- Erasmus Traineeships allow for training placements in companies and organizations in numerous countries, both those within the program and those that are not.
- The awarding of grants combines order of arrival of applications, academic assessment and priority to students with fewer opportunities according to the type of mobility.
- Universities manage the process through online forms, various application deadlines, successive resolutions, and annual internship pools.
- Erasmus+ internships improve employability, language and intercultural skills, while providing companies with an international perspective and young talent.
If you're thinking about taking the plunge and having a professional experience outside of Spain, Erasmus+ Traineeship opportunities They are one of the best gateways to the international job market. Every year, dozens of Spanish universities publish their application guidelines so that students and recent graduates can undertake internships at companies, research centers, and other institutions around the world.
In this article you will find a very complete guide, compiled from information provided by various universities and the European Commission itself, to understand How Erasmus+ traineeship applications workWhat types of mobility exist, who can participate, what deadlines are usually involved, how the aid is distributed, and what documents they will ask for.
What is Erasmus+ Traineeships and what types of mobility exist
The Erasmus+ program allows you to do internships abroad This program is for students in short-cycle programs, undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs, as well as recent graduates from higher education institutions in participating countries. In addition to traditional stays in European Union countries, there are options that include third countries, both those associated with and not associated with the program.
Within the framework of the KA131 action, which is the best known in universities, the European Commission funds different internship mobility options to adapt to the different profiles of students and destinations. Broadly speaking, we can distinguish between mobility within program countries and mobility in non-associated countries, with specific rules in each case.
Mobility in EU Member States and associated third countries (KA131)
When the internships are carried out in Member States of the European Union or in third countries associated with the Erasmus+ program (such as Norway or Türkiye), financial aid is normally awarded following a very specific criterion: the order of arrival of mobility applicationsIn other words, applications submitted earlier have priority in the awarding of scholarships until the available funds are exhausted.
This system requires students to pay close attention to the opening dates of each application period, because submit the application as soon as possible This can make the difference between receiving financial aid and being placed on a waiting list. In these cases, mobility is always governed by the general rules of the Erasmus+ program and the Erasmus Charter of the higher education institution.
Mobility in third countries not associated with the university, with places reserved by the university
Some Spanish universities have specific positions in non-associated third countries to the Erasmus+ program for which funding is reserved. In these mobilities outside the EU and associated countries, the allocation of grants does not follow a strict first-come, first-served basis, but rather is carried out after a positive assessment of the application by the bodies responsible for internationalization.
For these placements with reserved funding, the university typically publishes a list of specific destinations and the number of scholarships allocated to each. Selection is based on academic profile, the suitability of the internship plan, and, in many cases, the candidate's personal circumstances, prioritizing profiles that align with the university's needs. international strategy of the institution.
Mobility programs proposed by the student in non-associated third countries
There is also the possibility that it will be the student himself who propose a host institution or company in a third, non-associated country. In this case, financial aid is granted at the proposal of the Internationalization Committee or the equivalent body in each university, which analyzes each application in detail.
In this type of mobility, priority is given to students with fewer opportunities (for example, due to socioeconomic reasons, disability, or other circumstances), as part of the Erasmus+ program's commitment to inclusion, equal access, and diversity. Furthermore, there are academic and quality requirements for the stay that should be clearly understood.
For undergraduate and master's students, mobility is usually required to be of a curriculumThat is, the internships must be part of the curriculum or be academically recognized, and at least one of these conditions must be met: having a minimum average grade (for example, 7,5 at the time of application) or having the status of a student with fewer opportunities recognized.
In the case of master's students, the assessment of the academic record can be based on the previous studies that granted access to the master's programFactors such as the objectives of the mobility, the planned activities, and the suitability and quality of the host organization in relation to the training project are taken into account.
For doctoral students, the committee usually focuses particularly on the contribution of the stay to the research experience The evaluation considers the doctoral candidate's international experience, work plan, and potential alternatives, as well as the quality of the host institution. If financial support is not obtained in a given round, the guidelines typically allow for a new application in subsequent rounds.
Objectives and benefits of Erasmus+ internships
The fundamental purpose of Erasmus+ traineeships is to help students adapt to the demands of the European labor market, acquire specific professional skills and delve into the economic and social reality of another country, while gaining experience in real work environments.
The European Commission emphasizes that an internship abroad significantly contributes to improving [the skills/qualifications/skills]. knowledge, skills and abilities which companies value. In fact, it is often highlighted that a significant proportion of students participating in Erasmus+ end up creating their own company, thanks to the entrepreneurial drive and international perspective they acquire.
