2022-erasmusplus-programme-guide

Pre-financing payments (or parts of them) may be offset (without the beneficiaries’ consent) against amounts owed by a beneficiary to the granting authority — up to the amount due to that beneficiary. As a general rule, the final payment or request for recovery of the balance will be issued within 60 calendar days of the receipt of the final report. OTHER IMPORTANT CONTRACTUAL PROVISIONS Financial guarantee If the financial capacity is considered weak, the National or Executive Agency may require any beneficiary which has been awarded a grant exceeding 60 000 EUR to lodge a guarantee in advance in order to limit the financial risks connected with the pre-financing payment. This guarantee can be requested for up to the same amount of the pre- financing payment(s). The purpose of such guarantee is to make a bank or financial institution stand as irrevocable collateral security or first- call guarantor of the beneficiary’s obligations deriving from the grant agreement. This financial guarantee, in euro, shall be provided by an approved bank or financial institution established in an EU Member State. When the beneficiary is established in a non-EU country, the National or Executive Agency may agree that a bank or financial institution established in such country provides the guarantee, if it considers that the bank or financial institution offers equivalent financial security and characteristics as those offered in an EU Member State. The guarantee may be replaced by a joint third-party guarantee, or from several third-party guarantees from the participating organisations who are parties to the same grant agreement. The guarantee will be released after the pre-financing is gradually cleared against an interim payment or payment of the balance to the beneficiary, in accordance with the conditions laid down in the grant agreement. In case the payment of the balance takes the form of a recovery, either the guarantee will be released after the beneficiary is notified or will remain explicitly in force until the final payment and, if the final payment takes the form of a recovery, until three months after the debit note is notified to a beneficiary. Subcontracting and award of procurement contract The beneficiary may resort to subcontracting for specific technical services requiring specialised skills (relating to the legal, accounting, tax, human resources fields, IT, etc.) or implementation contracts. The costs incurred by the beneficiary for this type of services may therefore be considered eligible costs provided they meet all the other criteria described in the grant agreement. Where implementation of the project requires the procurement of goods, works or services (contract), beneficiaries must award the contract to the economically most advantageous offer, i.e. the bid offering the best value for money, or, as appropriate to the tender offering the lowest price, ensuring that there is no conflict of interests and that documentation is retained in case of audit. In the event of implementation contract exceeding a value of 60 000 EUR, the National or Executive agency may impose special rules on the beneficiary, in addition to those referred to in the previous paragraph. Those special rules would be published on the websites of the National Agencies or the Executive Agency. 401

Information on the grants awarded In line with the principle of transparency and the requirement for ex-post publicity, information on the recipients of the Union funds must be published on the website of the Commission, the Executive Agency and/or the National Agencies during the first half of the year following the closure of the financial year for which they were awarded. The information may also be published in any other appropriate medium, including the Official Journal of the European Union. The National Agencies and the Executive Agency will publish the following information:  name and locality of the beneficiary;  amount of grant awarded;  nature and purpose of the award. Upon a reasoned and duly substantiated request by the beneficiary, the publication shall be waived if such disclosure risks threatening the rights and freedoms of individuals concerned as protected by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union or harm the commercial interests of the beneficiaries. As far as personal data referring to natural persons are concerned, the information published shall by removed two years after the end of the financial year in which the funds were awarded. The same shall apply to personal data indicated in the official titles of legal persons (e.g. an association or company having as title the names of their founders). This information shall not be published for scholarships paid to natural persons and other direct support paid to natural persons in most need (refugees and unemployed persons). Also the beneficiary organisations are not authorised to publish this type of information in relation to persons receiving a mobility grant under Erasmus+. Publicity Apart from the requirements regarding the visibility of the project and for the sharing of project results and project impact (which are award criteria), there is an obligation of minimal publicity for each granted project. Beneficiaries must clearly acknowledge the European Union’s support in all communications or publications, in whatever form or whatever medium, including the Internet, or on the occasion of activities for which the grant is used. This must be done according to the provisions included in the grant agreement. If these provisions are not fully complied with, the beneficiary’s grant may be reduced. Checks and audits The National or Executive Agency and/or the European Commission may carry out technical and financial checks and audits in relation to the use of the grant. They may also check the statutory records of the beneficiary (or co- beneficiary) for the purpose of periodic assessments of lump sum, unit cost or flat-rate financing. The beneficiary (or co-beneficiary) will undertake, with the signature of its legal representative, to provide proof that the grant has been used correctly. The European Commission, the Executive Agency, National Agencies and/or the European Court of Auditors, OLAF, EPPO or a body mandated by them, may check the use made of the grant at any time up to five years, or for up to three years for grants not exceeding 60 000 EUR, starting from the date of payment of the balance or 402

