Youthpass and the European Youth Portal: How Do You Document Your International Volunteering Experience?

Exploring Europe, discovering new cultures, pushing boundaries, and making the world a better place while doing all of this… It sounds like a wonderful dream, doesn’t it? Actually, it’s not a dream—it’s the amazing opportunities the European Union offers to young people!

Going abroad through projects like the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) or volunteering at a civil society organization is a life-changing experience. However, there are two key elements to this process: the European Youth Portal, which helps you find opportunities, and Youthpass, which transforms this experience into an official document that will shine throughout your life.

If you’re thinking, “I want to take advantage of these opportunities too, but I don’t know where to start,” just sit back and relax. We’re opening the door to opportunities in Europe, one step at a time!

Step 1: What Is the European Youth Portal and How Do You Sign Up?

The European Youth Portal is the official central hub for the EU’s youth policy, volunteer projects, and job and internship opportunities. To apply for volunteer projects abroad (ESC), you must have a profile on this portal.

Don't let the idea of signing up intimidate you—it's a very simple process:

1. Create an EU Login Account: First, you’ll need an “EU Login” account, which allows you to securely log in to EU websites. Go to the EU Login registration page and create a free account using your name and email address.
2. Log In to the Portal: After logging in, go to the European Youth Portal homepage.
3. Join the European Solidarity Corps (ESC): Click on the “European Solidarity Corps” tab in the portal menu and select the “Join/Register” option.
4. Fill Out Your Profile: Fill out your profile, including your personal information, interests, previous volunteer experience, and your preferred countries.
5. Get Your PRN: Once your registration is complete, you will be assigned a unique Participant Registration Number (PRN). This number serves as your identification number in Europe; organizations will ask you for this number when you apply for projects.

Step 2: How to Track Opportunities and Apply on the Portal?

Once you’ve completed the registration process, the portal becomes a massive bulletin board for you. To make sure you don’t miss out on opportunities and find the right project, you can follow these strategies:

• Use the Project Search Filters: In the “Opportunities” section of the portal, filter by project topic (environment, disability rights, arts, technology, etc.), country, and duration (short-term/long-term).
• Write Your Motivation Letter: When you click on a project you like and select “Apply,” the system will ask you why you want to participate in this project. Write a compelling motivation letter that reflects your sincere, rights-based perspective and explains what you can contribute to the project.
• Check Regularly: Listings are constantly updated. Make it a habit to check the portal at least a few times a week.

Step 3: Proof of Experience: What Is Youthpass?

You’ve successfully completed your project abroad, met some amazing people, and returned to your home country. So, how will you demonstrate all the skills you gained there to future employers or universities? That’s exactly where Youthpass comes in!

Youthpass is a European strategy and certification system that officially documents the “non-formal learning” achievements of young people participating in Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps projects.

“Youthpass is not just a certificate of participation. It is a self-assessment tool that structures the participant’s learning process, helps them recognize their own potential, and demonstrates the value of non-formal education methods on an international level.”

— Official Youthpass Guide (Youthpass Guide)

Your Youthpass certificate is an official document issued on behalf of the EU that you fill out together with your host organization once your project is complete. It shows the world what roles you took on and in which areas you developed your skills.

4. The Importance of the Youthpass Certificate in One’s Career and Education

Many young people think of Youthpass as just a certificate of appreciation to hang on the wall; in reality, however, this certificate is a true asset for your career and educational journey.

The European Union bases its Youthpass processes on the “8 Key Competencies for Lifelong Learning” framework. When your certificate is being prepared, you describe how you have developed yourself in these 8 areas:

1. Literacy (Communication Skills)
2. Multilingual Competence (Foreign Language Development)
3. Mathematics, Science, Technology, and Engineering Competency
4. Digital Competence (Use of Technology and Digital Tools)
5. Personal, Social, and Learning Competencies (Time management, teamwork)
6. Civic Competence (Advocacy, Civic Participation)
7. Entrepreneurial Competence (Generating projects, taking initiative)
8. Cultural Awareness and Expression (Adapting to Different Cultures)

What Are the Benefits of This Document?

• It Makes Your Resume Stand Out: Instead of writing “I’m a team player” on your job application, you can show your Youthpass certificate and say , “I demonstrated my social competence by taking on the following responsibilities as part of a multinational team during a 6-month European project.”
• Gives You an Edge in Academic Applications: When applying for master’s programs, doctoral programs, or prestigious EU scholarships such as the Jean Monnet Scholarship, this internationally recognized certificate demonstrates how much you value civil society and personal development.
• Preparing You for the Future of the Workplace: Today, companies look not only at your GPA but also at your “soft skills.” Youthpass is the official EU certification of your soft skills.

“Raising the visibility of non-formal education processes and tools such as Youthpass is a vital step toward enhancing young people’s employability and certifying the flexible skills required by the modern labor market.”

— EU Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Support Documents on Youth Employment

Conclusion: It's Time to Take Action!

The European Youth Portal is a starting point, while Youthpass is the lasting crown of this journey. As young people with visual impairments, we must make full use of these tools to take our place in civil society, defend our rights, and declare “we are here too” on the international stage.

Take your first step today—create your profile on the portal and start building your future with your own hands. Europe is waiting for you!

REFERENCES:

1. European Commission. Official European Youth Portal. URL: youth.europa.eu
2. SALTO-YOUTH Youthpass Resource Center. Youthpass Assessment and Implementation Guide. Germany. Available at: youthpass.eu
3. Turkish National Agency. European Solidarity Corps (ESC) Participant Guide. Ankara. Available at: ua.gov.tr
4. Council of Europe and European Commission (2018). European Framework for Key Competences for Lifelong Learning. Brussels. Available at: eur-lex.europa.eu