Join the RISE
Booksellers
Exchange
Programme
Connect. Learn. Grow.
Discover how bookshops across Europe—and beyond—operate, innovate, and thrive. The RISE Booksellers Exchange offers passionate booksellers the chance to spend a few days immersed in a foreign bookshop, share experiences, exchange best practices, and build lasting international connections.
Why a booksellers exchange programme?
Years of experience in the field have shown that the most effective way for European bookshops to learn, innovate, and grow is through direct exchange—sharing knowledge, feedback, and best practices across national, cultural, and linguistic borders.
The RISE Booksellers Exchange Programme is built on that belief. It supports booksellers in spending a few days abroad, directly in another bookshop, to see firsthand how colleagues in other countries are navigating challenges, embracing new opportunities, and running their businesses. These on-the-ground exchanges not only spark inspiration and practical ideas but also help build a stronger, more connected international bookselling community.
Do you want to find out more? Then check out the frequently asked questions below.
FAQ for applicants
What to expect from the exchange?
Through a three-day stay in a bookshop abroad, selected participants will have the unique opportunity to experience the day-to-day realities of bookselling in another country. By working alongside a foreign colleague, they’ll gain hands-on insight into how booksellers in different regions manage their shops, engage with customers, and navigate their national book markets. It’s a chance to exchange local know-how, discover new approaches, and bring home practical ideas that can be adapted to one’s own context.
Can I arrive earlier or stay longer?
Yes, it is entirely possible to arrive earlier and/or stay longer to make the most of your exchange/the country you will be visiting. In the case of international/oversees travel we actually strongly encourage the visiting booksellers to spend more time in their destination country than just for the length of the exchange. We are always happy to help make you the most of your stay by putting you in touch with the local booksellers association, organising bookshop visits, etc. Please note that we only do this upon proactive request from the visiting bookseller.
Am I being paid for the time spent in my host bookshop?
No, this is not a paid opportunity in the traditional sense. Participation in the RISE Booksellers Exchange is voluntary and intended as a professional development opportunity rather than a form of employment. However, if you are selected, you will receive a RISE grant to help cover your travel, accommodation, and other expenses related to your 3-day exchange. This grant is designed to ease the financial burden of participating, not to act as a salary or compensation.
Participants apply knowing that the real value of the exchange lies in:
- Gaining hands-on experience in a foreign bookshop
- Learning new skills and business practices
- Building international networks and connections within the bookselling community
Please note: Any additional days you choose to stay before or after the official exchange, or any optional activities, are at your own expense unless otherwise agreed.
Who can apply?
- Booksellers working in a shop affiliated with one of the associations member of the RISE network
- Booksellers working in a shop affiliated with the European and International Booksellers Federation (EIBF) as an associate member.
- Booksellers meeting one of the above two conditions and who have not yet benefited from the RISE booksellers exchange programme.
How is my application assessed?
Your application will be evaluated through a fair scoring system. Each application is assessed individually based on three main criteria: your overall motivation, the relevance of the exchange to your current experience in bookselling, and the potential benefit you may bring to the hosting bookshop. Each of these aspects is scored on a scale from 1 to 10, taking into account the entire application, including your cover letter, your role in the bookshop, years of experience, team size, and other relevant details. Applicants with the highest overall scores will be selected for the programme. In cases where scores are tied, additional factors such as shop type, country, or diversity considerations may be used to help make a final decision during the committee’s meeting.
Who will assess my application?
Your application will be reviewed by an independent selection committee made up of four members who are not involved in the daily running of the RISE Bookselling project. Each committee member will assess your application separately and confidentially, using the same scoring criteria explained above. The members of this committee bring long-standing experience in the bookselling sector — they may be experienced booksellers themselves, directors of national booksellers’ associations, or members of the board of the European and International Booksellers Federation.
This ensures that all applications are evaluated by professionals who deeply understand the realities and challenges of the trade. The RISE project team will only facilitate the process by forwarding your application to the committee—they are not involved in scoring or selection decisions.
This ensures that all applications are evaluated by professionals who deeply understand the realities and challenges of the trade. The RISE project team will only facilitate the process by forwarding your application to the committee—they are not involved in scoring or selection decisions.
Can I apply again if I have already applied before?
Yes — you can apply again if your previous application was unsuccessful, and you have not yet benefitted from the RISE Booksellers Exchange Programme.
No — you are not eligible if you have already benefitted from the RISE Booksellers Exchange Programme.
How often can I apply?
As often as you want, as long as you fulfil all the eligibility criteria mentioned above.
How often do you open application process?
- We open at least one application process/year
- As of September 2025, we aim to finalise our schedule for the next two rounds of application processes.
- Exact dates and number of available places/exchange round, will be available on this page.
- Application process for each exchange round will open at the latest 4 months prior to the exchanges taking place.
If you haven’t signed up yet for the RISE newsletter, we recommend you to do so, as it’s the best way to keep up to date with our latest news and opportunities.
Where can I go?
List of countries part of the RISE network where exchanges can take place (in alphabetical order): Australia, Azerbaijan (only at Ali & Nino Bookstore), Belgium (only at Ici sont les lions), Bulgaria, Canada, Faeroe Islands (only at Rit og Rák), Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala (only at Sophos Librería), Ireland, Italy, Kyrgyzstan (only at IQ Bookstore), Latvia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New-Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Romania (only at Carturesti), Slovakia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States.
More countries might be added at a later stage.
How do you choose the host bookshop?