execution of the recovery by the National or Executive Agency. Therefore, beneficiaries shall keep records, original supporting documents, statistical records and other documents connected with the grant during this period. For projects managed at centralised level by the Executive Agency, different types of audit procedures may be applied according to the type of Action concerned, the size of the grant awarded and the form of the grant. More information is available on the website of the Executive Agency. The detailed provisions concerning checks and audits are described in the grant agreement. Data protection Any personal data included in the application form or in the grant agreement/decision shall be processed by the National or Executive Agency, or by the European Commission in accordance with:  For all processing that is required by any official guidance or instructions from the European Commission or necessary for the implementation of the Erasmus+ Programme: Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018[1] on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 and Decision No 1247/2002/EC (Text with EEA relevance.);  For all processing for other purposes, not required by any official guidance or instructions from the European Commission nor necessary for the implementation of the Erasmus+ Programme: o the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR or EU Regulation 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016[2]) for: • all personal data processed by a controller or processor in the EU/EEA; • all personal data on data subjects who are in the EU/EEA at the start of the processing; o the national data protection legislation for all other processing. In these cases the entity deciding on the means and purposes of the processing for these other purposes shall replace the European Commission as accountable and responsible Data Controller under their applicable data protection legislation. Unless marked as optional, the applicant's replies to the questions in the application form are necessary to evaluate and further process the grant application in accordance with the Erasmus+ Programme Guide. Personal data will be processed solely for that purpose by the department or Unit responsible for the Union grant programme concerned (entity acting as data controller). Personal data may be transferred on a need to know basis to third parties involved in the evaluation of applications or in the grant management procedure, without prejudice of transfer to the bodies in charge of monitoring and inspection tasks in accordance with European Union law or to bodies mandated to undertake evaluations of the Programme or any of its Actions. In particular, for the purposes of safeguarding the financial interests of the Union, personal data may be transferred to internal audit services, to the European Court of Auditors, to the Financial Irregularities Panel or to the European Anti-Fraud Office and between authorising officers of the Commission and the executive agencies. The applicant shall have the right of access to his/her personal data and the right to rectify any such data. Should the applicant have any queries concerning the processing of his/her personal data, he/she shall address them to the Agency that has selected the project. In case of conflicts; the applicant also has the right of recourse at any time to the European Data Protection Supervisor. Concerning the processing of personal data under the Erasmus+ Programme, a detailed privacy statement, including contact information, is available on the website of the Commission and Executive Agency: https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/help/erasmus-and-data-protection_en 403

For actions managed by EACEA: https://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/data/support/legal_notice/h2020-ssps- grants-sedia_en.pdf The applicant shall inform the individuals whose personal data is contained in the proposal of the relevant privacy statement as indicated above, before submitting their proposals. Within the framework of centralised actions managed by the Executive Agency, applicants – and, if they are legal entities, persons who are members of the administrative, management or supervisory body of that applicant or who have powers of representation, decision or control with regard to that applicant, or natural or legal persons that assume unlimited liability for the debts of that applicant – are informed that their personal data (name, given name if natural person, address, legal form and name and given name of the persons with powers of representation, decision- making or control, if legal person) may be registered in the Early Detection and Exclusion System (EDES) by the Authorising Officer of the Agency, should they be in one of the situations mentioned in Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union. 404

