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: A Taste of Europe |
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: A Taste of Europe |
here are quite a few opportunities out there to begin
or deepen your knowledge of and activity in Europe. If you have an itch
to travel and try new things, want to learn more about your European
neighbours or just feel like the world of European politics might be
interesting, there are many options available, from gap years and
volunteering to clubs and organisations active in European and
international affairs. We'll take a look at work and study ideas in later
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What Next? A good first stop for an overview of possibilities available to you in Europe is the European Youth Portal set up by the European Commission. This portal is a gateway to thousands of other websites from across 30 European countries about studying, working and volunteering in Europe, with country specific information as well as a section on the rights of EU citizens. http://europa.eu.int/youth For ideas and advice on everything from careers through student funding to moving away from home, you could visit Connexions Direct, a public service for young people aged 13-19 set up by the Department of Education and Skills (DFES). The Connexions website has information on all types of career and life options. You can also get in touch with an advisor on the internet, by email, over the phone or via a local Connexions office in your region. http://www.connexions-direct.com In the UK, the biggest UK government sponsored organisation which deals with education and culture opportunities for young people is the British Council. As part of its learning programme, it offers a wide range of options for international experience for young leaders, students and graduates, including advice on education, learning exchanges, work experience, vocational training and teaching English abroad. www.britishcouncil.org |
Volunteering
Each year many young people volunteer for international service organisations during their school break. These programmes can vary from a few weeks to months in range of commitment, but can be an excellent opportunity to learn more about the world. Most exchanges are project-based, involving groups and organisations going abroad to work with other national organisations in lesser developed regions of the world.
An index of privately administered volunteer programmes is available at:
The Youth Action for Peace: www.yap.org
Civil Service International: www.sciint.org
Idealist: www.idealist.org
Association of Voluntary Service Organisations: www.avso.org
In addition, the European Volunteer Service, one of three mobility and non-formal education programmes run by the European Commission under its European Youth Programme, supports opportunities for young people through transnational voluntary service. For more information see:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/youth/index_en.html
The European Youth Programme is administered for the UK by Connect Youth International, British Council. General information is available at their website:
www.connectyouthinternational.com
Or can be requested by writing to:
Connect Youth International British Council
10 Spring Gardens
London SW1A 2BN
You can also find volunteering information and ideas on the gap year websites listed in the GAP YEAR section below.
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Youth Clubs and Organisations Model UN www.unimun.org Model UN offers a unique opportunity to learn about the workings of the United Nations and international affairs. The format is centred on group debate and competition with other schools in a simulated United Nations environment. These programmes are run by your individual school or university, but if your school does not offer a Model UN club, you can start one with the help of an academic advisor. European Youth Parliament www.eyp.org The EYP promotes the European dimension in education and gives students aged 16-22 the opportunity to participate in a practical, positive learning experience through projects and the opportunity to take part in international sessions bringing together delegates from national EYP committees. To find out more and get involved, contact the UK's National Committee:
EYP UK
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Gap Year Whether you have just left school or are still attending university, you might be considering taking a year off to gain first hand experience working in another part of the world. First speak with your school career advisor. He or she can provide information on different schemes, and should have the resources to contact various organisations to help you narrow your search. There are independent guides, such as "The Gap Year Guidebook" available at your local library, which also contain useful addresses and advice. Whether you plan to work, travel or volunteer during your gap year, the following websites are chock-full of ideas and tips:
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