Opportunities abroad
Application Guide
How do you apply for a project abroad, how do we select participants and who covers the costs? Every step of the journey from Kilis to Europe is on this page.
From Kilis to Europe, step by step.
Every year hundreds of young people apply and ask the same questions: “How do you select?”, “How much does it cost?”, “Is my English good enough?” All the answers are here.
Which programme suits you?
Erasmus+ Youth Exchange
- Duration
- 5–21 days
- Age
- 13–30 (group leaders 18+)
Young people from several countries meet around a theme: workshops, games, intercultural evenings and a Youthpass certificate at the end.
Ideal for a first experience abroad.
Erasmus+ Training Course
- Duration
- 5–10 days
- Age
- 18+ (youth workers, volunteers)
Trainings for people working with young people: non-formal education methods, project writing, inclusion, digital skills.
For those active in our clubs and activities.
European Solidarity Corps (ESC)
- Duration
- 2 weeks – 12 months
- Age
- 18–30
Volunteering in an organisation abroad: travel, accommodation, food, insurance and pocket money are covered by the programme.
A Youth Portal (PRN) registration is required.
8 steps from application to departure
Tap a step to see the details.
-
1 Follow the calls
New opportunities are announced first on our WhatsApp channel and Instagram (@kozder2018). Each call has an info pack with dates, country, age and deadline.
-
2 Fill in the form
Apply through the Erasmus+ or ESC application form linked on the project page. It takes about 10–15 minutes.
-
3 Pre-evaluation
After the deadline, our team reads every application. Your answers about motivation and contribution matter most.
-
4 Online interview
Shortlisted candidates are invited to a short online interview (Google Meet). We talk in Turkish and English, nothing to be afraid of!
-
5 Results
We announce main and reserve participants by email or phone. If a main participant cannot go, the next reserve takes the place.
-
6 Agreement and preparation
You sign the participation agreement and privacy consent, join the preparation meeting and plan tickets with us. Visa support if needed.
-
7 The journey
Take part fully in the programme, make friends from all over Europe and receive your Youthpass certificate at the end.
-
8 Back home, share it
Hand in your tickets and boarding passes, share your experience on social media and write your story for our website.
What does the application form ask?
Come prepared: if you think about your answers beforehand, the form takes minutes.
About you
- Name, email and phone number
- Date of birth and the province you will travel from
- Passport type (green or burgundy; important for visas)
- Dietary preferences
- An emergency contact (optional)
Your motivation
- Why do you want to join this project?
- Why should we choose you?
- Your previous Erasmus+ or ESC projects, if any (year, country, type)
Your contribution
- How will you contribute to the association after you return?
- What can you do to introduce our association and our country during the project?
- Will you share posts before, during and after the project, tagging us and the host organisation?
- Can you edit and send us content about what you did?
Your English
- Self-assessment of speaking, writing, reading and listening
Social media tasks
- Follow our accounts (linktr.ee/kozder)
- Tag at least 5 friends under the call post on Instagram and upload a screenshot (checked if you are selected)
Only for ESC
- Your Youth Portal PRN number
- Your CV
Tip: Write in your own words rather than copy-paste. Be concrete about why you chose this project and what you will do when you return: “I’ll present it at the Speaking Club”, “I’ll introduce it at my school”. Answers written with AI tools (ChatGPT etc.) are not accepted; all answers are checked for this.
How do we select participants?
No single criterion decides; we look at all of them together. For each project we choose main participants up to the quota, plus reserves.
Motivation and answers
Sincere, thoughtful answers to “why do you want to join?” and “why should we choose you?” make the biggest difference.
English level
You don’t need perfect English, but you must be able to communicate. Higher levels have an advantage in training courses.
Involvement with KOZ-DER
Taking part in our Speaking Clubs, events and volunteering, and completing the social media tasks, count in your favour.
Fit with the project
The project’s theme, age range and target group: we look at whether this project is right for you and you for it.
Kilis and the region
Being from Kilis and the surrounding area is an advantage, but never a requirement: more than 200 of the participants we have sent so far were selected from cities far from Kilis.
A fair chance for everyone
Those who have never been abroad get a chance; we keep a balance with those who have already participated.
Passport and timing
In projects with little time before departure, the visa process matters; this is why we ask about your passport type.
Keeping your word
If you were selected before and withdrew without a valid reason, this is taken into account in later selections.
Who covers the costs?
Taking part is free. The programme covers the main costs; a few things are up to you.
Covered by the programme
- Travel, up to the programme’s limit
- Accommodation and meals (food allowance in ESC)
- Insurance
- Visa fee (when included in the project budget)
- ESC: pocket money
Up to you
- Getting a passport
- Personal spending
- Costs not approved in advance
- Keeping tickets, invoices and boarding passes: travel costs are reimbursed only with these documents
💡 The financial terms of each project (travel support limit, who buys the ticket, reimbursement period) are shared in writing in the agreement annex before departure. Always get approval before spending.
Quick questions
Is it free?
Yes. There is no participation fee. The programme covers the main costs; you only need your passport and personal spending money.
My English isn’t very good. Can I still apply?
Yes. For youth exchanges, basic communication is enough. To improve, join our free Speaking Clubs (Wednesdays online, Fridays in Kilis).
I have joined a project before. Can I apply again?
Yes. We try to give priority to first-timers, but active members who have contributed to the association are always welcome.
I don’t live in Kilis. Can I apply?
Of course. Being from Kilis and the region is only an advantage, not a condition; more than 200 of our participants so far came from cities far from Kilis.
When will I hear back?
Usually within a few days after the deadline. Shortlisted candidates are invited to an online interview first.
What if my visa is refused or I can’t go?
Let us know in writing as soon as possible. Valid reasons such as a visa refusal or illness are assessed with documents; a reserve takes your place.
What happens to my personal data?
Your passport, ID and contact details are used only for that project and protected under our privacy notice. Photos are shared only with your separate consent.
More questions? Frequently Asked Questions · Write to us