source: https://smokinya.com/2026/03/taste-away-2-0-youth-exchange-in-mrachenik-bulgaria/

Do you want to live a “life-changing” experience? Join us this spring for Taste Away 2.0!

The Project

This Youth Exchange will gather 40 young people to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with themselves, others, and the joy of shared experiences.
Set in a rural mountain area in Bulgaria, the project is focused on food – preparation, cooking, and sharing meals with young people from 7 countries.
Prepare for cultural exchange and human connection, between the group and with local Bulgarian residents!
In a minimalistic, close-to-nature environment, you can explore creativity, mindful living, and self-awareness through hands-on activities and arts, embracing a “back to the basics” lifestyle that celebrates inclusion, diversity, and learning.

Participants profile

• between 18 and 25 years old
• live in Austria, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Hungary, France, Italy or Georgia
• enthusiastic about cooking, teamwork and cultural exchange
• ready to disconnect from your phone and embrace a minimalistic lifestyle close to nature
• fully available during the youth exchange (no late arrivals or early departures!)

Venue and Acccommodation

The activities will take place in BRIGHT Future Center, a former school, that was purchased by Smokinya in 2023. Since then, we are working on making it a hub of non-formal education and a reference point at the local and European levels.
There, ESC and Erasmus+ projects were hosted in the last few years and the school became the “temporary house” for young people from all over Europe.
The basic condition offered by the venue supports human connections: who passed through it learned how to appreciate little moments and the spirit of being a united and empowered group is encouraged by this setting.

• shared tents (up to 3 people) with: 10 cm foam mattress, pillow, pillow case and mattress cover
• 3 showers
• 6 indoor toilets
• campfire spot
• equipped kitchen

How to apply

Read the Infopack carefully
Apply with this Application form
Wait to hear back from us
Get ready for a delicious experience

IMPORTANT
Obligatory pre-departure to be announced and sent upon confirmation.
Come in person to learn about Smokinya, Erasmus+, this project, reimbursement, and ask your questions.
Participation is obligatory, an option is to join via Skype / Hangouts apps.

Read more details in the infopack.

Important! Read the info pack carefully, it contains important details.
This is a youth exchange funded by the Erasmus+ programme.
You will be asked to organise a follow-up activity after the program.
Get to know all provided information in the info pack before you submit your application form.
Apply only when you know you want to participate and you have the dates of the training available.
Travel reimbursement is only sent to those who fully participate in all phases, including the follow-up and dissemination.
General applications are disregarded.

Want to learn about the benefits of our courses? Click here: https://smokinya.com/testimonials/

More information: Info letter

COST AND FEES
This project is co-funded by the European Union: accommodation, food, materials, the program and the travel costs up to the maximum allowed amount are fully covered. No fees.

Maximum travel reimbursement for Bulgarians: €28 or €56 green travel per person.

Smokinya Foundation operates thanks to hundreds of volunteering hours per month and donations.
We ask a contribution of 30-50 EUR (sliding scale) from all confirmed applicants.
Your donation covers some of our administrative and organisational expenses and supports Smokinya Foundation’s dream to establish youth-run international volunteering and training centre. In case the suggested donation amount is excessive for you, contact us.

Apply by sending an email to: info@smokinya.com
Deadline for applications: April 10th 2026