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Discover the path to youth opportunities.

Choose a topic—from joining a youth association to preparing an Erasmus+ project—open the guide and follow the steps.

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Practical guides for young people

The topics remain neatly closed until you choose one. Click a heading to read its contents.

01Your first step into the communityHow can I join a youth association?

You do not need prior experience to join.

Youth associations offer a supportive community where you can meet people, volunteer, develop projects and build new skills.

  1. 01

    Choose your interests

    Think about activities, project development, communication, education, arts, sports or international work.

  2. 02

    Apply to volunteer

    Leave your contact details in the Volunteer form so the team can match you with suitable activities.

  3. 03

    Join an introduction

    Learn about the association, its teams and current work, and ask your questions.

  4. 04

    Start with a small role

    Supporting an activity or joining a working group is the best way to get to know the community.

Remember: volunteering is optional. Agree on responsibilities and time commitments before starting.
Open Volunteer Application →
02Gain experienceWhat volunteering opportunities are available?

There are many options, from local to international.

Choose short-term, regular or international opportunities based on your interests and availability.

Local

Event volunteering

Support workshops, talks, cultural events, fieldwork and social-impact activities.

Regular

Team volunteering

Join project, communication, design, research, participant relations or operations teams.

International

ESC volunteering

Contribute to a community abroad while gaining language, culture and life experience.

Project-based

Youth projects

Take part in youth exchanges, training courses and solidarity projects.

Choose carefully: always check the age, country, dates, language and eligibility conditions.
View Open Opportunities →
03From idea to applicationHow are Erasmus+ youth projects developed?

A strong project begins with a real need.

Erasmus+ youth projects support learning, collaboration and action among young people from different countries. A good application connects needs, objectives and activities.

  1. 01

    Identify the need

    Research a concrete challenge through interviews, surveys and observations.

  2. 02

    Define objectives

    Explain who the project will reach, what it will change and how success will be measured.

  3. 03

    Choose the right action

    Select the programme format that best matches your idea.

  4. 04

    Plan partnership and activities

    Define roles, learning methods, the schedule, risks and dissemination.

  5. 05

    Complete the budget and form

    Check programme rules and review everything before the deadline.

Tip: every activity should clearly support the need and objectives you identified.
Official Erasmus+ Guide ↗
04International experienceHow do I apply for an international youth exchange?

A youth exchange is a learning programme, not a holiday.

Young people from different countries take part in workshops, group work and intercultural learning, usually for 5–21 days.

  1. 01

    Find a reliable call

    Check the sending and hosting organisations, dates, country, age range and topic.

  2. 02

    Read all conditions

    Review travel, accommodation, meals, insurance, visa and participation details.

  3. 03

    Complete the form carefully

    Connect your motivation and experience directly to the project topic.

  4. 04

    Follow the preparation process

    If selected, attend preparation meetings and complete the documents on time.

  5. 05

    Participate actively

    Take responsibility during the programme and share what you learned afterwards.

Important: do not buy travel tickets without written approval from the sending organisation.
Browse Open Calls →
05Tell your story clearlyHow should I complete an application form?

A strong application is honest and project-specific.

Selection teams want to understand your motivation, how well you understand the project and what you can bring to the group.

  1. 01

    Read the entire call

    Understand the objectives, activities, participant profile and dates before starting.

  2. 02

    Be specific about motivation

    Explain exactly what you want to learn and why it matters to you.

  3. 03

    Show your contribution

    Your curiosity, teamwork, ideas and culture can contribute even without prior experience.

  4. 04

    Personalise your answers

    Connect every response to the topic and activities instead of reusing a generic text.

  5. 05

    Review before submitting

    Check contact details, availability, spelling and requested documents.

Weak answer

“I want to discover new cultures and improve myself.”

Stronger answer

“I want to compare the environmental methods I use locally with approaches from other countries and share what I learn with my team.”

Tip: write naturally and use short, concrete examples instead of sounding overly formal.
06Preparation processWhat happens after I am selected?

Selection is the beginning of preparation.

Stay in contact with the sending organisation, complete your documents and prepare for a safe and meaningful learning experience.

  1. 01

    Confirm in writing

    Confirm your availability and keep communication on official channels.

  2. 02

    Read the information pack

    Review accommodation, travel, programme, weather and emergency contacts.

  3. 03

    Complete travel documents

    Check passport, visa and insurance requirements early.

  4. 04

    Do not buy tickets without approval

    Get the route and price approved in writing, then keep tickets, invoices and boarding passes.

  5. 05

    Attend preparation meetings

    Prepare for the topic, intercultural activities, safety and team responsibilities.

  6. 06

    Keep return documents

    Submit the required originals for reimbursement and join dissemination activities.

Important: visa, ticket and reimbursement rules differ by project. Get written guidance from your sending organisation.
Passport / IDVisa documentsTravel insuranceTickets and invoicesEmergency contactsInformation pack
07Quick answersFrequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions most people ask first.

Specific conditions differ between projects. Always follow the call and the sending organisation’s guidance.

Can I join if my English is limited?+

Perfect English is usually not expected. A willingness to communicate and participate matters; any specific level will be stated in the call.

Do I have to be a student?+

Usually not. Age, residence and participant-profile conditions vary by project.

Can I apply if I have never travelled abroad?+

Yes. Youth projects are also suitable for first-time international participants.

Can I apply without a passport?+

Unless the call says otherwise, you may apply, but you must be able to obtain travel documents on time if selected.

Is participation completely free?+

Accommodation, meals and travel within a set limit are generally covered. Check participation fees, visas, insurance and travel limits in the call.

Why might my application be rejected?+

Limited places, country balance, eligibility, date conflicts or generic answers can affect selection. Ask for feedback and keep applying.

Still have a question? Send us the call link and we will help you find the right information.

You are not alone

We can help you prepare for the right opportunity.

If your question is not answered in these guides, contact us and our team will help direct you to suitable resources.

Email Us →View Opportunities