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Sustainable Visions, Erasmus+ youth exchange in Marineo

Erasmus+ Desk

Naqah's desk for Europe. With Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps you can go abroad: exchanges, training courses, DiscoverEU, solidarity projects. And if you are an organisation, we can host you in Sicily or build a project together.

Where do you start?

The Erasmus+ Desk is Naqah's help desk for Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps: it is not an official programme office, but the place where we explain what you can do with us.

Want to go abroad?

Youth exchanges, training courses, DiscoverEU and solidarity projects: open calls, who can apply and how it works.

We host your group

Are you an organisation wanting to bring an Erasmus+ mobility to Sicily? We design and run the experience with you.

What they are

Erasmus+ is the European Union's programme for education, training, youth and sport. It's not just for university students: it funds exchanges between young people from different countries, training courses, participation projects and travel.

The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) supports volunteering in Italy and abroad, and projects that young people carry out for their own communities.

Participants usually don't pay: travel, food, accommodation and activities are covered by the project. Both programmes also have funds for people with fewer opportunities or particular needs.

For Naqah, they are the tools that let a small town work on a European scale: people who live here can go abroad, and people from elsewhere can come and learn with us.

Facilitation with sticky notes during the mobility in Greece

Opportunities at a glance

Erasmus+ is the EU programme for education, training, youth and sport. The European Solidarity Corps is the EU programme for youth volunteering and solidarity projects. Here are the most common experiences.

Youth exchanges

Groups of young people aged 13 to 30 from different countries spend 5 to 21 days together on a programme around a theme, with their group leaders. Food and accommodation are covered, and travel is reimbursed according to the programme rules.

Volunteering abroad (ESC)

For 18 to 30-year-olds: from two weeks to a year with an organisation in Europe. Food, accommodation, insurance, training and a small monthly allowance are covered by the programme.

Solidarity projects

At least five young people aged 18 to 30 design and carry out a project for their own community, lasting 2 to 12 months, with European funding and the support of a coach.

DiscoverEU

For 18-year-olds: a pass to travel around Europe by train, awarded through a competition open twice a year.

Training for youth workers

Courses, seminars and study visits lasting a few days for people who work with young people: educators, youth leaders, social workers and volunteers.

Projects for adults

With Erasmus+ Adult Education, organisations and adult learners can also train in Europe, through courses and job shadowing.

What you can do

The main opportunities for young people and those who work with them. Ages and durations are those set by the programmes: each project may have its own rules.

Youth exchanges

Groups of young people from different countries work together on a theme for 5 to 21 days. Erasmus+, ages 13 to 30.

Volunteering

Two weeks to a year with an organisation in Italy or abroad. European Solidarity Corps, ages 18 to 30.

Solidarity projects

At least five young people design and run a project for their own community, for 2 to 12 months. European Solidarity Corps, ages 18 to 30.

Training courses

For people who work or volunteer with young people: methods, tools and sharing experience with people from all over Europe. Erasmus+, often with no age limit.

DiscoverEU

A pass to travel around Europe, mostly by train, for 18-year-olds. Through organisations there are also group trips for young people with fewer opportunities.

Adult education

Mobility and courses in Europe for adult educators and for adults who want to learn. Erasmus+, no age limit.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to take part?

Usually nothing: in Erasmus+ and ESC projects, travel, food, accommodation and activities are covered by the project. If there is a fee, we always say so in the listing.

Who can go?

It depends on the opportunity: each listing shows the age range and requirements. Many exchanges are for 18 to 30-year-olds; training courses are for people working with young people or in education, often with no age limit.

Do I need to speak English?

You don't need perfect English. All you need is the will to make yourself understood: you learn a lot that way, and the group helps you.

What is covered?

Usually travel (up to a limit set by the programme), food, accommodation and activities. Details are in each listing: just ask us if anything is unclear.

How do I apply?

Open the opportunity's listing and press "Join": the application form will open. Any questions, message us on WhatsApp or drop by Casa Naqah.

What is Youthpass?

It's the European certificate that recognises what you learned in an exchange, a course or volunteering. You fill it in at the end of the experience, with the group's help, and can add it to your CV.

Can I take part if I'm not studying or working, or if I have particular needs?

Yes. Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps give priority to people with fewer opportunities and have funds to cover extra costs, such as a support person or disability-related support. Talk to us beforehand and we'll find a solution together.

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