VOLUN’TERRA: Youth Exchange on Agroecology in France
Ready to get your hands in the soil and your mind into a more sustainable future?
Agroecology is more than just gardening – it’s a systemic approach to understanding how we produce food, care for nature, and live together sustainably. At this international youth exchange in the south of France, you’ll connect with people from France, Croatia, and Germany to explore ecological agriculture, cook together, care for animals, and dive into hands-on action.
Together, we’ll learn how food systems and agriculture impact climate and biodiversity – and how we can become part of the solution.
What will happen?
During the Youth Exchange, we’ll explore agroecology as a holistic and practical approach to sustainable living. You’ll get hands-on experience with gardening, animal care, and cooking, while also learning about food systems, self-sufficiency, and ecological agriculture.
Through group activities, outdoor workshops, and visits to local farms, we’ll connect with nature, reflect on our role in creating a fair and sustainable world, and enjoy intercultural exchange. There will be plenty of time for games, creativity, and spending time outdoors together in a beautiful natural setting.
We are organizing this Youth Exchange together with our partner organizations Terre & Humanisme (http://www.terre-humanisme.org/) from Lablachère in southern France and people from Croatia. From each country, five young people between the ages of 18 and 30 will take part in the exchange and contribute their diverse life experiences and perspectives to shaping the program together.
When?
September 7–14, 2025
– Online Preparation Call: August 28 (evening)
– Arrival: Sunday, September 7
– Program days: September 8–13
– Departure: Sunday, September 14
Where?
At Terre & Humanisme in Lablachère, Ardèche (South-East France)
A beautiful education center for agroecology, surrounded by gardens and biodiversity.
You’ll stay there either in tents or shared rooms in a local guesthouse. There are shared bathrooms and indoor/outdoor activity spaces.
Meals will be vegetarian, using organic, seasonal, and local ingredients – often from the garden on site. Lunch will be prepared by an experienced cook, and you’ll cook dinner together as a group. You’ll also learn how to prepare delicious vegetarian meals yourself!
Tea, coffee, and herbal infusions are available all day.
Food allergies or intolerances? No problem – you can indicate this in your application.
With whom?
– 15 participants + 3 group leaders from France, Croatia, and Germany
– Main facilitator: Léa Ostermann (she/her, 34)
– Agroecology trainers: Valo, Bérengère, Fred, Arnaud
– Organized by Terre & Humanisme in cooperation with partner NGOs
This exchange is for you if…
– You’re 18–27 years old, based in Germany, and speak basic English
– You’re interested in ecology, food systems, and community living
– You’re curious, open to meeting new people, and want to take action for a more just and sustainable world
– You enjoy spending time outdoors and contributing to group life (cooking, organizing, cleaning)
Participants from disadvantaged backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply.
Costs & Funding
This project is 100% funded by the EU’s Erasmus+ programme. That means:
– No participation fee
– Free accommodation and food
– Travel costs are reimbursed after the project
Please avoid flying! We ask all participants to travel by train or bus where possible. We’ll support you in planning your green journey to the venue (e.g. train to Montélimar, then bus or car-sharing to Lablachère).
If pre-financing your travel is a problem, just let us know – we’ll find a solution together.
How to apply?
We’re now looking for 5 motivated participants from Germany (18+) to join us on this international journey. If you’re curious, interested, and available from September 7–14, we want to hear from you!
(Please note: Your registration is binding once submitted.)
Key information
What?
International Youth Exchange (Germany, France, Croatia) – VOLUN’TERRA
on agroecology, food systems & sustainable living
When?
September 7–14 (main exchange)
Online prep call: August 28
Where?
Lablachère, Ardèche (south-east France)
Cost?
Free of charge (funded by Erasmus+)
Who?
Young people aged 18+, living in Germany, France, or Croatia
Application?
Funded by
Partner organization
Questions?
Feel free to reach out if you’re unsure or need support with your application or travel planning.
Let’s build a better world together – one garden bed at a time.
