Young People

Who is this for?

If you are…

  • Age 16-30

  • Excited about foreign travel and meeting people from different countries

  • Curious about international exchanges, projects or work experience

  • Wondering about studying, living or even working abroad in the future

  • Keen to make a difference in your school, college or community

… then you are in the right place to start your journey.

And if you are thinking “this probably isn’t for me”, then it definitely is.

What kinds of international activities could I do?

When we say international activities, we’re not just talking about holidays, obviously. We mean anything with an educational, cultural or social purpose. For example:

  • Leadership programmes

  • Volunteering

  • Internships

  • Expeditions

  • Youth exchange projects

  • Short training courses

  • Sports or arts projects

  • Language learning

  • Study at a foreign university

How could Erasmus Plus help me?

Erasmus Plus is a European programme that funds all kinds of international projects for young people. If anyone tells you it’s only for university students, that’s not true: Erasmus Plus is designed to give opportunities to everyone – especially young people who can’t normally afford or manage to get involved.

Most grants are given to organisations (schools, colleges, youth groups, sports clubs etc.) You can then take part in the projects that they run. One way to start is to ask your teachers, youth workers, sports coaches or other leaders: “Can we do an international project? Are you going to apply for an Erasmus Plus grant?” Don’t take no for an answer! Get together with some friends and form a lobby group, or start to design a project by yourselves. If your leaders are any good, they will support you.

There are a few types of grant that young people can apply for directly:

  • “Youth Participation Activities” – small-scale local or international projects that you plan and manage yourselves.

  • “Discover EU” – free rail travel for individuals or small groups. You have to be exactly 18 years old for this.

  • Study abroad for students. You apply to your university for this type of funding.

International volunteering isn’t currently covered by Erasmus Plus, but we expect it will be from 2028 onwards, when the European Solidarity Corps is incorporated into the programme.

What can InterCom do for me?

We want to help you get the best possible chance of taking part in international projects. We can offer you:

  • More information about Erasmus Plus and other programmes

  • News about upcoming opportunities

  • Ideas on how to persuade your school / college / youth club leaders to apply for grants. You can also put them in touch with us for advice and support

  • Help with your Youth Participation or Discover EU project applications

  • Real life leadership opportunities through EuroPeers UK, a dynamic international network of active and creative young people

FIND OUT ABOUT EUROPEERS UK
STORIES FROM OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE
VISIT THE EUROPEAN YOUTH PORTAL

What are the benefits?

International projects are some of the most positive and life-changing things you can ever do. As little as a week living and learning with people from another country is enough to change the way you see the world and imagine your future.

  • Broaden your horizons

  • Get new knowledge, skills and experience

  • See new places and make new friends

  • Increase your self-confidence

  • Find a new sense of direction

  • Improve your CV

  • Have fun