Erasmus+ Youth Exchange: Entrepreneur in a week
From April 2 to 10, 2025, we organized an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange titled 'Entrepreneur in a Week' in Balatonkeresztúr, Hungary. The 7-day project brought together 35 young people from Hungary, Poland, Moldova, Portugal and Belgium to explore the world of entrepreneurship through the power of non-formal education.
Throughout the exchange, participants were challenged to think like entrepreneurs and collaborate across cultures. The program was built around interactive sessions, all based on non-formal education, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and real-world thinking. Activities included:
Developing and pitching start-up ideas in international teams
Learning about design thinking
Exploring tools such as the Business Model Canvas and financial planning basics
Learning from real-life case studies of successful (and failed) ventures
Discussing the entrepreneurial ecosystems in their home countries
Practicing strategic decision-making and teamwork
Exploring Budapest
Discovering each other’s cultures during intercultural evenings
While the focus was on entrepreneurship, the exchange offered much more. It was a space where young people could exchange ideas, build lasting friendships, and gain valuable soft skills such as communication, presentation and leadership. Many left with not only a clearer understanding of what it takes to start a business, but also with the confidence to take their first steps as changemakers in their communities. The participants received a YouthPass at the last day of the project in order to support their non-formal learning recognition.
This international experience was made possible through the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union, with Square of Youth Association as host and coordinator. We were proud to collaborate with dedicated partners who brought their energy and expertise:
Erasmus Mundus Student Association – Belgium
Associacio Juvenil Da Ilha Terceira – Portugal
Asociația Internațională a Tinerilor – Moldova
Linking Foundation – Poland
This project was a unique opportunity for young people from different backgrounds to come together, exchange ideas and gain practical skills, as participants not only developed innovative projects, but also built strong relationships and gained useful soft skills that will last beyond the exchange.