Erasmus+ Traineeship after Graduation
Hello again, everyone!
In my previous article, I provided some general information about the Erasmus+ education program and shared my own experiences. Now, it’s time for the next step: Gaining work experience abroad through the Erasmus+ Internship program! You can join the Erasmus internship program during your studies or within one year after graduation. I decided to undertake this internship after my graduation. First, let’s discuss the advantages of this program.
If you are in your graduation year, it’s quite possible to spend a few months after graduation looking for a job and attending interviews. Would you like to turn those few months into at least a 2-month experience in a chosen field, at a selected company, in a chosen country with offered a monthly scholarship and the chance to obtain your Schengen visa for free? Especially if the scholarship you receive is equivalent to your living cost. The Erasmus+ internship is an opportunity you shouldn’t miss…
After years of education, we often feel the eagerness to prove ourselves as soon as possible. The biggest advantage of starting as an intern is that you work in a relatively stress-free environment and are quite receptive to receiving assistance. Every profession has many different areas, if you haven’t chosen your field yet, this is a great opportunity for you to discover yourself. So expanding your network, having a work principle, and keeping pace with the company you work for may provide you a fulltime opportunity afterwards.
Even if you continue your education after completing your internship, the professional and life experiences you gain, the people you meet, the broader network you create, and the improved language skills will leave beautiful marks on your life, choices, and character.
So, how will you find this internship? The ball is entirely in your court. While continuing your education, you should apply to many places, send out your CV, and be prepared for interviews. The expectations from an intern are never too high, and your chances of getting responses are very high. You can follow current posts on Erasmusintern.org, also build a wide network on LinkedIn that suits your field and after gaining a substantial following, you can share a post that you are looking for an internship on specific dates, in a specific country and specific field. I found my internship through such a post on LinkedIn and accepted the offer I received. Additionally, you can reach out to professors from different universities by writing respectful and clear emails introducing yourself and may work near them. You can also reach out to companies that offer internships to students who had similiar field to your field.
Visa application can be a challenging process, and I repeat, if you need it, be sure to apply as soon as possible. In your intention letter, describe your trip in detail and provide clear dates. Present evidence of your trip with your Learning Agreement document, health insurance, and paid plane tickets (with the possibility of changes and refunds).
As a recent graduate, I am excited to start a new chapter of my life in a different country. I am eager to learn about the experiences I will gain, the steps I will take, and the new opportunities that will come my way when I return to my country. But most importantly, I am no longer afraid of change.
Always make education the light of your life. I wish you reach your best version…
See you in the next article..
Elif Nur Türk
