Erasmus+ – Opportunities for Learning, Innovation, and Collaboration
Erasmus+ is the European Union’s flagship programme that supports education, training, youth, and sport across Europe. It provides individuals and organisations with opportunities to learn, exchange experiences, and collaborate internationally. Through Erasmus+, people of all ages can develop new skills, expand their horizons, and contribute to building a more inclusive and connected Europe.
At its core, Erasmus+ promotes mobility and cooperation—helping young people, students, educators, youth workers, and professionals take part in life-changing experiences abroad. The programme funds a wide range of activities, including youth exchanges, training courses, internships, school partnerships, and strategic cooperation projects between institutions and organisations.
Erasmus+ is divided into several key action areas, including:
- KA1: Learning Mobility of Individuals – supports the mobility of students, staff, young people, and youth workers.
- KA2: Cooperation among Organisations and Institutions – funds partnerships to improve education, training, and youth work systems.
- KA3: Support for Policy Development and Cooperation – focuses on policy reform, dialogue, and networking at European and national levels.
- Jean Monnet Actions – promote teaching, research, and debate on European integration and EU policies.
- Sport Actions – encourage physical activity, inclusion, and cooperation in the field of sports across Europe.
To discover open opportunities and apply, individuals and organisations can explore:
- SALTO-Youth – a platform offering training, tools, and databases for Erasmus+ youth projects and non-formal education.
- Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Portal – where young people can find calls, register, and participate in mobility opportunities.
- Erasmus+ Programme Guide – the official resource outlining all eligible actions, rules, and funding details.
The main features of the Erasmus+ 2021-2027 are:
- Inclusion and diversity: more inclusive and accessible funding program.
- Participation: improving active involvement in the program and in society.
- Sustainability: making the funding programs sustainable and promote sustainable action.
- Digitalization: promoting the use of digital tools and the development of digital skills.
As an organisation, we are proud to collaborate with partners across Europe under Erasmus+ to create innovative learning projects, promote inclusion, and strengthen international cooperation. Through our initiatives, we connect youth, educators, and professionals to a network of shared growth, creativity, and lifelong learning.
SUCCESS STORIES
Lente’s Story – Learning to Stay Safe Online
Hi, I’m Lente, a 20-year-old student from the Netherlands. Last summer I joined an Erasmus+ project called CYBERYOUTH, organized by a really inspiring team. At first, I didn’t know much about cybersecurity — I thought it was something only IT experts cared about. But during the workshops, I realized how important it is for all of us, especially young people who spend so much time online.
The project was different from normal school lessons. We didn’t just sit and listen — we played games, joined discussions, used an e-learning app, and worked in small groups to solve real online problems. We even met professionals from small tech companies who talked about jobs in cybersecurity. That was something new for me — I didn’t know that there were so many different roles in that field.
One of my favorite moments was when we learned how to recognize phishing and fake websites. I actually showed it to my friends later, and they were surprised how easy it is to fall into traps online. It made me feel confident — like I could protect myself and help others too.
Now, after being part of CYBERYOUTH, I see the internet in a new way. I feel more responsible and careful, but also more curious. Maybe in the future, I’ll even study something related to cybersecurity. This project didn’t just teach me how to stay safe online — it opened a new door in my life.
Sofia’s Story – Finding Confidence in the Digital World
My name is Sofia, I’m 26 and I from Bulgaria. When I joined the CYBERYOUTH Erasmus+ project, I didn’t really know what to expect. I thought cybersecurity was something boring or too technical for me. But after the first few sessions, everything changed — it wasn’t just about computers, it was about people, about trust, and about how we live our lives online.
During the workshops, we learned in such a fun and open way. There were group games, stories, and moments where we just laughed and shared our experiences. One day, we worked together to protect a fake “youth organisation” from a cyberattack — and I actually felt like I was part of a movie. I never imagined I could enjoy something related to cyber topics so much. The trainers and youth workers made everything simple and human, not just technical.
What I loved most was the feeling of teamwork and confidence. I met young people from different countries — the Netherlands, Turkey, Estonia, and others — and we all supported each other. We learned that being safe online is also about caring for others, not only yourself. It’s about being responsible, kind, and aware.
