The first objective, as an organisation promoting international mobility, is to effectively reach your specific target group. Each group has its own unique habits, and it is important for your organisation to understand these habits in order to develop an effective awareness strategy.

1. Digital: Although digital strategies (e.g., social networks) have become quite common, they must be tailored to your target group. For example, using Facebook will not reach the same audience as TikTok. Additionally, there is a wide range of digital tools available. Creating a quiz on platforms like Kahoot, using video games on Twitch, producing short videos on YouTube or TikTok, or even simply using a mailing list can make a significant difference in engaging your target group.

2. Local Partners: If you have local partners working with your target group, do not hesitate to ask if you can give a brief presentation about international mobility within their organisation. For example, you could host a quiz on platforms like Kahoot (if you have access to a screen or projector and participants have smartphones). During this session, you could invite individuals with experience in international mobility to share their stories and interact with the audience. If you do not have local partners working with your target group, research local organisations and reach out to them first. This approach can often be more efficient than attempting to engage your target audience alone.

3. Events: At major events (such as music festivals, public gatherings, etc.), it is becoming increasingly common for spaces to be reserved for non-profit organisations, public institutions, or related entities, allowing them to address topics or opportunities of public interest. For example, you could request a booth in the “associative village” at a local music festival. During this event, your goal would be to present the various existing and relevant mobility initiatives (based on your target audience). To engage the public’s interest, you could invite individuals with prior experience in international mobility to share their personal stories, including the skills they developed, the challenges they faced, and any other insights they believe are important. You could also create a quiz on international mobility (covering topics like why and how to go abroad) and facilitate it on-site.

4. Street Outreach: Going further, reaching out to your target groups might involve going out into the streets to engage with them directly. A key characteristic of street outreach in any country is the focus on leaving the institution and engaging with people in their own environment. The purpose is to get to know them, build trustful relationships, and understand and address their needs. If your target group is often found in public spaces, going to these locations to engage with them is a great idea.

Engaging disadvantaged groups in international mobility can be challenging, but it starts with making these opportunities feel accessible and relevant. Many individuals may feel uncertain or excluded due to financial, social, or cultural barriers, so it’s essential to highlight how mobility can enrich their lives and expand their horizons. By using interactive activities, real-life stories, and appealing visuals, you can break down these barriers, inspire curiosity, and show that international mobility is not just for the privileged, but for everyone seeking personal growth and new experiences.

1. Non-formal Education Activities

Non-formal education is a powerful tool for bringing people together through fun activities, stimulating reflection with short and playful games, and offering a different approach to learning that complements the traditional school system. The activities should be simple, inclusive, easy to understand, short, and cooperative rather than competitive. This approach will help create energy, offering participants the opportunity to spend time with new people and get a taste of what international mobility can offer. For example, you could suggest a “Photo Language Activity” focused on cultures: an activity that raises self-awareness, deepens engagement and relationships, stimulates connections between intellectual reflection and personal experience, and encourages creativity in personal expression.

Following the non-formal activities, it will be easier to inform participants about opportunities for intercultural experiences.

In general, using gamification to inform your target group will make the information more enjoyable and easier to understand. Unlike non-formal education, gamified activities do not always require the trainer to be present. Instead, it could simply be a game provided along with the necessary information.

2. Peer-to-Peer Information / Testimony

For individuals who are new to international mobility, it can be incredibly effective to hear from people who have previously experienced it. This can be in the form of a simple sharing session or a more structured method, such as a “Living Library”. The Living Library concept works well when there are more than three testimonies. It operates like a traditional library: visitors can browse a catalogue of available titles, select a “book” they want to “read”, and engage in a conversation for a limited time. Afterward, they can return the book to the library and, if they wish, borrow another. The key difference is that, in the Living Library, “books” are people, and the “reading” consists of meaningful conversations. Originally designed to challenge prejudice and discrimination, the Living Library format can be adapted to address a wide range of subjects.

3. Make It Visual

Since your goal is for your target group to retain the information, it is crucial to create visually appealing representations of the material. An engaging design not only encourages people to remember the content but also makes them more likely to keep the document, whether in print or digital form.

Just like your activities, your visual communication should be tailored to the target group (e.g., colour schemes, tone—formal, standard, or casual), as well as the media used (social media, posters, visual maps, etc.). Additionally, you must consider the accessibility of your communication, especially when working with disadvantaged groups.