A once in a lifetime opportunity
You can spend up to a year abroad doing what really matters to you. Oh, with all expenses covered.
What is Erasmus+?
The activities developed under the Erasmus+ programme give you the opportunity to travel to a foreign country and have unique volunteering experiences. It allows you to be part of an ever-growing group of people who are dedicated to contributing to a fairer and more inclusive society.
The volunteering projects can involve various types of activities in fields like art, cultural heritage, leisure, sport, social intervention, protection and environmental education and sustainability.
34
International volunteers
received
35
National volunteers
sent
30
International projects
coordinated
600+
Project
participants
European Solidarity Corps
The “European Solidarity Corps” (ESC) is the European Commission initiative targeted at young people. The ESC allows you to volunteer or work on projects, in your own country or abroad, benefitting people and communities from around Europe. The participation doesn't have costs associated and your project can last between two weeks and twelve months, taking place, generally, in the EU countries. You only need to be between 18* and 30 years old and be registered on the European Solidarity Corps' Platform.
If you're familiarised with the “European Voluntary Service” (SVE), we can say that this program is its successor.
Residency
EU or partner country
Duration
2 weeks to 12 months
Age
Between 18* and 30 years
* You can register for the European Solidarity Corps when you are 17 years old, but you cannot start a project until you are over 18.
What rights do you have?
Participation in the European Solidarity Corps doesn't have associated costs. What does that mean? All your expenses: travel, accommodation, food, health insurance, local transport and language classes are financed. You also receive pocket money for your daily needs.
Travels
Meals
Accommodation
Pocket Money
How can you apply?
Register on the European Solidarity Corps. After doing so, you get integrated into the platform's database. Afterwards, you can be selected by an organization and invited to join a project. If an organization contacts you and offers you a place in a project, you are not required to accept the proposal: the decision to participate or not in a project is exclusively yours.
With this programme, you can and should be proactive. Instead of waiting for an organization to contact you, you can search (by country or occupation) for an organization that you like and get in touch with them. Usually, you will be required to send your resume and a cover letter.
When you're choosing the hosting organization, two things may happen:
– They already have an approved project with an open position for a young Portuguese. This means that there's already a partner organization in Portugal that is responsible for sending volunteers and that the project will begin soon - sometimes in a matter of weeks or days.
– They can accept your application and write a project proposal specifically for you. The advantage is that the project might be more adequate for you and you might eventually collaborate on its creation. However, you will have to wait for the project to be approved. In this case, it can take 2 to 3 months until the projects begin. If you're making plans for the future, this is a good option. In this case, you will also need a “support organization” from your country. Agora Aveiro has the European Solidarity Corps' official quality seal and can assume this role. Talk to us.
Attention!
If you have already participated in a long-duration project under the European Voluntary Service, you can no longer participate in the European Solidarity Corps programme
Youth Exchange
The “Youth Exchange” gives you the opportunity to meet young people from different countries, to live with them for some time and work on the same projects. These exchanges take place outside of the school context. You can participate in activities such as seminars, exercises, debates, simulation games, outdoor activities, and much more.
The acquired experience during the exchange is also recognized through a Youthpass certificate.
Residency
EU or partner country
Duration
Usually 5 to 21 days
Age
Between 17 and 30* years
* The age limit is 50 years old if you're the “team leader”.
How can you apply?
Erasmus+ refunds travel expenses as well as costs related to the activities. To participate in a Youth Exchange, you need to be aware of the opportunities promoted by organizations. Agora Aveiro, as well as various organizations in the European Union, openings all year around. Pay attention to our Facebook and Instagram pages!
Youth Workers’ Training And Networking
This activity supports the professional development of youth workers through training or networking periods abroad such as transnationals/internationals seminars, training courses, networking events, study visits, etc., or job shadowing in an active youth organization abroad. The participation of youth workers in such activities contributes to the skill building of their organization. The learning outcomes should be announced.
Residency
EU or partner country
Duration
2 days to 2 months
Age
No age limit
How can you apply?
Erasmus+ finances travel costs as well as costs related to the activities. To participate in a networking event or training course, you need to be aware of the opportunities promoted by the organizations. Agora Aveiro, as well as various organizations in the European Union, openings all year around. Pay attention to our Facebook and Instagram pages!
Agora Aveiro around the world
You don't know where you can volunteer internationally? We have gathered on this map all the countries to which we have sent and from which we receive volunteers under the Erasmus+ program. Don't miss this opportunity!
Testimonies
Read the opinion of who knows!