After this project, I feel more ready for the digital world. I’m not afraid of technology anymore — I’m curious. CYBERYOUTH made me realize that even someone like me, with no tech background, can belong in this field. It gave me courage, and maybe even a new dream.
Emre’s Story – My First Step into the World of Cybersecurity
Hey, I’m Emre Hujkies, a VET student from Norway. I joined the CYBERVETINTERN project a few months ago, and honestly, I didn’t expect it to be such an adventure. Our school worked with Eseda, who led all the training. I had always liked computers, but this project made me see how exciting and important cybersecurity really is.
The sessions were not just lessons they were full of action. We learned about ethical hacking, application security, and how to find vulnerabilities in systems and websites. At first, I thought hacking sounded scary, but the trainers explained that it’s about protecting, not attacking. We even did some hands-on hacking activities, and I still remember how proud I felt when I managed to detect a security flaw for the first time. It made me think, “Wow, maybe this could be my career.”
What I liked most was that the project wasn’t only about computers; it was about people and teamwork. We worked closely with VET teachers, and I could really feel their passion. They helped us understand not just the technical stuff, but also how cybersecurity is growing and how we can fit into that future. We also talked about career opportunities and how schools can connect better with small IT companies. That gave me hope, it made everything feel real and reachable.
Now I feel more confident and inspired. CYBERVETINTERN opened my eyes to a whole new world that I didn’t know before. I want to keep learning and maybe one day work in a cybersecurity company, helping others stay safe online. This project wasn’t just a school activity for me, it was the beginning of a journey.
Jason’s Reflection – Watching My Students Grow Through CYBERVETINTERN
My name is Jason Ready, and I teach ICT and vocational studies at Charlottenlund Upper Secondary School in Trondheim. When our school joined the CYBERVETINTERN project, I was both curious and excited. Funded by the Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation and Quality Enhancement in Higher Education, the project aimed to introduce our VET students to the world of cybersecurity, a field that’s becoming more vital every single day.
Working with Dr. Eyup Guzel and Eseda has been an eye-opening experience for both me and my students. Their trainers didn’t just teach theory, they created a real learning adventure. Our students learned about ethical hacking, vulnerability analysis, and system security, but in a way that felt alive and practical. Watching them participate in hands-on hacking activities, seeing that spark of excitement when they solved a problem, it reminded me why I became a teacher in the first place.
What impressed me the most was how the project connected education with the real world. It wasn’t just about learning tools or concepts, it was about understanding the cybersecurity industry, exploring career pathways, and realizing how VET schools can collaborate more closely with IT and cybersecurity SMEs. It gave my students not only knowledge but also confidence, the belief that they have a place in this growing field.
For me personally, CYBERVETINTERN has shown how non-formal education and international collaboration can truly transform learning. My students now talk about cybersecurity with passion and purpose and I can see many of them planning to continue in this direction. As a teacher, there’s nothing more rewarding than watching young people discover their potential. This project didn’t just build skills, it built futures.
Erdoğan’s Story – Building My Future in Cybersecurity
Hello, I’m Erdoğan, a 21-year-old student from Ankara, Turkey. In late 2023, I had the chance to join an Erasmus+ project called Development of a Methodological Framework of Cybersecurity Internship Program for SMEs.The training took place in Ankara, between 28th of November and 1st of December, and it was one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve ever had.
During the four-day training, we worked closely with cybersecurity experts who taught us how to design internship programs from defining goals and learning outcomes to planning resources and evaluation tools. It was not just lectures; everything was interactive. We analyzed real examples of internships in the IT and cybersecurity sectors and then tried to build our own draft version of a framework that could later help SMEs create better internship opportunities. I remember feeling proud when our small group presented our version, it actually felt professional!
What I loved most about this training was the open discussions. Participants from different countries and backgrounds shared their experiences in the IT sector, their views on employability, and what makes a good internship. We talked about how hard it can be for young people to find practical experience, especially in cybersecurity, and how projects like this can really make a difference. The room was full of energy, ideas, and collaboration, I felt like I was part of something important.
After the project, I started thinking differently about my own career. I realized cybersecurity isn’t only about coding or hacking, it’s also about teamwork, mentorship, and creating real learning paths for others. This project gave me confidence, new connections, and a vision for the future. I hope more young people can join programs like this, because they don’t just teach you skills, they open your mind to the possibilities ahead.
