What is Erasmus+?
Erasmus+ is the EU's programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe. The 2021-2027 programme places a strong focus on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions, and promoting young people’s participation in democratic life. 
It gives young people opportunities to learn, travel, meet people from different countries and develop new skills through international and local experiences.
Many Erasmus+ projects cover accommodation, food, activities and travel costs within programme limits, making international opportunities accessible to young people from different backgrounds.
After participating in an Erasmus + programme participants will receive a Youthpass certificate, this is a recognition of learning outcomes and can be used in CVs.

Youth Exchanges
Youth Exchanges bring together young people from different countries for usually 7–10 days. Through non formal education methods, workshops, games, discussions, creative activities and cultural experiences, you explore a common topic, meet new people and learn by doing.
Participation age in youth exchanges is usually for young people between 13 and 30 years old. Team leaders can be +30 years old.

Training Courses
Training Courses bring together youth workers, youth leaders and active young people from different countries to develop practical skills and exchange methods and experiences also through on-formal education. They are especially useful if you are already involved in youth work or want to become more active in it. 
Participation in training courses is +18 years old and there is not upper limit.

Erasmus+ projects are a great opportunity to travel, learn, meet people from different countries and gain new experiences. At the same time, participation means commitment and responsibility.
Before applying, please make sure you understand what taking part in a project involves.
Be ready to participate
A Youth Exchange or Training Course is not a holiday. You are expected to take part actively in the full programme: workshops, group activities, discussions, reflection sessions and other planned activities.
English does not have to be perfect
English is usually the working language of international projects, but you do not need to speak it perfectly. What matters is that you are willing to communicate, participate and try.
Be open and respectful
You will spend several days together with people from different countries, cultures and backgrounds. Respect, openness and responsible behaviour are an important part of every project.
Every project is different
Always read the project information carefully before applying. Check the topic, dates, location, age requirements, programme and participation conditions.

By applying for a project through IZUM Youth Club, you agree to follow these basic rules:

• Participate in the whole project. You are expected to attend the programme from the official arrival until the official departure date and participate in all planned activities.
• Be active. Erasmus+ is based on participation and non-formal learning. Simply being physically present is not enough. We expect you to contribute, communicate and take part.
• Respect other participants and organisers. Discrimination, harassment, bullying, aggressive behaviour or disrespect towards others is not acceptable.
• Follow the rules of the hosting organisation and accommodation. Each project may have additional rules connected with the venue, accommodation or local regulations.
• Follow the project rules regarding alcohol, smoking and other substances. These rules may differ depending on the project, participants' ages and hosting organisation, and must always be respected. Substance use is always prohibited.
• Take responsibility for your travel. Follow the travel instructions provided by the organisers and do not buy tickets before receiving confirmation. Approval of tickets  is always required. 
• Keep all required travel documents. Tickets, boarding passes, invoices and other documents may be necessary for reimbursement.
• Complete preparation tasks. If the project requires an intercultural evening, presentation, activity, research or another preparation task, you are expected to contribute.
• Inform us if something changes. If you can no longer participate, contact us as soon as possible. Cancelling at the last moment can create additional costs and may prevent another young person from taking your place.
• Represent yourself and your IZUM Youth Club as your sending organisation responsibly. During an international project, you are also part of the Estonian group, so we expect respectful and responsible behaviour

Here you can find the practical information about costs, travel, documents, reimbursement and the support provided by IZUM Youth Club before, during and after the project.

Management Fee

• €25 — IZUM Youth Club members
• €50 — participants that are not IZUM Youth Club members.

This contribution supports our organisation in continuously looking for good-quality international opportunities for young people and covers project-related management tasks such as:

• communication with the hosting organisation;
• participant preparation;
• support for the group and the team leader;
• travel reimbursement management;
• ticket management;
• administrative work connected with your participation.

What is covered by Erasmus+?
In most Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges and Training Courses:

• accommodation is covered;
• meals during the project are covered;
• programme activities are covered;
• travel expenses are covered up to the travel budget established for each project.

The exact conditions may vary from project to project, so always check the information provided in the info pack for the specific opportunity.
How is travel organised?
The travel process depends on the type of project.

Training Courses
Participants normally purchase their own travel tickets according to the travel conditions and budget of the project.
Before purchasing tickets, participants must follow the instructions provided by IZUM Youth Club and the hosting organisation.
Youth Exchanges
If the Estonian group includes participants under 18, IZUM Youth Club will manage the purchase of the travel tickets so that the group can travel together.
If all participants in the group are 18 or older, we will also offer the group the possibility for IZUM Youth Club to manage the ticket purchase, so that participants can travel together whenever possible.
Travel arrangements may still depend on the destination, project timetable, available routes and Erasmus+ travel budget.
Travel Reimbursement: Erasmus + travel budget
Travel expenses are reimbursed according to the Erasmus+ rules and the travel budget established for each project. It depends on the distance between the departure point and the venue of the project. For example: if the venue is in a distance between 500km and 1999km from the place you start your travel then the maximum travel reimbursement is 309 euros.
Reimbursement usually takes between 2 and 4 months after the project ends. The exact timing depends on the hosting organisation and its internal reimbursement process.

Participants must keep all required travel documents, which may include:

• tickets;
• boarding passes;
• invoices or receipts;
• booking confirmations;
• other documents requested by the hosting organisation.

Failure to provide the required documents may affect the reimbursement.
Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for underage participants.
The cost is usually around €20, depending on the destination and insurance conditions.
Insurance costs are not reimbursed by Erasmus+ and must be covered separately by the participant.
Adult participants are also strongly encouraged to have valid travel insurance for the full duration of the project and travel period.
All participants must have the European Health Insurance Card, it is completely free of charge and will cover medical expenses in European Union countries.

How do we support you?
IZUM Youth Club supports participants throughout the whole process.
Depending on the project, our work may include:

• communication with the hosting organisation;
• selection and confirmation of participants;
• preparation and reflection meetings;
• information about the programme and destination;
• travel planning;
• ticket management;
• preparation of the Estonian group;
• support for the group leader;
• assistance with required documents;
• communication during the project;
• reimbursement management after the project.

Participation Agreement
Before the project, every participant signs a Participation Agreement confirming their participation and responsibilities.
Your place in the project is considered confirmed once the participation process is completed and your personal management fee invoice has been issued.
If you cancel your participation after receiving the invoice, a €30 cancellation fee applies and must be paid within one week.

Participants Under 18
When participants under 18 are accepted to a Youth Exchange, additional preparation and documentation are required.
The group will travel with an adult group leader, and IZUM Youth Club will support participants and parents with:

• information about the project;
• travel arrangements;
• insurance information and booking;
• required documents;
• preparation before departure.

Participants under 18 must have parental permission to participate in the project and to travel abroad.

Youthpass is a European recognition instrument for identifying and documenting learning outcomes that are acquired in projects under the Erasmus+ Youth and the European Solidarity Corps programmes 
It is more than just proof that you participated. Youthpass helps you reflect on what you learned, which skills you developed and how the experience contributed to your personal and professional growth.
During a Youth Exchange or Training Course, you may develop skills such as:

• Multilingual competence
• Personal, social, and learning to learn competence
• Citizenship competence
• Entrepreneurship competence
• Cultural awareness and expression competence
• Digital competence
• Literacy competence
• Mathematical, science, technology, and engineering competence

At the end of the project, participants can receive a Youthpass certificate describing the project and their learning experience.
You can use it when applying for studies, jobs, volunteering opportunities, internships or future international projects.
If you want to get to know to know more about Youthpass you can find more information in this website: Youthpass.eu