FAQ's
Do I need to be a professional musician or creative to apply?
Not at all. The Exchange is designed for creative, community-minded people from a wide range of backgrounds. While some participants may be experienced musicians or arts practitioners, others may simply love bringing people together through creativity, music, education or community connection.
I’m not a singer. Can I still apply?
Yes. While music is an important part of KwaYa’s work, The Exchange is broader than music alone. We welcome expressions of interest from creative educators, youth facilitators, community arts workers and people involved in creative or community leadership in different ways.
What kind of people are you looking for?
We’re looking for people who are open-minded, collaborative, community-minded and genuinely interested in connection, creativity and cultural exchange.
You don’t need to have impressive credentials. We’re far more interested in attitude, openness and willingness to participate respectfully and wholeheartedly.
What actually happens during the two weeks?
Participants spend time connecting with local artists, schools and communities through music, creativity, workshops, cultural exchange and shared everyday experiences.
Activities may include creative workshops, community visits, performances, conversations, storytelling, shared meals and collaborative experiences alongside local Ugandan partners.
No two days are likely to look exactly the same.
Will we be performing?
Possibly, yes — but this is not designed as a traditional performance tour. Any performances or creative presentations would be part of a broader experience of collaboration, participation and cultural exchange.
Is this a volunteer program?
No. The Exchange is an intercultural creative exchange built around collaboration, participation and shared learning. Participants travel as contributors, collaborators and learners rather than volunteers.
What sort of accommodation is used?
Accommodation will vary depending on location and program activities, but participants can expect clean, safe and comfortable accommodation organised by the KwaYa team and local partners.
More detailed information will be provided to selected participants before departure.
How physically demanding is the experience?
Participants should be reasonably fit and comfortable with travel, varied environments and active days. Some locations may involve walking, stairs, heat or long travel days.
The experience is not designed as an extreme physical challenge, but flexibility and adaptability are important.
Do I need previous international travel experience?
No. Previous travel experience is not required.
Participants will receive preparation and support before departure, and the group will travel together under the guidance of the KwaYa team and local partners.
Is Uganda safe?
KwaYa has maintained long-term relationships with trusted local partners in Uganda for many years and participant wellbeing is taken seriously.
As with any international travel experience, participants will be expected to follow guidance provided by the KwaYa team regarding health, safety and cultural awareness.
Will we be travelling around Uganda?
Participants may travel between different communities, schools or program locations during the exchange depending on the final itinerary.
How many participants will be selected?
The Exchange is intentionally designed as a small and personal experience. Approximately three participants will receive scholarship-supported places as part of a larger KwaYa travel team of around 15 people.
Travelling within a larger group allows participants to feel supported while still taking part in a more focused creative exchange experience.
How much of the cost will scholarship support cover?
Scholarship support will depend on funding outcomes and partnerships. Support may contribute toward flights, accommodation, meals, in-country transport and exchange activities.
At this stage, full scholarship coverage cannot be guaranteed.
What costs may participants still need to cover?
Depending on funding outcomes, participants may still be responsible for some personal expenses, travel insurance, passports, vaccinations or a contribution toward travel costs.
Selected participants will receive clear information about costs before committing to the program.
Will participants receive preparation before departure?
Yes. Participants will take part in preparation and information sessions before departure to help them feel informed, prepared and connected as a group.
Can participants contribute their own workshops, ideas or skills?
Absolutely. Participants are encouraged to bring their own creativity, ideas, skills and experiences into the exchange in collaborative and respectful ways.
Is there an age limit?
The Exchange is primarily designed for emerging adult creatives and community cultural participants. Specific eligibility details will be outlined during the selection process.
What happens after I submit an Expression of Interest?
Submitting an Expression of Interest helps us understand who may be interested in future Exchange opportunities and scholarship support.
Selected applicants may later be invited to participate in a more formal application or interview process once funding outcomes are confirmed.