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USE+FUL | How to write good motivation when applying for a project?

Applying for Erasmus+ project: Successful motivation

Early in the morning (or if you’re not a morning person like me – in the early afternoon). You’re drinking coffee and surfing the Net as you’re getting a notification for an attractive Erasmus+ project. You want to get it on the ground floor but how to apply properly so to be chosen among the others?

You should keep in mind that a lot of people are searching and waiting for opportunities like that and applying immediately so firstly, you have to be quick and decisive – the sooner you start the better. On the other hand, you don’t have to rush the things – it’s okay to invest even few hours if you need to, to prepare the needed stuff. Some applications require only a free text e-mail – just to explain briefly your desire to take part in; for others you’ll need to attach a CV with a photo; or to fill in long application forms and even to write a motivation letter.

We’re talking today about the last mentioned. Even if you don’t have to create a whole letter of motivation the last questions of the application forms include the main things you should concern. Don’t underestimate them, prepare the answers carefully and make them expanded, don’t be laconic.

These questions may include:

Do you have any previous experience in this field; why are you interested in this topic, is it connected with your future plan; what do you think you’ll gain from this project, what competences you want to improve; how can others benefit from your participation; how can you personally contribute during and disseminate after the project; what will be your follow-up activities, etc.?

1) What to include?

Self-presentation

You can start with your name, age, country of origin and continue with your education, job or membership in some NGO-s. Tell the organisators about your background – either something connected with the topics/activities included in the project or some personal and unique facts about you, your personality or previous experience.

TOPIC first <3

Continue with the background and try to connect it with the main project’s topic – why are you interested exactly in this field? It is maybe connected to your future plans or you want to collect some concepts for realization of future ideas? Definitely explain if you have previous experience but don’t worry if you do not have any. Just say “Okay, I’m new in this field but I’m highly interested in it so I wanna gain knowledge, which of course will reflect on my activeness and full participation!” (You may think I’m joking but I’ve seen kinda threatening announcements in info-packs saying that if you don’t take part in all of the sessions, you won’t get your reimbursement).

Self-improvement aiming

Don’t hesitate to get out of the project’s frame and talk a little bit in general. Say that you want to gain new knowledge and competences. Or to develop your soft skills, which is actually the point of these exchanges ’cause we all know nowadays hard skills are not enough.

You want to learn about new cultures and intercultural differences; you want to expand your international contacts for future global co operations; to start to feel more confident while speaking English or even to overcome your shame and step out of your comfort zone? These are all good reasons to want to get involved in such an experience.

Contribution and dissemination

Every organization invests a lot of meaning, ambition and energy while creating an Erasmus+ project so that’s what they seek to see in your personal motivation.

Why does they have to choose YOU for the project? Maybe you have some talents or skills that can contribute to the project’s activities; you will participate actively in each tool; you can teach other participants your know-how to something; you’ll disseminate the projects’ results and think of creative follow-up activities in your home country?

Just say that! Because this is what they want to hear.

2) What to avoid?

NO PLACE, NO FUN!

I got your attention, huh? I know that the actual reason we all go to these exchanges is mainly to check another visited country on our travel list and to attend some crazy international parties but – NO. That’s not how are the things going. It cost me few wasted applications to understand that I must not say that.

Don’t say neither that you want to take part in the project because it will be held in your dream country and town, not that you want to have a fancy trip and visit some sightseeings. Erasmus+ is not a vacation. It is an actual problem-solving project you have to work on from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. and there could be even cases that you won’t be gifted with a free afternoon or a day-off. Still, you have the right to arrive 2 days earlier or to stay 2 days after the project and actualize your such a dream trip.

Cultural experience and language practice

Even though I recommended you to put these points into your motivation do not exaggerate because these are not main reasons. Remember – topic on first place!

Here come also the C1 people. Don’t try to impress the organisators with “sophisticated” phrases or extra idioms in order to “stick out like a sore thumb”. Even if you have advanced or proficiency level of English do not stress on it. If you don’t – do not lie about it.

No lies

Don’t lie about anything else either – like experience, extra-interest or over-motivation. Research well project’s conditions to see if you are okay with everything and will it be suitable for you.

Keep it real, simple, add something unique that sets you apart and... Break a leg!

by Silvia Arsova

USE+FUL | What should I bring on an Erasmus+ project with me

You’re approved to participate in Erasmus+ project – good job! So, what to bring? What to put into your suitcase?

“Of course – everything!” – At least that is what I told myself before my first project and deeply regreted it after.

Let’s start from the fact that this is not a vacation and you’re spending most of your time at one place, a conference hall, for example. What clothes to bring? I suggest you to have with you one set of clothes per day, comfortable ones and clothes that you can combine so to wear them not only once – e.g. leggings, a skirt and jeans with more T-shirts and blouses. You should keep in mind that activities often include different energizers, games, sports, dancing or acting theatrical scenes, often sitting on the floor – so you need to feel comfortable first. And the best thing is that nobody watches and comments your style or appearance; everybody is interested in what personality you have and how you can have a lot of fun together!

