What mobility activities are possible?
There are three types of learning mobility activities for youth: youth exchanges; European Voluntary Service (EVS); and training/networking for youth workers. One or more activities can be combined into a mobility project, an informal group of young people working in partnership with one or more organisations from the Erasmus+ participating countries.
Overall, projects last from between one to two years. For young people this could mean up to a year abroad as a volunteer, while for youth workers it could be as little as two days abroad on training.
Youth exchanges
Youth exchanges allow groups of young people (aged 13 to 30) from different countries to meet and live together for up to 21 days. During a youth exchange, participants work together on a chosen topic through a mix of workshops, exercises, debates, role-plays, simulations, outdoor activities etc. designed and prepared by them before the exchange.
Volunteering abroad – European Voluntary Service
This activity allows young people aged 17-30 to take part in unpaid and full-time voluntary service for up to 12 months in another country within or outside the European Union. Young volunteers are given the opportunity to contribute to the daily work of organisations and bring community benefit, as well as develop their own skills. Voluntary service may take place in health and social care, environmental conservation or other community projects.
An EVS project can include between 1 and 30 volunteers who can do their voluntary service either individually or in a group. To send or host volunteers through EVS, organisations will need to apply for EVS accreditation which includes signing up to the EVS Charter. If you are planning on including 17 year old volunteers in your project please contact us prior to the application deadline, as there are Child Protection requirements to discuss, before project approval.
Training and networking for youth workers
This activity supports the professional development of youth workers when they take part in:- seminars, training courses, contact-making events and study visits;
- a job shadowing/observation period abroad in an organisation active in the youth field.