EU Horizons: Inspiring European Futures is a project that fosters a stronger European identity by empowering young people, youth workers, and civil society organizations. Through a network of 18 NGOs across Europe and beyond, the project aims to provide equal access to EU resources, cultural exchanges, and educational opportunities for youth.
The project is building robust local and international partnerships, encouraging young people to become active, informed European citizens ready to take part in shaping their communities and the broader EU landscape.
One of the main objectives of our network is that young people from unfavourable environments, find the opportunity to access educational, training and cultural resources that allow them to achieve their best potential capabilities, feel free to self-determine their future and experiment a high quality of life in connection with themselves and the others. Our key objectives are:
Collaborating with youth organizations, NGOs, and companies across partner countries to establish connections that benefit both young people and local entities.
Hosting workshops, discussions, and skill-building sessions for young people and youth workers to enhance their leadership, social impact, and digital skills.
 Developing a digital map that provides easy access to internship and networking opportunities across Europe, enabling young people to navigate their career and civic options effectively.
Ensuring that all materials are youth-friendly, accessible, and inclusive to reach diverse groups of young Europeans, especially those from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds.
In this section we wanted to compile the experience and testimonies of people who have participated in European programmes such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, which have been an enriching and decisive experience for their personal and professional future.
Among the experiences we can highlight young people who have done their internships abroad through the Erasmus+ programme.
Others have opted for social projects through the voluntary work offered by the European Solidarity Corps. In this case we have short-term experience (less than two months) and also long-term experience (more than 2 months). In this way, we offer the possibility of getting to know all the volunteering models that can be carried out within the programme and what each one of them offers.
It is very important to mention that all these programmes offer young people opportunities completely free of charge, financed by the European Commission, which can be decisive for personal and professional growth. Not only for the development of specific competences, but also for the acquisition of transversal competences such as teamwork, leadership, public speaking or collaborating in a multicultural environment.
Erasmus+ is a European Union programme promoting education, training, youth and sport. It aims to improve the skills of participants, encourage international mobility and promote cooperation between institutions and organisations.
Young people aged between 13 and 30 as well as youth workers can participate, depending on the type of project. You do not need to be a student to participate.
You must be enrolled in a higher education institution with an Erasmus Charter or be a recent graduate, having applied for mobility before finishing your studies.
The duration varies according to the type of project. Traineeships can last between 2 and 12 months, while youth exchanges usually last from 5 to 21 days.
Erasmus+ covers travel, accommodation, subsistence and insurance. In some cases, additional support is also available for people with fewer opportunities.
You can search for organisations through your university’s international relations office, the ErasmusIntern.org portal or the contact networks of partner associations.
First, identify the project or mobility you are interested in. Then, contact the coordinating organisation or your educational institution to start the application process.
It is not compulsory, but it is recommended to have a basic level of English or the language of the host country to facilitate communication and make the most of the experience.
Through the Youthpass or Europass certificate, which recognises the skills acquired during the experience.
Yes, as long as the maximum number of months of mobility allowed per educational cycle or professional stage is not exceeded.
The European Solidarity Corps is an EU programme that allows young people to take part in volunteering projects, internships or solidarity jobs. Unlike Erasmus+, it focuses on community and solidarity activities.
Young people aged between 18 and 30, resident in a country participating in the programme.
They include volunteering projects, volunteering teams, internships, solidarity jobs and youth-led solidarity projects.
You need to register on the official European Solidarity Corps portal, create your profile and search for projects that match your interests. You can then apply directly to the coordinating organisations.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them