Hawk Stars · Erasmus+ step by step
From spotting an open call to receiving your Youthpass — here is everything that happens between "I want to go" and "I'm back, and I'm not the same".
What you can join
Hawk Stars sends participants from Portugal to projects hosted by our partners across Europe, and hosts projects in Pinhel. Each call says which format it is.
5 to 21 days living with young people from several countries around a shared theme — climate, inclusion, art, sport, entrepreneurship. Non-formal learning: workshops, games, debates and cultural nights.
For youth workers, trainers, educators and volunteers who work with young people. Several days of training on methods and tools you can bring back to your community.
European Solidarity Corps placements, from two weeks up to a year, supporting a host organisation abroad. Accommodation, food and pocket money are covered.
The journey
Every project is a little different, but this is the path almost every Hawk Stars participant walks.
We publish every open place on our Projects page and share it on Instagram and in our newsletter. Each call lists the dates, destination, theme, number of places and who it is for.
Tip:Follow us on Instagram and subscribe to the newsletter — some calls fill up within days.
Read the profile carefully: age range, residence in Portugal, language level, and whether it is aimed at young people or youth workers. Make sure you are free for the full dates, including travel days.
Tip:Unsure if you qualify? Email us before applying — we would rather answer a question than lose a good candidate.
Each call links to a short online form: your details, why the theme matters to you, what you can bring to the group, and any special needs we should plan for.
Tip:Be honest and personal in your motivation. We look for curiosity and commitment, not a perfect CV.
After the deadline we shortlist candidates and may invite you to a quick online conversation. We aim for balanced, diverse groups and give priority to people with fewer opportunities.
Tip:Not selected this time? Your profile stays on file and we often reach out for the next project.
Once confirmed, you receive the info pack and join a preparation meeting with the rest of the Portuguese team. We agree on travel together — tickets are booked by Hawk Stars or reimbursed within the Erasmus+ limits.
Tip:Do not buy any ticket before we confirm the route and budget in writing.
Take part in the full programme: workshops, team activities, intercultural nights and the team's own national session. You are a representative of Hawk Stars and of Portugal, so presence and respect for the group are essential.
Tip:Keep every boarding pass, ticket and receipt — you need the originals for reimbursement.
Send your travel documents, complete the participant report from the European Commission and join a dissemination activity — a post, a talk at school, a local workshop. You also receive your Youthpass certificate.
Tip:Add your Youthpass to your Europass CV — it is recognised across Europe.
Costs and commitments
Exact conditions depend on each project's grant agreement and are always written in the call. Travel above the distance-band limit, or costs without receipts, cannot be reimbursed.
Questions
Participation is funded by the European Union. Some projects ask for a small participation fee to cover Hawk Stars' preparation work; when they do, it is stated clearly in the call before you apply.
No. You need enough English to communicate in a group and follow activities. Erasmus+ is a place to practise, not an exam.
Yes — first-timers are welcome and often given priority. The preparation meeting covers everything you need to know.
No. Our projects are open to young people living in Portugal. Becoming a member or volunteer is a great way to stay involved after your first project.
In most cases, yes. What counts is legal residence in Portugal and a valid travel document for the destination country.
Yes. Erasmus+ has extra funding for inclusion — accessibility, an accompanying person, or financial barriers. Tell us in the form and we will plan it with you.
Check our current projects or write to us — we answer every message.