discover Erasmus+

Discover Erasmus+ & ESC

Your gateway to learning, travelling, and multicultural experiences in Europe.

What is Erasmus+?

Erasmus+ is the EU’s programme to support education, training, youth, and sport in Europe. Whether you are a student, a young graduate, or a youth worker, there is an opportunity waiting for you.

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Youth Exchanges (YE)

Short Term • Cultural

Youth exchanges allow groups of young people (ages 13-30) from different countries to meet, live together, and work on shared projects for short periods (5 to 21 days).

  • Topics: Environment, Art, Digital Skills, etc.
  • Fully funded (Travel, Accommodation, Food).
  • No language certificate required.
🤝

European Solidarity Corps (ESC)

Volunteering • Long/Short Term

Formerly known as EVS. This program offers young people (ages 18-30) the chance to volunteer in projects that benefit communities abroad.

  • Short Term: 2 weeks to 2 months.
  • Long Term: 2 to 12 months.
  • Pocket money & language support included.
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Training Courses (TC)

Professional • Networking

Designed for youth workers, leaders, and mentors. These projects focus on professional development, new methodologies, and sharing best practices.

  • No upper age limit (18+).
  • Focus on “Non-formal education”.
  • Great for networking with NGOs.
🎓

Study & Internship

Academic • Career

The classic Erasmus experience. Spend a semester studying at a partner university or doing an internship at a company in Europe.

  • Requires university enrollment.
  • Grants based on country of destination.
  • Academic credit transfer (ECTS).

Who covers the costs?

In almost all Erasmus+ Youth and ESC projects, the European Union covers:

✈️ Travel Costs
Reimbursed up to a distance-based limit.
🏠 Accommodation
Provided by the host organization.
🍲 Food & Visa
3 meals a day and visa fee support.

The Ultimate Guide to Erasmus+ & ESC

Everything you need to know about European Union opportunities: Travel, Learn, and Volunteer for free.

What is Erasmus+ exactly?

Erasmus+ is the European Union’s programme to support education, training, youth, and sport in Europe. Its budget of roughly €26.2 billion provides opportunities for over 4 million participants to study, train, gain experience, and volunteer abroad.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be a university student to join many of these programmes. The youth sector focuses on “Non-Formal Education”—learning by doing.

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Youth Exchanges (YE)

A Youth Exchange brings together groups of young people from two or more countries, providing them with an opportunity to discuss and confront various themes (like environment, democracy, art) while learning about each other’s countries and cultures.

👤 Who can participate?

Young people aged between 13 and 30 years old. Each national group must have a “Group Leader” (must be at least 18 years old, no upper age limit).

⏱️ Duration & Location

An activity lasts between 5 and 21 days. It takes place in one of the participating countries (e.g., in a youth center, hostel, or camping site).

💰 Financial Support

  • Accommodation & Food: 100% Covered.
  • Travel: Reimbursed up to a specific limit based on distance (Erasmus+ Distance Calculator).
  • Visa: Visa costs are usually 100% covered.
🤝

European Solidarity Corps (ESC)

The European Solidarity Corps (formerly EVS) is an initiative of the European Union which creates opportunities for young people to volunteer or work in projects in their own country or abroad that benefit communities and people around Europe.

Types of Volunteering

Feature Short-Term ESC Long-Term ESC
Duration 2 weeks to 2 months 2 months to 12 months
Eligibility All youth (18-30 years) All youth (18-30 years)
Allowance Pocket Money included Pocket Money included
Outcome Ideal for first experience Deep cultural immersion
Did you know? As an ESC volunteer, you receive full health insurance (Cigna) and online language support (OLS) to learn the local language!
💡

Training Courses (TC)

Mobility projects for Youth Workers. These activities support the professional development of youth workers through the implementation of activities such as training courses, seminars, and job shadowing.

  • ✅ No Age Limit: Unlike youth exchanges, there is no upper age limit (18+).
  • 🚀 Career Focused: Focuses on tools, methods, and strategies for NGOs.
  • 🤝 Networking: Great opportunity to find partners for future projects.
  • 📜 Certification: Participants receive the Youthpass certificate.

Erasmus+ Dictionary

Youthpass

A European recognition tool for non-formal and informal learning in youth work. It is a certificate that describes what you have done and what you have learnt.

Travel Band

The distance between your city and the venue determines your budget. E.g., 100-499km = €180, 500-1999km = €275 (Green Travel gives more!).

Infopack

The “Bible” of a specific project. A PDF document sent before the project containing the schedule, what to bring, rules, and travel info.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak perfect English?

No! Basic communication skills are usually enough. The goal is to learn. For Training Courses, a slightly better level might be required, but for Youth Exchanges, motivation is more important than grammar.

Is it really free?

Yes. The EU grant covers accommodation, food, and activities. You buy your flight ticket, and it is reimbursed (paid back) to you after the project, up to the travel limit.

Can I go with my friends?

For Youth Exchanges, yes! Sending organizations usually select a “national team” of 4-6 people. You can apply together.

Ready to start your journey?

Explore open calls, find a sending organization in your country, and prepare your backpack!

Check Open Calls

This page is a guide and is not the official website of the European Commission.