Erasmus+ Onboarding Seminar, Oslo

Erasmus+ Onboarding Seminar Location: Oslo, Norway Dates: September 2nd - 5th, 2024.

I had the privilege to participate in the Erasmus+ Onboarding Seminar held in Oslo from September 2nd to 5th, 2024. This seminar was not a typical training course but a unique and intensive program specifically designed to help us develop and refine our project application for Erasmus+ Youth. The opportunity to engage directly with the Erasmus+ Youth team and work closely with our project partners was invaluable.

The seminar was structured into several key segments:

• Introduction to Erasmus+ and Application Process: The program kicked off with an in-depth introduction to the Erasmus+ framework, focusing on the Youth sector. We were briefed on the overarching goals of the program, the types of projects eligible for funding, and the crucial aspects of writing a successful application. This session provided us with essential knowledge on the core priorities of Erasmus+, including inclusion, digitalization, environmental sustainability, and participation in democratic life, which we needed to incorporate into our project.

• Working with Project Partners: One of the standout elements of the seminar was the opportunity to work directly with our project partners. Having the dedicated time and space to sit together with partners allowed us to engage in thorough discussions, review our project concept, and ensure that all partners were aligned in terms of goals, activities, and expected outcomes. This collaborative effort was immensely valuable in building a cohesive and well-structured project plan.

• Interactive Workshops and Feedback Sessions: The seminar included a series of interactive workshops where we worked on specific sections of our project application, such as needs analysis, project objectives, expected impact, and dissemination strategies. These workshops were practical and hands-on, offering us the chance to draft and refine key components of our application. In addition, we received expert feedback from Erasmus+ advisors, who provided constructive criticism and suggestions to strengthen our proposal.

• Networking and Peer Learning: The seminar was also a great platform for networking with participants from other projects across Europe. The diversity of participants, representing various countries and youth organizations, added to the richness of the experience. Through formal and informal discussions, we exchanged best practices, ideas, and challenges, which helped broaden our perspective on youth work and collaboration under Erasmus+.

• Tailored Support and Guidance: Throughout the event, we had access to one-on-one consultations with Erasmus+ representatives who provided tailored advice specific to our project. These consultations were incredibly beneficial in helping us fine-tune certain aspects of our proposal, particularly in aligning with Erasmus+ priorities and ensuring our project’s objectives were clear, measurable, and achievable.

• Final Project Development and Next Steps: By the end of the seminar, we had significantly advanced our project application. With a clearer understanding of the expectations, we drafted a more solid and coherent proposal. The seminar concluded with a session on next steps, outlining the timeline for submission and key deadlines. We also received a checklist of the documents and supporting materials required for the final application.

  
  

Conclusion: The Erasmus+ Onboarding Seminar in Oslo was an exceptional experience, providing us with both the knowledge and tools needed to successfully prepare and submit our project application. The focused guidance from Erasmus+ Youth, the collaboration with our partners, and the peer learning opportunities made it a highly productive event. We are now better equipped and confident to move forward with our Erasmus+ project, ensuring it is aligned with the program’s priorities and has a higher chance of success.