Erasmus internship: Assistance for the elderly

The European Erasmus+ program offers students and apprentices the opportunity to undertake a professional internship abroad. This experience allows them to gain additional skills, improve their language and cultural knowledge, and expand their professional network. Among the various fields where an Erasmus internship can be undertaken, elderly care is a thriving sector that provides numerous opportunities for young professionals.

How to benefit from an Erasmus internship in assistance for the elderly?

To qualify for an Erasmus internship in assistance for the elderly, one must be enrolled in a higher education institution or vocational training center participating in the Erasmus+ program. Internships can last between 2 and 12 months and are open to students in initial training, continuing education, or apprenticeship.

Once you have found your institution, you will need to choose the country and hosting organization where you will carry out your professional internship. There are several types of organizations that offer internships in elderly care:

• Nursing homes and residences for the elderly
• Home care services
• Day centers and leisure clubs for seniors
• Associations and non-governmental organizations working for the well-being of the elderly

Once your internship project is approved by your home institution and the hosting organization, you will receive an Erasmus+ grant to cover part of the expenses related to your international mobility.

What skills can be developed during an Erasmus internship in assistance for the elderly?

Technical and Professional Skills

Throughout your internship, you will have the opportunity to learn and practice various skills specific to the elderly care sector:

• Meeting essential needs: hygiene care, nutrition, mobility, etc.
• Psychosocial support: emotional and moral support, cognitive stimulation, prevention of social isolation, etc.
• Coordination with other professionals: doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, social workers, etc.
• Administrative and financial management: medical records, financial aid applications, budget monitoring, etc.

Intercultural and Linguistic Skills

By undertaking an internship abroad, you will work in a multicultural environment and communicate in a foreign language. This will allow you to:

• Improve your language skills: comprehension, oral and written expression, professional vocabulary, etc.
• Develop cultural adaptability: respect for customs, values, and social codes of the host country, open-mindedness, tolerance, etc.
• Build an international network: professional, friendly, and cultural contacts within the hosting organization and with other Erasmus participants.

The aging population and changing needs in elderly care create a growing demand for qualified professionals in this sector. An Erasmus internship in assistance to the elderly can thus be a significant asset for your professional career:

• Enhancement of your CV: international experience, intercultural and linguistic skills, learning different work methods, etc.
• Opening up to the European job market: understanding sector-specific aspects in various countries, the possibility of finding employment abroad, etc.
• Career advancement: the potential to become a project coordinator or facility manager, specialization in a specific area (palliative care, dementia, disability, etc.), ongoing training, and additional qualifications, etc.

In summary, undertaking an Erasmus internship in elderly care is a unique opportunity to acquire new skills, explore other cultures, and enhance your employment prospects. Don’t hesitate to inquire with your educational or vocational training institution to learn more about participating in the Erasmus+ program.