The perks of being young: Taking advantage of opportunities and programs

Youth is often described as the prime time of life, and there is a reason behind it. It’s not a lie that is a period that we are filled with energy, curiosity, and a sense of endless possibility. The world seems wide open, and the future is a canvas waiting to be painted with our aspirations, experiences, and achievements. All that is followed by a more practical truth: being young comes with unique advantages that can set the foundation for a fulfilling life.

One of the perks of being young is the wealth of opportunities and programs specifically designed to help us grow, learn, and explore the world. Among these, the Erasmus+ program stands out as a getaway to incredible experiences that can shape your future.

Erasmus+ program, funded by the European Union, offers a wide range of opportunities for young people to study, train, volunteer, and exchange experiences in different countries. In other words, it gives you the chance to explore the world through travel and cultural exchange programs. Whether it’s through Youth Exchanges, Training Courses, or Erasmus+ Volunteering, these programs allow you to immerse yourself in new cultures, learn different languages, and broaden your perspective on life.

All these opportunities as a young person are more than just sightseeing, it’s about experiencing life from different viewpoints, understanding global issues, and developing a sense of empathy and global citizenship. Erasmus+ programs are particularly accessible, providing financial support that makes it easier -and cheaper-for young people to explore the world. The memories, friendships, and cultural understanding you gain through these experiences are invaluable.

Also, you will have the chance to network with people from all over Europe and beyond. Networking is often believed as a key to success. Being part of an Erasmus+ community means that you will have the chance to meet like-minded individuals, learn from them and even find mentors who can guide you on your path. These relationships you build during your youth often last a lifetime and can open doors to opportunities you might not have discovered on your own and you can go from strangers to “there is always a home from you where I live” in just a few days.

Do not forget though, youth is a time for learning too, not just in the traditional academic sense, but also through practical, hands-on experiences. Erasmus+ offers numerous workshops and seminars designed to develop skills that are crucial in todays’ world and most of the time they use non-formal education methods, which means they are interactive, engaging, and tailored to different learning styles, making them more enjoyable. From leadership and entrepreneurship to digital literacy and intercultural communication, these programs offer you a chance to gain knowledge that goes beyond what is taught in the classroom.

Now, you will probably be wondering where I can find all these opportunities and stay updated about new ones. Truth is that the digital age has made it easier than ever for us to find and apply for all these. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are filled with pages and public groups dedicated to promoting Erasmus+ programs and events. Many NGO’s (like ours), youth organizations, and educational institutions (e.g. Universities) regularly update their websites and social media pages with information about upcoming Erasmus+ opportunities. By simply following these pages and being part of Facebook groups (e.g. Erasmus+ Projects Opportunities), you can stay informed about the latest programs, application deadlines, and stories from past participants.

So, seize the moment and take advantage that you are young and free! Whether it’s through travel, education, networking, or personal growth, the experiences you seek out during this time will shape your future in ways you can’t even imagine. Remember, the world is in your feet, and with Erasmus+, the possibilities are endless.

You can stay updated about our opportunities here or you can contact us through social media and soyd@soyd.eu.