Overcoat is a necessity! Because when we’re setting off for a Southern and warm place, we usually tend to think the weather is going to be hot and not rainy at all but surprisingly this always occur to be a huge mistake – and getting sick is the last think you want, right? Also, more than two pairs of shoes (but convenient and not high-heeled) it’s just not needed.

Of course, bring a fancy dress for the intercultural night and the free afternoon to explore the city, and shine with all of your brightness!

And now – the serious part. Read carefully the project’s info-pack and if you’ve never been engaged with its topic, get informed. For some projects it’s required to prepare in advance:

A presentation for your home country
Information or statistics regarding the problem which is the project’s topic
Advice: If you have time, get informed about the situation in the other countries; speak up your own opinion or ask other participants questions; Yet it is the goal – intercultural learning
Preparing a presentation for your sending organization – don’t hesitate to ask ICDET for info and materials, they won’t refuse
Ideas for dissemination, follow-up activities – usually you have to write an article, to record an audio or video about the project once after it finishes.
Advice: Take a lot of photos and videos in order to have materials (and nice memories).

Not forget to mention, the most important things that you should bring and keep safe:

An ID card or passport
An insurance or EHIC (European Health Insurance Card)
All of your physical or PDF tickets (and sometimes some signed agreements and stuff) to pass them to your group leader or to give them directly to the people from the host organization dealing with logistics – If you don’t keep the tickets you can’t get your reimbursement afterwards.

Intercultural night struggles

One always wanders what exactly to bring and this actually depends a lot on the baggage allowance – e.g. you can’t take a bottle of alcohol or some foods in your carry-on.

A good advice is to compare your traveling and luggage options, for example sometimes to buy you ticket and after this to add checked suitcase separately, with a low-cost airline is cheaper than to buy ticket with big luggage or even only with hand luggage but with an expensive company. Don’t neglect that for each country there’s a certain budget fixed but organisators do prefer you to choose the cheapest travel option possible. Here’s a sample list of things that I never omit to take:

Food: lutenitsa, lukanka, white cow cheese, traditional spices; homemade jam or honey, lokum -> because it’s traditional and others truly love it
Beverages: homemade Rakia and wine -> foreigners actually like it a lot.
(Don’t feel desperate when you find out that participants from other Balkan countries present almost the same cuisine – yet our cultures are quite similar)
Vials with rose oil or perfume and Martenitsas -> because it is already really traditional and characteristic only of us
The national flag
Idea: You can bring few small souvenirs, cards or magnets and to prepare a Quiz with questions about Bulgaria and to give away the souvenirs to the winners.

And last but not least – the reason I’m always giving the advice for “one third or half empty suitcase”

Even if you don’t intend at first, you’ll always want to bring something for a keepsake from the country you visit. Either gifts and souvenirs for your relatives, or some traditional food and drinks that you liked during your stay there and want to share them with your homies and family. Don’t set off with a full suitcase without any free space because you may always need some.

by Silvia Arsova

USE+FUL | On-departure tips: Erasmus+ projects

Updated: Mar 18, 2021

If you have found this article, it is because you have heard of Erasmus plus. Three years have already passed since my first project, yet, that period has changed my life so dramatically that it remains deeply ingrained in my mind. Considering my experience with Erasmus+ programme, in this article you will find some helpful tips on what you need to know and what you need to prepare before you go on a project. Well, let’s get started.

The first and most important thing is your travel document.

It all depends on the country you have already chosen, if the country you are traveling to is an EU member you can travel with your ID card, but if it is not in the EU you have to bring your passport with you.

N.B! It is crucial to have all the necessary and valid travel documents with you.

Find here attached a helpful link:

https://www.mfa.bg/bg/uslugi-patuvania/konsulski-uslugi/patuvane-chujbina/vizi-za-balgari

The second important thing is to check the route from the airport to your hotel beforehand, in case the group leader has not done this for you already.

Attached here are some helpful apps:

1. Moovit - Use it for public transit navigation, maps, schedules, real-time arrivals and more!

2. Uber - an American multinational ride-hailing company offering services that include peer-to-peer ride sharing and ride service hailing

The third important thing is to check the weather forecast for the dates of your stay.

After checking what the weather forecast will be, you can pack your luggage with appropriate clothing (usually the organizers of the project mention in the info pack what type of clothes you will need during your stay).

*https://www.accuweather.com/ is a great option to check forecast for the days of your project before you pack.

The fourth important thing is to check which is the currency of the country you are going to and then to exchange money. If the country has a specific currency different than Euro or US dollars, you have 2 options:

you can exchange Euro or US dollars before you leave and later when you arrive to exchange in the local currency.
you can exchange directly into the local currency to avoid having to look for an exchange upon arrival

Note that exchanging BG levas will be almost impossible in any country you go.

Also check your flights, if you have transfers always bring euros with you, which you will use during your stay at the transfer airport.

It is also good to check the amount of money you will be charged for paying with debit/credit card or withdraw money from an ATM.

Find herewith attached several links with the most favorable exchange offices in Bulgaria:

https://tavex.bg/

http://crownchange.com/exchange-rates/

The fifth important thing is the insurance and the student card.

· What is the European Health Insurance Card?

A free card that gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, under the same conditions and at the same cost (free in some countries) as people insured in that country.

Cards are issued by your national health insurance provider.