The Erasmus + Program

I will tell you about my experience with the Erasmus + program in which I participate.

You should know that this program is an action of the European Solidarity Corps in order to allow young people from various social backgrounds to have access to volunteering, internships and other projects.

At the end of this program, you have the possibility of taking the youthpass to validate your skills acquired during the project. This program is a means and an opportunity to promote the employability of young people in the labor market.

1- WHY I CHOSE TO JOIN THIS PROGRAM ?

I chose to join the program to have additional professional experience.

This program is also aimed at young people who would like to acquire non-formal learning and also for youth workers who work in the social, educational and ect environment.

2- HOW I DISCOVERED THIS PROGRAM ?

I discovered this program following a meeting of information which had been carried out in my country.

3- WHAT ARE THE EXPERIENCES THAT I COULD LEARN IN THIS PROGRAM ?

I discovered the youth pass program as well as the volunteer program.

4- IN TERMS OF CHALLENGES WHAT CAN I SAY ?

It is quite a challenge.

There is the change of country, environment, climate, community life and other realities that will have to be faced once arrived there. It is also a very good opportunity to be able to possibly acquire new professional experiences.

It is a win win exchange as we can say in marketing, whatever for the young people who participate in the different programs and also for the associations working in this program.

Young people have the opportunity to gain professional experience and associations also have the opportunity to work with young people from various countries around the world who contribute their knowledge, skills and professional experience in the various activities of host association.

It is also a way to meet young people from other countries, to learn to speak other foreign languages, to travel, to discover and share their culture with others.

Host associations also have the opportunity to exchange views by working in collaboration with associations that send young people home. This would mean that an association which is in France after having sent young people to Cyprus can also in turn propose to the association in Cyprus to bring young people to France in an Erasmus program.

After having lived this experience, the young person will be led to share this experience once he is back in his country with other young people who will also want to try the experience.

But also with the various organizations which support this project, the Regional Council for example.

Finally, the advice I can give you is to be well informed beforehand about the different programs with the various organizations within your city, to document yourself, not to hesitate to ask advice from those who have already participated to the different program. Do not forget the administrative formalities ect.

Then, once you know where you are going and that the chosen program responds to the projects you want to carry out, put yourself in mental, psychological conditions.

Once you arrive on site within the project, take the time you need to adapt to changes in the environment to better facilitate your work thereafter.Also do not forget to follow up on your professional activities also with the host association and also with the organization which sent you abroad.

Live this experience fully, take care of yourself and do not allow yourself to be destabilized in relation to the various hazards that may be there because I do not hide from you that there will be some. However, be strong and keep moving because you know why you are there and for what purpose.

Above all, keep your eyes fixed on your goals, have faith in yourself and in your abilities, keep in touch with your loved ones, with your friends, your professional and personal knowledge, do not hesitate to also share the work you do on site with your contacts.

It is also a joy for all these people from far and wide to see how much this program advances youth in a better future.I really give thanks to God because without his grace we can do nothing.

I say thank you to the European Solidary Corps and to all the organizations, associations, institutions and to the various young volunteers, congratulations to you and to all of us because this is how the world can move forward in a better future. So for those of you who are still hesitating, dear young people and dear animators, this is the time why to get started in this new experience.

For more information, visit the European Solidary Corps website, the site is accessible in different languages : https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity

For more information, visit also the Youthpass, the site is accessible in different languages : https://www.youthpass.eu/en/

See you soon for a next redaction.