The program also includes specific support tools, such as the Erasmus Intern portal, powered by the Erasmus Student Network, which serves as platform to find internship offers in companies and organizations in multiple countries. This portal connects students with host organizations, facilitating the search for a destination.
Another key resource is online language support, which allows participants to improve their working language skills before and during their stay. This language reinforcement helps participants integrate more easily in their new work and social environment.
Advantages for students and recent graduates
Those who participate in Erasmus+ internships develop entrepreneurial and creative skills highly valued by employers, by facing different professional contexts and having to solving real problems in another cultural environmentThis experience is especially useful for those considering starting a business or working in innovative sectors.
The stays also contribute to a clear improvement in the language skillsas well as interpersonal and intercultural skills related to teamwork. Living and collaborating with people from other nationalities, backgrounds, and disciplines helps to develop flexibility, tolerance, and an open mind.
Furthermore, living abroad for several months provides a much deeper understanding of another country and its cultureThis is something that is highly valued both personally and professionally. This international experience is reflected in your CV and can make all the difference in future selection processes.
Benefits for host companies and organizations
Companies that receive Erasmus+ scholarship recipients benefit from a fresh international perspective which often introduces innovative ideas and new ways of tackling daily challenges. Interns typically bring enthusiasm, a desire to learn, and the ability to take on a variety of tasks.
The presence of an intern can strengthen the competitiveness and innovation of the organizationespecially when they bring up-to-date knowledge in their field of study or recent digital skills that complement the existing team.
Furthermore, the student's cultural background can open doors to new markets or collaborations in their country of origin, acting as a linguistic and cultural bridge. This is especially interesting for companies that wish to internationalize or strengthen relationships with other European countries.
Finally, daily interaction with someone from another culture offers employees a learning opportunity, both in terms of languages and intercultural competenciesInterested companies can publish their internship offers on the Erasmus Intern portal, where they reach a large number of candidates.
Length of stays and types of mobility
The program includes Erasmus+ traineeship periods with a duration that, in its standard format, ranges from two to twelve monthsWithin this range, each university specifies in its call for applications whether it sets specific minimum or maximum durations according to the student's profile or the needs of the degree.
In addition to long stays, the program offers the possibility of undertaking a combined mobilityThis program combines a brief physical phase abroad (between five and thirty days) with a virtual component. This combination allows those who cannot stay away for long periods, due to work or other circumstances, to still benefit from an international experience.
It is also accepted that a single participant may combine a internship period with a study period abroad, provided that the maximum number of months of funding available during each study cycle is respected. This arrangement is defined by each institution in its internal regulations.
General conditions of participation
To access Erasmus+ internships, it is essential to be enrolled in a higher education institution who has an Erasmus Charter for Higher Education, or who has recently completed studies at that institution if the call for applications allows it for recent graduates.
The practices must be relevant to the learning needs and personal development of the student, and be integrated, whenever possible, into the study program, so that credits can be recognized or they can be listed as external internships in the student's record.
Possible destinations include virtually any organization in the world, with one relevant limitation: internships cannot be carried out in institutions, bodies or agencies of the European UnionOutside of that area, the variety of companies, universities, NGOs and other host entities is very broad.
Financial support and award criteria
The specific amounts of the Erasmus+ grants are published each year in the Erasmus+ Program GuideThis document details the amounts awarded by country based on the cost of living and the type of mobility. Each university then develops its own call for applications with additional conditions.
As noted, in mobility to EU Member States and associated countries, it is common for aid to be allocated following the order in which applications are received Available until funds are exhausted. In other cases, such as places in third countries with reserved funds or student-proposed mobility, the award is made after a qualitative evaluation process of the applications.
These evaluations can weigh the average grade of the record, membership in groups with fewer opportunities, the quality of the work plan, the fit between the planned tasks and the qualification, as well as the suitability of the host company or institution.
How and where to submit the application
In general, applications to participate in Erasmus+ Traineeships are processed through the international office or the Erasmus+ service from the university where you are enrolled. Each institution sets its own internal applications, forms, and annual deadlines.
Some universities use their own international relations management platforms. For example, there are cases where the online application form and all supporting documentation are located within a single platform. specific application on the intranetThis application is accessible from the International Relations and Cooperation section. From this application, various calls for applications related to the official call for internships for each academic year are opened.
It is common for large gatherings to be organized in multiple application periodsThese periods are spread throughout the academic year. To illustrate, some universities schedule four distinct periods with dates ranging from the end of July to April of the following year, each with its own set of rules.
In the instructions linked to each call, the university usually provides useful document templates, such as the acceptance letter template for the company or institution of destination, which you will need to get signed once you have confirmed the acceptance.
