A strong application is what gets you selected for an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange, a Training Course or an ESC volunteering project. Coordinators across Europe read dozens of files for every place, and they are looking for the same things: clarity, genuine motivation, authenticity and impact. These 10 practical tips will help you stand out, whichever programme you apply to.
1. Read the Project Call Carefully 🔍
Before you write a single word, make sure you understand the project. Look for:
🎯 The objectives
🧩 The target group
🛠️ The key activities
🌍 The main theme
🎓 The expected outcomes
Applicants who clearly reflect the real purpose of the project always stand out. Research the organisation and the country too, since a specific reference shows you actually care about this project, not just any trip abroad.
2. Write Real Motivation, Not Generic Phrases ❤️
Avoid empty lines like "I like travelling" or "I want to meet new people". Everyone writes those. Instead, give specific, personal reasons:
💬 "I want to develop digital storytelling skills for my youth club."
💬 "Intercultural dialogue matters to me because I grew up in a multicultural community."
Specific equals authentic. This is the heart of your motivation letter, so give it real thought.
3. Show Your Skills Clearly 🧠
Highlight the skills that matter for youth projects, and back each one with a short example:
🤝 Teamwork
💬 Communication
🎨 Creativity
🧭 Leadership
📱 Digital tools
📸 Photography and 🎥 video creation
🧠 Problem solving
A one line example ("I edited videos for my school's social media") makes a skill believable. List them cleanly on your Europass CV.
4. Connect Your Background With the Project Activities 🎯
Show the reader you fit the theme:
🌿 Environment background to sustainability activities
🎥 Media background to editing, design and storytelling
🗳️ Participation background to community engagement
Intentional applications beat random ones every time.
5. Express Your Learning Goals Clearly 🎓
Say what you want to grow. Clear goals show you are ready and self aware:
🗣️ "I want to build confidence speaking English."
🧑🏫 "I want to learn how to facilitate workshops."
🇪🇺 "I want to understand European youth work practices."
6. Explain How You Will Contribute to the Group 🤝
Erasmus+ and ESC are built on collaboration, so show what you add, not only what you take. You can contribute by:
🎭 Sharing your culture on cultural nights
🎤 Leading energizers
📸 Taking photos and videos
✏️ Helping with documentation
🎨 Offering creative or digital skills
🤗 Supporting group dynamics
Active participants get selected more often.
7. Mention Relevant Personal Challenges (If They Apply) 🌱
Many projects reserve places for young people with fewer opportunities. If that is you, mention it briefly, honestly and without over explaining:
💸 Financial limitations
🏞️ Living in a remote area
✈️ No previous travel experience
🏫 Educational challenges
This is not a weakness. Inclusion is a core goal of both programmes, and extra support is available. See who can apply for more.
8. Keep Your Writing Clear, Honest and Positive ✍️
Your file should be:
📋 Structured and easy to follow
👀 Readable, with short paragraphs
🤝 Honest, never exaggerated
😊 Positive in tone
Clarity beats complicated writing every time. Read it twice, and fix every typo, careless mistakes signal you did not really care.
9. Show the Long-Term Impact 🧭
Coordinators love applicants who will pass the experience on. Explain how you will use it afterwards:
🏫 Workshops at school
🎪 Community events
🚀 Future projects
📱 Social media awareness
Impact shows the project is an investment, not just an experience for you.
10. Finish With a Confident Closing 💫
End on a warm, self assured note that leaves a strong final impression:
✨ "I feel aligned with the project and ready to take part actively."
🌍 "I'm excited to contribute and bring new ideas back to my community."
A Few Mistakes That Get Applications Rejected ❌
Even strong candidates lose their place over avoidable errors:
🔴 Sending the same generic file to every project
🔴 Writing about things that have nothing to do with the project
🔴 Missing the deadline or submitting an incomplete file
🔴 Typos and careless language that make you look rushed
Give yourself enough time, and treat every application as if it is the only one.
Does It Differ for ESC vs Erasmus+? ⚖️
The 10 tips apply to both, but shift your emphasis:
🔹 ESC volunteering is a longer, individual commitment, so stress your reliability, independence and interest in the community. You also register on the ESC Portal first, see how to register for ESC volunteering.
🔹 Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges are short group experiences, so lean into teamwork and enthusiasm for the theme.
Still deciding between them? Read ESC vs Erasmus+. When your file is ready, follow the full how to apply steps, and see what organisations value in a volunteer.
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
What makes an Erasmus+ or ESC application stand out?
Genuine, specific motivation tied to the exact project, clear skills with examples, and a sense of what you will contribute and pass on afterwards.
How long should my application be?
Long enough to answer the questions clearly and no longer. Coordinators scan many files, so keep it structured, honest and easy to read.
Do I need experience to be selected?
No. Motivation, reliability and a willingness to learn matter far more than a long CV, especially for youth projects.
What is the most common reason applications get rejected?
Sending a generic file that could apply to any project, or one that ignores the project's actual theme and objectives.
Should I mention if I have fewer opportunities?
Yes, briefly and honestly, if the project welcomes it. Inclusion is a core goal and support is available.
In Short 💡
A strong application is specific, honest and connected to the exact project. Show real motivation, the skills you bring, what you will contribute to the group, and how you will pass the experience on. Do that, and you give a coordinator every reason to pick you.
👉 Find your next Erasmus+ or ESC project: youthworkshub.org
