There are plenty of educational, employment and personal opportunities right by our doorstep, if only we knew how to access it all. Europe offers young people opportunities beyond that which they can normally access in Ireland. Maybe now is the time to explore what Europe has to offer.
The ‘Time to Move?’ campaign is an information week to inform young people about the Eurodesk network, and the opportunities it can connect you with. During the week 13th – 19th October a series of promotional events will happen.
As part of the campaign there is an Instagram photo competition, a writing competition and a public speaking competition, each with its own set of prizes. To enter the competition people can upload entries to Instagram with the hashtag #eurodesk_timetomove, or upload to their facebook page. There are 2 first prizes of 22 day continuous InterRail Global Pass. The writing competition gives people a chance to have their work placed on the European Youth Portal. Finally in Ireland there is a ‘Soapbox’ public speaking competition inviting young people to speak about the subject ‘The Internet does more harm than good’, with a first prize of €1000 and a trip to Brussels.
Across Europe there will be a number of promotional events taking place to promote the Eurodesk network as the video below explains.
So, what is Eurodesk?
Eurodesk Logo
The Eurodesk network of youth information offices aims to connect young people with youth information professionals in 1200 offices across Europe. In Dublin and Co Wicklow, the Eurodesk Network can be accessed through the Crosscare Youth Information offices in Dun Laoghaire, Clondalkin and Bray, or online at www.eurodesk.ie
So basically, if you are thinking, of traveling to Europe for pleasure, for educational or work purposes, or are interested in getting involved with the European Voluntary Service, then Eurodesk can help you with all of that.
Tell me more about the European Voluntary Service (EVS)
EVS allows people to take part in long or short term voluntary experience in another European country. Participants can get help here in Ireland before they even decide where they might want to go. Eurodesk can link people up ‘Sending agencies’ who will support participants with training and preparation long before they are ready to travel, including help with language issues. EVS will then fund up to 90% of travel costs, they will supply a monthly allowance, and people on short term experiences claiming social welfare, can have their payment protected under their 2 week ‘holiday payment‘. EVS will help organise that. All of that is of course secondary to the experience of a lifetime, working in another country on a project of your choice, learning all about the culture and life of that country.
Not just for ‘Time to Move’ week!!
Watch out for events happening near you, or maybe enter one of the competitions but don’t feel that if you are reading this at any other time of the year that you have missed the boat. Eurodesk operates all year long, as does your your local youth information office. So why not pop in and ask about Europe. Maybe its time to become an Irish-European?