Brief introduction about the Erasmus+ program
Many young people from all over the world are searching for opportunities where they can learn and improve on personal and professional levels. Nowadays, European citizens need to be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed in the more inclusive, multicultural, and digital world. Thanks to the Erasmus+ program for education, training, youth, and sports now young people have many opportunities to travel and learn about different topics.
Erasmus+ (2021 – 2027) is part of the European Union program which runs as a continuation of a program period from 2014 to 2020. Many organizations are invited to apply for funding each year to organize creative and successful youth activities and events. The program puts big importance on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions, and promoting youth participation in a democratic life.
In this article, we would like to introduce you to Youth Exchanges (YE) and Training courses (TC) as one of the most common Erasmus+ events in Europe.
What is the difference between Erasmus+ training and youth exchange?
It’s important to understand that these two programs inside Erasmus+ mobility projects belong to Key Action 1 – Mobility of individuals. According to this Key Action, you can find opportunities for students, trainees, young people, and volunteers, as well as for trainers, professors, youth workers, teachers, the staff of education institutions, and civil society organizations to undertake a learning and professional experience in another country. They are for all young people, especially for those with fewer opportunities.
Youth Exchanges
Mobility Projects for Young People are organized for groups of young people from different countries to meet, live together, and work on shared projects for short periods. Usually, youth exchanges last between 5 and 21 days. The project is implemented by at least two organizations and both parties are supposed to benefit from it.
They can be a mix of exercises, workshops, role-plays, simulations, debates, and outdoor activities. The main purpose of these youth exchanges is to develop competencies, strengthen values like solidarity, democracy, and friendship, and discover new cultures, habits, and lifestyles through peer learning.
If you are between the ages of 13 and 30, you can participate in a youth exchange. Usually, there are group leaders on YE and to become one you must be at least 18 years old. There is a minimum of 16 and a maximum of 60 participants per activity.
A quality Youth Exchange relies on the active and engaging participation of youth and organisors in the project; involves a diverse group of people; encourages participants to reflect on European values; and explains the idea and importance of a non-formal setting of learning.
Training courses
Erasmus+ training courses are a bit different from youth exchanges. They support the professional development of youth workers, especially when they participate in seminars, contact-making events, training courses, and study visits, and also a job shadowing/observation period abroad in an organization active in the youth field.
For the training course, you must be at least 18 years old and a possible active youth worker in an organization in your country.
Potential topics of YE and TC
Training courses can be organized on any possible topic. To participate in a training course, you should have a very good English level and relevant experience in the specific theme of exchange. The dissemination of results is essential in training.
Training courses last between 2 days and 2 months. In Youth Exchanges and Erasmus+ Training courses travel and visa costs are reimbursed. Also, accommodation and food during the projects are provided.
On the other hand, youth exchanges can be organized on various topics such as democracy, environment, disability, anti-racism, cultural diversity, personal development, and many more.
What can you learn and improve from these projects?
If you decide to participate in a youth exchange or training course, or even both, you will gain many advantages. They will help you to develop your technical and soft skills.
Some outcomes that you will gain from these projects are:
– Improved learning performance;
– Increased self-empowerment and self-esteem;
– Increased sense of initiative and entrepreneurship;
– Improved foreign language competences;
– Enhanced intercultural awareness;
– Better awareness of the European project and the EU values;
– Increased motivation for taking part in future (formal/ non-formal) education or training after the mobility period abroad;
– Active participation in society;
– Enhanced employability and improved career prospects.
Where to look for interesting and fun Erasmus+ YE and TC?
First of all, you can use Abroadship.org as your main source to search for interesting and fun Erasmus+ training courses and youth exchanges. We are constantly sharing open calls for Training Courses and youth exchanges around Europe. You can subscribe to our mailing list or like us on Facebook and receive the latest open calls for interesting and fun YE and TC.
Good luck and have fun!
By Aleksandra Krstevska
Creative and Human Resource Director
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