Research in the field began as the idea to bring a scientific perspective to youth exchanges. The research department was created in the 1970s and focused on understanding the dynamic at work in youth exchanges. The results were clear: Youth exchanges without an educational framework do not lead to breaking down prejudice, on the contrary. Following these results, it was decided to quantify projects scientifically and to then establish in-depth studies to understand learning in intercultural contexts and to build learning tools for youth exchanges. In order to adapt to an ever-changing environment, current research projects tackle civil society issues concerning youth in wider Europe while addressing the educational tools and formats created by the Franco-German Youth Office (FGYO).
On this page, you will find relevant information concerning our scientific publications and research projects.
Research projects
The programs and youth exchanges offered and funded by the FGYO are based on educational and linguistic concepts and approaches aimed at intercultural learning strengthening civil society. Adopted within a civic engagement approach, these tools were developed, refined and improved with the help of Franco-German and international projects. The FGYO aims to discuss and analyze new ideas and debates in social and political dialogues as well as in youth exchanges. With project results and recommendations reaching beyond the Franco-German context, we want to give access to these topics and analyses to as many people as possible.
Research groups
The intercultural nature of FGYO cooperation and its research groups are an essential element to our mission. As such, the FGYO supports Franco-German research groups and concludes cooperation agreements with universities or research institutes to which we partially fund research projects. If you want to meet with a German research institute on a topic related to youth and politics, we invite you to contact us. An analysis of an FGYO program or of participants motivations in a youth exchange can also serve as a starting point for a research project. Experience has shown that it is not absolutely necessary to have fluency in the language of the partner country.
Contact