International opportunities
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
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, learning and having fun 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
What is Erasmus Plus and how could it help me?
Erasmus Plus is a European programme that funds all kinds of international projects for young people. Some people think it’s only for university students, but that’s not true: Erasmus Plus gives opportunities to everyone – especially young people who can’t normally afford or manage to get involved.
Most grants are given to schools, colleges, youth groups, sports clubs or other organisations. You can then take part in the projects that they run. So you need 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 in Europe 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.
