O.K. (Cultivating Opportunities, Opening Knowledge) is a youth exchange under the Erasmus+ program that will bring together 39 young people and 6 group leaders from Italy, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Serbia, Spain, and Germany to explore how cooking and storytelling can foster deeper cultural understanding and stronger communities.
Through hands-on culinary sessions, storytelling workshops, group reflections, and shared cultural evenings, participants will experience a unique mix of practical learning and meaningful dialogue. This exchange will give you the opportunity to explore your own cultural and social identity while learning to appreciate and celebrate the diversity of others.
Through non-formal education, experiential learning, and international teamwork, you will:
Cook & Collaborate – prepare meals together, share recipes, and explore sustainable cooking practices
Tell & Listen – use storytelling as a tool for connection and cultural exchange
Develop Skills – build teamwork, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence
Celebrate Diversity – experience an open, respectful environment where every culture and perspective is valued
The goals of the project are to:
Foster intercultural communication and understanding
Facilitate exchange of diverse perspectives and traditions
Encourage collaboration in intercultural teams
Help participants explore cultural and social identities through food and storytelling
Promote sustainable cooking practices and environmentally conscious living
All accommodation and food costs are covered by the Erasmus+ program. Travel costs will be reimbursed up to a certain limit, depending on the distance between your hometown and the venue, based on Erasmus+ guidelines.
We charge a participation fee of €50!
If you want to read more details about the project, make sure to check out the Infopack.
Accommodation
The exchange will take place at KulturHaus, a youth house in the village of Garlstedt near Bremen. Participants will stay in shared rooms (3–4 people per room) with other participants from different nationalities and will contribute to the upkeep of the venue.
The house is located in a quiet, remote area, which means we will live, learn, and have fun together throughout the whole program. There are no restaurants, supermarkets, or cafés nearby—so this will be a real community experience focused on group connection and collaboration.
Meals will be prepared together as part of the learning experience, and we will follow green event practices. Please let us know your dietary preferences or restrictions (vegetarian, no pork, etc.) in advance.
You can apply below if:
You are a resident of Germany
You are 18–30 years old
You are motivated to explore cooking, intercultural learning, and storytelling
You are ready to work in teams and live in a shared environment
You are able and committed to attend all activities and participate in follow-up actions
You are able and committed to attend all activities and participate in follow-up actions
You can communicate in basic English – fluency is not required, but you should be comfortable engaging in conversations
Please note that only residents of Germany can apply through the form below.
Still have questions? Check out our FAQ! If your question can’t be answered there, please contact Anja: [email protected]
(Deadline for applying: 28.09.2025 at 23:59)