The project aims to engage 30 young people from Romania, Italy, Spain, Poland, and Greece in a meaningful intercultural journey focused on two pressing issues: migration and the media’s role in shaping public perception. Through non-formal education, storytelling, digital media production, and peer learning, the project addresses three interrelated objectives that directly respond to identified needs in the youth field. SO1 - Enhancing critical understanding of migration among young people Migration is a highly complex and often polarising topic. Young people frequently form opinions based on simplified or biased narratives, lacking tools to critically analyse the socio-political and human dimensions of the phenomenon. This contributes to widespread disinformation, stereotyping, and disengagement. To address this, the project will offer an in-depth learning process during the 7-day Youth Exchange in Bucharest, which includes interactive workshops (Day 2: “Why do people migrate?”), storytelling from people with lived experience, and a powerful simulation game (“Crossing Borders”) that puts participants in the shoes of migrants facing real-life barriers. The Study Visit (Day 4) combines institutional visits and a public-facing intercultural media lab in partnership with local students. These activities will allow participants to engage directly with the realities of migration in European cities. At the end of the exchange, at least 85% of participants will demonstrate increased knowledge and the ability to express three or more informed and empathetic perspectives on migration, as evidenced in reflection groups and the final evaluation (Day 7). SO2 - Empowering young people with fewer opportunities through expression and skills development A core objective of Beyond Borders is to actively include and empower young people with fewer opportunities, including youth from rural areas, low-income backgrounds, or with a migrant background. These participants often face barriers to mobility, civic participation, and digital expression. The project seeks to create a safe, inclusive, and inspiring space for them to gain confidence, develop soft and digital competences, and share their voices. During the exchange, participants will be engaged in skill-building activities focused on intercultural dialogue, teamwork, and basic media literacy (Days 3-6), supported by group leaders and trained facilitators. A specific support structure, including mentoring and team check-ins (Day 6), will ensure they feel included, respected, and heard. Each young person with fewer opportunities will co-produce at least one media output (short video, podcast, or photo story), which will be integrated into a collective Migration Zine, a digital and physical result of the youth exchange. In the follow-up phase, 100% of these participants are expected to report improved self-confidence and digital inclusion, as measured through a dedicated survey and individual reflection exercises (Month 10). SO3 - Strengthening cooperation and capacity among youth organizations Many youth organizations working on migration or media literacy operate with limited opportunities for structured cross-border collaboration. This limits their ability to innovate, co-create new tools, and develop sustainable partnerships that could increase the impact of their work with young people. Through this 12-month project, the five partner organizations will jointly implement all phases of the project, from planning and program co-design (Months 1-3), to mobility implementation (Month 8), and evaluation/dissemination (Months 9-12). This collaborative cycle allows each partner to exchange practices, test new non-formal methods in the field, and contribute to a shared digital toolkit including methodologies, workshop formats, media outputs, and recommendations for youth workers. The toolkit will be used as an open resource to promote further local activities and international cooperation. Each organization is expected to integrate at least two new tools or strategies into their ongoing youth work on migration, media, and inclusion. So, Beyond Borders aims to foster active citizenship, empathy, and media literacy among young Europeans by combining experiential learning with digital creativity. It promotes inclusion by prioritising the participation and empowerment of youth with fewer opportunities, and also strengthens the capacities of youth organizations through shared learning and long-term collaboration. Aligned with Erasmus+ priorities (especially inclusion and diversity, digital transformation, and participation in democratic life) the project equips participants with tools, knowledge, and networks to act as multipliers of positive narratives on migration and intercultural understanding within their communities. Through its activities, outputs, and local follow-up, Beyond Borders aspires to generate a sustainable impact both at individual and organisational level.