ESC – European Solidarity Corp

Nov 25, 2022 | European Opportunities

European Solidarity Corps

 The ESC is an EU funded programme. Once you are accepted onto an ESC project, all your expenses (rent, food, transport, insurance, visa procedures, language classes) are covered by the project, and you even get a bit of pocket money to enjoy your experience fully! Your travel costs are also covered although there may be a minimal contribution towards travel required.

1. Register with the European Solidarity Corps
2. Create a profile – take some time to fill in the personal information on your profile, and to attach an updated CV. Take good care of it, it is your way of being interesting for the receiving organizations! We can always help you with this!
3. Search the ESC database – all of the ESC vacancies/ opportunities are listed there.
4. Find a Sending Organisation here in Ireland – your Youth Information Centre (us!) can help you with this.
5. Contact the Overseas Organisation (host) – Your sending organisation will help you with this!
6. Send your CV and a motivational letter (about half a page) describing why you want to do ESC with this organisation.  Remember, ESC is not about the qualifications you have or how much work experience you have. Projects are looking for volunteers who are motivated, willing and enthusiastic, who will make a good fit with their organisation.
7. Plan & prepare: It can take from 2 – 6 months in total to plan an ESC project. Your sending organisation is there to explain everything to you and support you throughout the process. Your sending organisation will carry out some pre-departure training with you. The content will depend on you!  
8. Projects can range from 2 – 12months. However, it’s also worth noting that under special circumstances an EVS duration can be less than 2 months.

So Get Started Early & Get Focused!!!!

DiscoverEU

Nov 25, 2022 | European Opportunities

What is DiscoverEU?

DiscoverEU is an action of the Erasmus+ programme that gives you the opportunity to discover Europe through learning experiences. Travelling predominantly by rail (there are exceptions to allow those living on islands or in remote areas), you will discover Europe’s stunning landscapes and its variety of cities and towns. You can apply during the two application rounds which take place each year. Successful applicants are awarded with a travel pass.

As an 18-year-old resident of the European Union or of one of the third countries associated to the Erasmus+ Programme like Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Turkey, DiscoverEU offers you the opportunity to participate in a travel experience that will enable you to explore Europe’s diversity, learn about its cultural heritage and history, and connect with people from all over the continent. Furthermore, DiscoverEU enables you, as a young person, to develop life skills of value to your future, such as independence, confidence, and openness to other cultures.

NEW! As of 2022, the selected participants will receive a DiscoverEU discount card with discounts on cultural visits, learning activities, sports, local transportation, accommodation, food etc.

What is covered financially?

The cost of the rail ticket is covered & you will be given two options.

Fixed: travel between 2 Countries or 2 Cities in 1 Country.         

     Or

Flexi: as many countries as you can fit in up to 30 days. (At least one Country other than your home Country)

How to apply: –

• DiscoverEU gives young people age 18 the opportunity to Interrail around Europe for up to 1 month (30 days)
• Young people can apply to travel alone or in groups of 5 @ https://europa.eu/youth/discovereu_en
• To enter in the general deadline you will be asked to complete a 5 question quiz
• When the application process closes you will receive an answer by email, good luck☺

How does it work: –

You will have 7 travel days max in the 30 day period;

For example: depart Ireland to France = 1 travel day. Stay in France for 3 days then depart France to Spain = 2nd Travel day

General deadlines for Young People;

• April 7th; allows travel between 01/07/22 & 30/06/23
•  October 4th; allows travel  between 01/03/23 & 28/02/24

If you missed the deadline, the process starts again next year for the next group of 18 year old’s.

Eurodesk

Nov 25, 2022 | European Opportunities

Eurodesk

Eurodesk provides free information on opportunities-such as travelling, working, studying and volunteering in Europe–for young people aged 13 – 30. 

They are part of a large network of European Eurodesk points, with over 1,200 offices throughout Europe, with headquarters in Brussels. You can check out the European-wide Eurodesk website: www.eurodesk.eu

Should you have any further questions please contact KDYS Youth Information Officers.