The thematic report on “Mobility and the role of Youth Information in the lives of Rural Youth” summarises the differences between majority youth and young people living in rural areas.
The key findings of this report indicate that rural youth:
- Are less open to going abroad for a mobility experience, and less interested in almost any mobility format.
- Are less experienced in searching for mobility-related information than young people living in urban areas.
- Use information sources systematically less often to look for mobility-related information and are less enthusiastic about various types of information delivery, such as information sessions at schools or youth centres.
- Behave very similarly online when searching for information. When it comes to social media, rural youth are more prone to using TikTok.
- Are more worried about the challenges of going abroad, such as facing day-to-day uncertainties living abroad, fears of not making friends, losing touch with family and friends at home, or being overwhelmed by language barriers, or they simply feel that a stay abroad does not suit their personality.
- Are less likely to report facing problems during their mobility stays. Despite lower overall participation in mobility, rural young people who do go abroad report the same high levels of satisfaction with the experience as their urban peers.
All of these findings, specific to young people living in rural areas, and especially those focusing on the challenges they perceive, are useful for youth information services. They help tailor information delivery, coverage, and content to support rural youth in going abroad, building their confidence to participate in and benefit from mobility programmes.
For more information about the Youth Information Survey, click here.