PART D – GLOSSARY OF TERMS The following section presents definitions of key concepts and commonly used terms related to the Erasmus+ Programme. The glossary is divided into sections organised in alphabetical order, covering common terminology and specific blocks with concepts that only relate to a given sector. Common terms An accompanying person accompanies participants (learners, staff, or youth workers) in a mobility activity to ensure their safety, provide support Accompanying person and assistance, and facilitate effective learning during the mobility Accreditation experience. In individual activities, an accompanying person may Affiliated entity accompany participants with fewer opportunities or minors and youngsters with little experience outside their own country. In case of Applicant group activities, qualified education staff must accompany the group to facilitate the learning process. Process to ensure that the organisations wishing to receive funding under an Action of the Erasmus+ Programme comply with a set of qualitative standards or pre-requisites laid down by the European Commission for that Action. The following can be considered Affiliated Entities (in accordance with Article 187 of the Financial Regulation):  legal entities having a legal or capital link with beneficiaries; this link is neither limited to the action nor established for the sole purpose of its implementation;  several entities which satisfy the criteria for being awarded a grant and together form one entity which may be treated as the sole beneficiary, including where the entity is specifically established for the purpose of implementing the action. The Affiliated Entities must comply with the eligibility and non-exclusion criteria, and where applicable also with the selection criteria applying to applicants. Any participating organisation or informal group of young people which submits a grant application. Applicants may apply either individually or on behalf of other organisations involved in the project. In the latter case, the applicant is also defined as coordinator Application deadline Final date for submission of the application form to the National or Executive Agency to be considered eligible. 405

Associated partners These are partners from the public or private sector that contribute to the implementation of specific project tasks/activities or support the Basic skills promotion and sustainability of the project, but that for contractual Beneficiary management aspects are not considered to be beneficiaries, and do not Blended mobility receive any funding from the Programme as part of the project (they do Call for proposals not have the right to charge costs or claim contributions.). Literacy, mathematics, science and technology; these skills are included in Certificate the key competences. Clerical error When a project is approved for an Erasmus+ grant, the applicant Co-financing organisation becomes a beneficiary by signing a contract with the National Company or Executive Agency that has selected the project. If the application was made on behalf of other participating organisations, the partners may Consortium become co-beneficiaries of the grant. Coordinator/Coordinating Combination of physical mobility and a virtual component, facilitating organisation collaborative online learning exchange/teamwork. Invitation published by or on behalf of the Commission to present, within a given deadline, a proposal for action that corresponds to the objectives pursued and meets the required conditions. Calls for proposals are published in the Official Journal of the European Union (C series) and/or on relevant websites of the Commission, National or Executive Agency. In the context of Erasmus+, this is a document which is issued to any person who has completed a learning activity in the field of education, training and youth, where applicable. It certifies the attendance and, where applicable, the learning outcomes of the participant in the activity. A minor mistake or inadvertence unintentionally made in a document that changes its meaning, such as a typographical error or the unintentional addition or omission of a word, phrase, or figure. The principle under which part of the costs of a project supported by the EU must be born by the beneficiary, or covered through external contributions other than the EU grant. Legal persons established under civil or commercial law, including cooperative societies, and other legal persons governed by public or private law, except those which are non-profit-making. Two or more participating organisations teaming up to prepare, implement and follow up a project or an activity within a project. A consortium may be national (i.e. involving organisations established in the same country) or international (involving participating organisations from different countries). A participating organisation applying for an Erasmus+ grant on behalf of a consortium of partner organisations. The coordinator has special obligations foreseen in the grant agreement. 406