Example of an annual call for international internships
Many Spanish universities publish a course each academic year. international internship opportunity This includes not only Erasmus+ but also stays in countries that are not part of the program. These guidelines detail the available mobility options, participation requirements, and application periods for the following academic year.
A typical call for applications includes the recipients (students enrolled in degrees, master's degrees and doctorates in the reference course or recent graduates in the previous course), the possible destinations (companies, universities and institutions in Erasmus+ program countries and in non-member countries) and the basic funding scheme.
A timetable is also included: deadline for the first allocation, publication date of provisional lists, appeals period, publication of final lists, and opening of subsequent monthly allocations until mid-summer. This system allows that positions will be filled in stages as requests are received and destinations are confirmed.
The announcements also usually link to the Erasmus Student Letter, a key document that informs of the rights and obligations of the participants and sets out the program's priorities in terms of inclusion, digital transformation, sustainability and active citizenship.
Standard requirements and documentation
When completing the registration form, you are often asked to indicate, in order of preference, the offer codes of internships to which you wish to apply, which appear on a list of destinations provided by the university. This list is usually accompanied by information about the required profile, languages, and duration of each placement.
The same form asks you to attach at least one cover letter and resumeDocuments written in the language in which the internship will take place. If two languages are required for an offer, it is usually permitted to submit the documentation in either language.
In the case of internships linked to studies in Architecture or other creative disciplines, it may be required to include a portfolio in digital formatThe files should be of a suitable size for emailing to the host company. All files must be clearly labeled with the applicant's first and last name.
If you need guidance on creating your resume or preparing for an interview, many universities offer services to career guidance or specific tutoring, often through contact emails indicated in the call itself.
Some databases even allow you to submit a new form within the deadline to correct data or update your CV. In these cases, it is made clear that The last application submitted will be considered valid.Once the submission period has ended, no changes to the resume or cover letter will be accepted.
If there are no offers among the planned destinations that match your profile or you don't meet the language requirements, many calls for applications recommend registering anyway and leaving the offer fields blank, as they may new proposals will appear during the management period. In those cases, the mobility service will contact registered individuals who match the profile required by the new company, provided that scholarships are still available.
For those who wish to contribute their own company at the end of the process, it is usually mandatory to select one. specific box in the formeven if they don't initially apply for public positions. This allows the university to fit that proposal into the program's regulations.
It is also often clarified that some groups, such as students of certain Master's degrees who carry out their curricular internships in centers abroadThey should not register using this general form, as their places are assigned by the faculties themselves and managed through internal channels.
Regarding technical issues, many universities warn that certain browsers, such as older versions of Explorer, They can cause problems with electronic forms., recommending the use of more up-to-date alternatives to avoid errors in shipping.
Example of a structure for deadlines, resolutions, and internship opportunities
Beyond the application process, the calls for proposals usually specify how the publications are made. provisional and final resolutions for each deadline. It is normal to publish annexes with the list of accepted and rejected applications, indicating the reasons for rejection where applicable.
In some universities, management is structured through a Erasmus+ internship for a full academic year. Several deadlines are established (first, second, third deadline, etc.) with their corresponding final resolutions and annexes of admitted and excluded applicants in each phase.
The calls for proposals may be accompanied by subsequent modifications and addenda that refine certain points, such as the criteria for ranking applications or minor adjustments to deadlines. Direct links to the main resolution are provided alongside it. participation form, to the acceptance letter that the company must complete, and an authorization document from the study center to carry out the internship.
In addition, many universities include further travel recommendations, such as links to the travel recommendations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to the traveler registration, in order to be able to report any incidents during the stay abroad.
Rights, obligations, cookies and other practical aspects
Before leaving, it is highly recommended that students find out in detail about their Rights and obligations as an Erasmus+ participantThe European Commission itself and national agencies provide frequently asked questions, guides on combined mobility and other resources to answer common queries.
Universities also often emphasize the importance of proper management of personal data and the use of cookies on their websites. On some portals, for example, the user is informed that first-party and third-party cookies are used to analyze usage, measure traffic, and enable social media functionalities, with the possibility of customizing these preferences.
In any case, the call for applications and the official information pages are where the details are found. full terms and conditions of participation, the operation of the financing, the mandatory insurance and the internal rules of the originating and destination institutions.
The Erasmus Traineeship programs offered by different Spanish universities, in coordination with the European Commission, outline a very broad framework of international mobility opportunities for students and recent graduates, which includes multiple countries, face-to-face and blended formats, predefined places and options of company provided by the interested party, as well as allocation systems that mix temporal order of application, academic merit, equal opportunities and quality of the training project.
