“play it forward” - Help to shape the new home for international youth exchange with gaming!

We invite you to "play it forward" – a digital step into the future of international youth exchange. Join a team of young pioneers on this virtual adventure from different countries, all united by a shared interest in gaming and intercultural dialogue.  During the last years, in which we tried to digitally recreate previous exchange experiences, we are now exploring together what other opportunities digital exchange could offer.

From March 02 to March 10 2024 we're creating and setting up a digital shared living space – a virtual 'Wohngemeinschaft' – in Gather Town dedicated to international exchange in the future. We try out new things, play and organise ourselves, and have fun together.

Ready to play it forward?!

What to expect? In this digital youth exchange you'll link up with other participants interested in collaboration in the digital space from german- and russian-speaking areas, work, live and play together as a virtual community.

We have not developed our own game. Instead, we will use existing games, communication channels and platforms. Games like Minetest and Overcooked 2 will be our playgrounds for learning something new and collaboration. These aren't just games; they're means to practice working together, problem-solving, and navigating challenges as a team. It's a chance to mix strategy with fun while building bridges across cultures.

This is our first attempt at organising international youth exchanges with gaming and not everything will be perfect. This project will be carefully documented and evaluated and you will help us to gain important experience for future exchanges.  So, if you're ready to break the routine, make international friends, and add a whole new dimension to your (gaming) adventures, this is where you hit 'start'.

Let's ‘play it forward’ – together!

A safer space: The project provides a digital safer space for people from german- and russian-speaking areas. We welcome application from all people who decide to participate in a respectful and playful manner.

Time Frame for “Play it forward”: March 02 to March 10, 2024

We will meet during the weekends (March, 02, 03, 09 and 10) and from Monday, March 04 to Friday, March 08 for evening sessions.

The mandatory preparation meeting will be Wednesday evening, February 28, 2024.