Young people currently face significant challenges in entering the job market, and these challenges are compounded when they have a disability. To improve their employability, it is essential that they have sufficient language skills; in fact, it is estimated that this can increase their employability by 25 percent.
Accordingly, the ONCE Foundation—with the goal of promoting and developing programs aimed at the full inclusion of people with disabilities—has launched the fifth call for grants to fund language courses abroad for young people with disabilities. This initiative is carried out in partnership with the European Social Fund, under the Youth Guarantee program as part of the 2014–2020 Operational Program for Youth Employment.
The application period opened on March 1, 2022, and the program offers financial aid to cover the cost of language courses abroad, as well as any related expenses, such as lodging, flights, etc. Courses must last between a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 12 weeks. The amount of the grant will be proportional to the duration of the course, with €1,000 awarded for every two weeks of the course.
To be eligible for financial aid, you must meet the following requirements:
- A disability rating of 33% or higher.
- Be between the ages of 18 and 29 at the time of application.
- Be a beneficiary of the National Youth Guarantee System or have been one during the 15 days prior to the application. You can find more information about this process by clicking here.
- Have a minimum B1 level of proficiency in the language to be studied.
- Enroll in a course that offers at least 20 weekly classes, each lasting 40 minutes—that is, at least 14 hours and 20 minutes of class time per week.
- Have valid health insurance or a valid European Health Insurance Card.
The deadline for completing the course is December 31, 2022, and the application period will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on September 30, 2022.
You can find more information in the call for applications and register by clicking here.
