Text to Speech version of the publication No Matter Your Background your European Adventure Starts Here.
Are you facing any barriers to taking part in European Opportunities?
Thousands of young people just like you are taking part in these opportunities each year. Find out who qualifies for Inclusion Support and explore all the ways that you can be supported to take part in European programmes.
Eurodesk provide free and reliable advice, information and support on accessing hundreds of European opportunities and programmes for those aged 13 to 30. They have produced this inclusive publication on travelling in Europe and how to get the support you need to participate in opportunties to work, learn and volunteer abroad. We are Eurodesk multipliers so if you have any questions about European youth programmes you can you can chat online to a trained Youth Information Officer or contact us.
Inclusion support
As part of its inclusion strategy, the European Union aims to increase the diversity of participants in its European youth programmes. Accessibility and inclusion are important goals of all EU youth programmes. So you are more than wanted!
You could qualify for inclusion support if you face obstacles in accessing opportunities. These obstacles could be:
- Financial struggles: For example, if you are from a low-income family or are unemployed, need to work to support yourself or depend on the social welfare system.
- Geographical isolation: If you are from a rural or remote area with limited access to education and opportunities.
- Disabilities and health conditions: If you have physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments and chronic illnesses or long-term health problems.
- Cultural differences: Like if you are a refugee and asylum seeker, belong to a national or ethnic minority, or are a sign language user.
- Educational challenges: If you have learning difficulties or lack formal qualifications.
- Discrimination: If you face discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, belief or any other reason.
What kind of support is available?
Extra top-ups
To make sure everyone can participate, the EU provides extra top-ups for different things:
- Travel costs: Additional support for travel expenses, especially for participants from remote or disadvantaged regions.
- Accommodation costs: Extra funding can be provided to cover accommodation costs for participants with special needs like accessibility requirements.
- Exceptional costs: Financial assistance for special equipment needs, reinforced mentorship, personal assistance, specific intercultural or linguistic preparation, etc.
These are just a few examples; every cost that supports inclusion will be accepted if adequately justified.
Additional measures
Beyond financial support, additional measures are in place to support inclusive participation of young people:
- Flexible options: Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps offer various opportunities to accommodate specific needs, such as offering shorter stays abroad to those who cannot stay for longer periods for various reasons.
- Language support: Offering language courses and support through an online tool for participants with limited language skills.
- Information and support: Contact Eurodesk for more information about available opportunities!
By providing different types of support, Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps aim to create inclusive programmes that empower young people from all backgrounds to reach their full potential.
‘All inclusive’ actions for you
Actions such as the European Solidarity Corps Volunteering Projects, Discover EU Inclusion and the Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges offer opportunities to participate in a project abroad, “all included”! That means the organisation will pay for your trip, meals, and accommodation. These could be great starting points!
European Solidarity Corps: Volunteering Projects.
The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) supports solidarity activities in a wide range of fields. ESC provides extra help and support to make it easier to take part in the programme. This includes:
- Tailor Made Projects: If needed, an ESC programme can be designed for you, based on your abilities and interests.
- Advanced Planning Visit: A visit can also be arranged for you and a support worker to help build confidence and
understanding about where you will be going. - ESC projects within Ireland: You can also take part in an ESC project within Ireland. This could be helpful to build up confidence and team work skills.
- Shorter ESC projects: ESC projects can range from 2 to 12 months. However, it is also worth noting that under special
circumstances some ESC projects can be less than 2 months. - Exceptional Costs: Based on individual needs but could include passport, luggage etc.
- Mentorship: A coach/mentor to give you extra support and guidance.
- Social Welfare: If you are on a payment, you should talk to your case officer BEFORE going on your ESC. Explain how it will benefit you and your future job opportunities. In our
experience, volunteers have not had difficulties returning and resuming their payments on their return once they talk to their case officer beforehand.
Discover EU Inclusion – Inter-railing around Europe
DiscoverEU and DiscoverEU Inclusion Action give young people the chance to explore Europe through short-term individual or group travel experiences by rail or other modes of transport where necessary.
The DiscoverEU Inclusion Action aims to overcome the obstacles that prevent these young people to directly participate in the DiscoverEU general application rounds and provide the necessary support that they need so that they are able to travel
While DiscoverEU offers young people aged 18 this opportunity, the DiscoverEU Inclusion Action extends to young people between 18 and 21 years old.
DiscoverEU Inclusion Action allows organisations and informal groups of young people to receive extra support to carry out projects for young people with fewer opportunities to explore Europe on equal footing with the DiscoverEU participants.
Applications for Discover EU Inclusion should be made through a Youth Organisation. Application deadline is usually February (for projects starting between 1 July of this year and 31 March of following year)
Supports Include:
- Travel pass: Travel passes for the participants and any accompanying person (using the same means of transport as the participants).
- Organisational Support: Costs directly linked to the implementation of mobility activities – based on the number of participants, excluding group leaders, accompanying persons and facilitators.
- Individual Support: daily amount per participant per day.
- Inclusion Support: Additional costs directly linked to participants with fewer opportunities and their accompanying persons
- Exceptional costs: Visa and visa-related costs, residence permits, vaccinations, medical certifications.
Erasmus+: Youth Exchanges
Erasmus+ Youth exchanges bring together 16 to 60 young people from at least two countries to exchange and learn together. The objective is to engage and empower young people to become active citizens, connect them to the European project and help them gain and develop competencies.
How to find out more:
You can talk to us on how to participate in European youth programmes.
Host Organisations involved with Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps can support your participation. Some work exclusively with young people with disabilities or special needs.
You can check out Eurodesk publication on travelling in Europe and how to get the support you need to participate in opportunities to work, learn and volunteer abroad.