Matching each selected bookseller with the right host bookshop is a thoughtful process—and one we take seriously to make your exchange experience as valuable as possible. While we aim to find the best possible fit, it can take a bit of time, and we appreciate your patience and understanding along the way.
When selecting your host shop, we consider:
- Your preferred destinations: In the application, you’ll rank your top three choices among the RISE network countries.
- Language compatibility: We’ll check if we have hosts in your chosen countries who speak a language you’re comfortable with.
- Bookshop profile: We try to match the type of shop you work in with the kind of shop you want to visit (e.g. size, focus, location).
- Travel logistics: We take into account travel connections and ease of access when making placements.
- Our host network knowledge: After four years of running the programme, we know our hosts well—and that helps us pair you with the right shop.
Can I really be selected for an overseas exchange?
Yes! Exchanges outside your home region are possible. However, because they involve higher costs, they are reserved for top-ranking candidates with the strongest applications.
Regardless of the destination, all exchanges are limited to a 3-day placement in the host bookshop. This keeps the programme fair for everyone and manageable from a logistical and administrative perspective.
Regardless of the destination, all exchanges are limited to a 3-day placement in the host bookshop. This keeps the programme fair for everyone and manageable from a logistical and administrative perspective.
That said, we strongly encourage you to make the most of the opportunity—especially if you're traveling far. You're welcome to:
- Extend your stay before or after the exchange
- Visit other bookshops in the area
- Combine it with another event (e.g. the RISE conference)
- Ask us for help coordinating with local bookseller associations
What about insurance?
RISE cannot be held liable for:
- Travel disruptions or cancellations
- Lost luggage
- Visa issues or denied entry
- Injuries, illness, or medical emergencies during the trip
When do I have to travel?
RISE is an EU-funded project with specific deadlines and targets. After each application round, successful candidates will be given a 3 to 6-month timeframe to complete their exchange and submit their feedback report. The exact timeframe for each round will be clearly stated on this page and in the application form.
What if I can’t travel during that timeframe?
Please check the exchange timeframe before applying. If you already know you won’t be available, we recommend waiting for the next round.
If you apply and are selected but later realise:
- You can’t travel at all – let us know as soon as possible so we can offer the spot to another bookseller.
- You need a small delay – for example due to personal matters, staff shortages, or scheduling conflicts, contact us as early as possible. We’ll do our best to accommodate a slight postponement.
Language skills
All applicants are asked to submit their application and cover letter in English, to ensure fairness across the board. Please note that our selection committee focuses on the content of your application—not grammar or writing style.
During the exchange, the working language depends on your preferences and abilities:
- If you don’t speak the local language, we’ll match you with a host who speaks English—or possibly even your native language.
- If you want to practise another language, select a destination where that language is spoken. We’ll do our best to place you accordingly.
How does the grant and reimbursement process work?
RISE offers financial support in the form of a grant, intended to help participants access this unique professional opportunity. However, please be aware that this grant does not cover all costs associated with the exchange. The amount granted is based on a fixed scale, depending on your departure and destination countries (see this table). Participants are required to cover all costs upfront, and RISE will reimburse the corresponding grant amount only after the exchange has taken place, and upon submission of both a feedback form and a reimbursement form. We encourage all applicants to consider this carefully and plan accordingly before applying.
FAQ for hosts
How do I become a host?
To apply as a host bookshop for the RISE Exchange Programme, simply complete the host application form available on this page. Once submitted, your information will be added to our database of potential host bookshops. This doesn’t commit you immediately, but allows us to consider you when a suitable visiting bookseller becomes available.
If I apply, will I automatically host someone in the next round?
No. Being in our database doesn’t guarantee that you’ll host in the next exchange round. Just as we carefully select bookshops for visiting booksellers, we also ensure the experience is mutually beneficial. You’ll only be contacted when a good match is found based on your preferences and profile. The more detailed your application, the easier it is for us to make a suitable match.
What is expected from a host?
As a host, you agree to welcome a visiting bookseller into your bookshop for three days. During their stay, we ask that you:
- Allow the visitor to shadow your daily activities
- Involve them in various aspects of the bookshop’s operations
- Make them feel welcomed and part of your team
You can also involve other team members, ensuring the visiting bookseller gains a broad, well-rounded experience of your shop.
Do I need to pay the visiting bookseller?
No. Hosting is entirely voluntary. Visiting booksellers apply knowing they will not be paid but will instead receive a RISE grant to cover part of their expenses after the exchange. Adding compensation would significantly increase the complexity of the programme, especially across 27 countries with different labour laws.
We ask hosts to participate for the same reasons: a shared belief in professional exchange, mutual learning, and community building.
Does the exchange have to be in English?
Not at all. While English is commonly used, the exchange can take place in any language you and your visiting bookseller are comfortable with. In fact, we encourage exchanges in diverse languages and often pair participants accordingly (e.g., a Spanish-speaking bookseller visiting a Spanish shop).
However, we do ask that the host application form be submitted in English—this helps ensure fairness and ease of coordination across our international team.
However, we do ask that the host application form be submitted in English—this helps ensure fairness and ease of coordination across our international team.
What if I apply but later can’t host?
We understand that circumstances can change. If you're no longer in a position to host:
- Before we contact you: Please notify us so we can update or remove your information from the host database.
- After we’ve reached out to match you: Let us know as soon as possible whether you’d like to withdraw completely or resume hosting at a later date. If you can suggest a timeframe when you'd be available again, we're happy to take that into account.
Any other questions?
You are always more than welcome to write to us
at info@risebookselling.eu.
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RISE Bookselling is a network project organized by the European and International Booksellers Federation (EIBF) and co-funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union.
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