9 Opportunities for young Europeans

You probably know about Erasmus+. But there are a lot of other opportunities that the EU provides for young people. Here’s a complete list:

1. Erasmus+

Erasmus+ programme helps young people spend a period of time abroad.

University students can get financial and organisation support to do a part of their degree in a partner university in another country, or to do an internship abroad. But Erasmus+ is not only for university students. Schools can cooperate with other schools or organisations in other countries, and groups of younger pupils can spend time abroad with their peers in another country.

Erasmus youth exchanges bring together groups of young people from different countries to meet, live together and work on shared projects.

Since 1987, more than 10 million young people have benefited from Erasmus — you can find a programme that suits you and join the club!

Did you know that the Erasmus programme has its own commemorative €2 coin? It will be issued next year on 1 July to celebrate 35 years of the programme. More info

2. European Solidarity Corps

If you want to show solidarity with your community, the European Solidarity Corps might be the right programme for you.

It allows those aged 18 to 30 (up to 35 for humanitarian activities) to participate in all kinds of solidarity activities, from biodiversity conservation to supporting vulnerable people, either by volunteering or by taking up a work placement. It can be a great way to explore a new country, learn new skills, gain work experience and make friends. Participants also receive financial and linguistic support and can take online training as well.

A group of young people can apply directly to initiate, develop and implement their own project that addresses key challenges in their community for a period of two to 12 months.

Create your profile and start browsing the available opportunities! More info

3. DiscoverEU

Would you like to travel across Europe by train?

Each year, the DiscoverEU programme provides free Interrail travel passes to 18-year-old EU citizens. In 2018–2019, 350,000 candidates applied for a total of 60,000 travel passes available. The current application round closes at midday on Tuesday 26 October, so you still have time to apply! More info

4. EU Youth Dialogue

The EU Youth Dialogue brings together the youth and policymakers from across the EU to help make young people’s voices heard in the EU policy-making process.

An estimated 290,000 young people have taken part in the EU Youth Dialogue between 2011 and 2020. Is there something in your community or in your life that you think EU decision-makers should know about? Find out how to participate!

5. European Youth Week

The European Youth Week generally takes place in the spring. It is an opportunity to discuss topics close to young people’s hearts, learn about opportunities for youth and celebrate their achievements. Learn more

6. Youth Guarantee

It can be difficult to find your path in life. Crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic disproportionally affect the opportunities available to young people.

The Youth Guarantee is a commitment by all EU countries to make sure that all young people under the age of 30 receive a good quality offer of employment, continued education, apprenticeship or a traineeship within four months of becoming unemployed or leaving education. The guarantee is funded from the EU budget. Learn more

7. Erasmus for young entrepreneurs

Have you started your own business or do you have an idea for one?
Erasmus for young entrepreneurs gives young people the opportunity to learn from more experienced entrepreneurs in another country. You can develop your skills and your business while discovering a new culture! More info

8. Traineeships

The day-to-day work of the European institutions is carried out by people from all over the European Union. If you dream of an international career, there is no better place to start than the EU institutions. Most of the EU institutions and agencies offer traineeship opportunities to university graduates. They work in all sorts of fields, from agriculture to cybersecurity, so there should be something for you! More info

9. Your first EURES job

The Your first EURES job website can help you find help a job, traineeship or apprenticeship in another country. This is for those aged between 18 and 35 from the EU, Iceland and Norway. More info