Digital competence Involves the confident, critical and responsible use of, and engagement with, digital technologies for learning, at work, and for participation in Enterprise society. It includes information and data literacy, communication and collaboration, media literacy, digital content creation (including European Qualifications programming), safety (including digital well-being and competences Framework (EQF) related to cybersecurity), intellectual property related questions, problem solving and critical thinking. ESCO (multilingual Any undertaking engaged in an economic activity, irrespective of its size, classification of European legal form or of the economic sector in which it operates. Skills, Competences, A common European reference tool that serves as a translation device Qualifications and between different education and training systems and their levels. It aims Occupations) to improve the transparency, comparability and portability of qualifications across Europe, promoting workers' and learners' mobility Established and facilitating their lifelong learning, as defined in the 2008/C 111/01 Recommendation of the European Parliament and the Council. European Union Member Identifies and categorises skills and competences, qualifications and States and third countries occupations relevant for the EU labour market and education and training, associated to the in 25 European languages. The system provides occupational profiles Programme showing the relationships between occupations, skills, competences and qualifications. ESCO has been developed in an open IT format and can be Europass used by anyone free of charge. Relates to an organisation or body fulfilling certain national conditions (registration, statement, publication, etc.) that allow such organisation or body to be formally recognized by its national authority. In case of an informal group of young people, the legal residence of its legal representative is considered as having the equivalent effects for the purposes of eligibility to an Erasmus+ grant. EU and non-EU countries that have established a National Agency which participates fully in the Erasmus+ Programme. The list of EU Member States and third countries associated to the Programme is provided in Part A of this Guide, section \"Who can participate in the Erasmus+ Programme?\". The Europass online platform, an action of the European Skills Agenda, provides individuals and organisations with web-based tools and information on learning opportunities, qualifications frameworks and qualifications, guidance, skills intelligence, self-assessment tools and documentation of skills and qualifications, and connectivity with learning and employment opportunities. The Europass platform also offers tools and software to support digitally- signed credentials, as announced in the Digital Education Action Plan. The platform interconnects with national data sources for learning opportunities and national qualifications databases or registers. 407

European NGO For the purpose of this programme, these are NGOs that operate through a formally recognised structure composed of a European body/secretariat First time applicant legally established for at least one year in an EU Member State or third Force majeure country associated to the Programme and of national Green skills organisations/branches in at least nine EU Member States and third Sustainable means of countries associated to the Programme. These national transport (green travel) organisations/branches must: Informal learning International  have a proven statutory link267 with the European body/secretariat; Job shadowing  be active in the field of education, training or youth; Key competences Learning mobility Any organisation or institution that has not previously received support as Learning outcomes a project coordinator (applicant) under a given type of action supported by this Programme or its predecessor programme in the last seven years. An unforeseeable exceptional situation or event beyond the participant's control and not attributable to error or negligence on his/her part. Fundamental skills to the transition to a low-carbon economy, which can be general such as sustainable agriculture, soil protection, energy use and waste reduction, or more technical such as knowledge on renewable energy. Sustainable means of transport (green travel) is defined as the travel that uses low-emissions means of transport for the main part of the travel, such as bus, train or car-pooling. Learning resulting from daily activities and experiences which is not organised or structured in terms of objectives, time or learning support; it may be unintentional from the learner’s perspective. In the context of Erasmus+, relates to any action involving at least one EU Member State or third country associated to the Programme and at least one third country not associated to the Programme. A stay at a partner organisation in another country with the aim of receiving training by following practitioners in their daily work in the receiving organisation, exchanging good practices, acquiring skills and knowledge and/or building long-term partnerships through participative observation. The basic set of knowledge, skills and attitudes which all individuals need for personal fulfilment and development, active citizenship, social inclusion and employment, as described in the Council Recommendation of 22 May 2018 on key competences for lifelong learning. Means moving physically to a country other than the country of residence, in order to undertake study, training or non-formal, or informal learning. Statements of what a learner knows, understands and is able to do on completion of a learning process, which are defined in terms of knowledge, skills and competence. 267 Defined under the term “statutory link” in this Glossary. 408

Legal entity A natural person or a legal person created and recognised as such under national law, Union law or international law which has legal personality and Legal Entity Appointed which may, acting in its own name, exercise rights and be subject to Representative (LEAR) obligations, or an entity which does not have legal personality as referred to in point (c) of Article 197(2) of the Financial Regulation. Less experienced For action managed by the European Education and Culture Executive organisation Agency, parallel to the validation of an organisation in the Participant Register, its legal representative(s) must nominate a Legal Entity Life-long learning Appointed Representative (LEAR). The LEAR role, is key: once validated by the Commission, the LEAR will be authorised to: Newcomer organisation  manage the legal and financial information about the organisation Micro-credential  manage access rights of persons in the organisation (but not at the Mobility/Learning project level) agreement  appoint representatives of the organisation to electronically sign grant agreements ('Legal Signatories' - LSIGN) or financial statements ('Financial Signatories' - FSIGN) via the Funding & Tenders Portal. All the steps for the LEAR validation are clarified in the Funding & Tenders Portal. any organisation or institution that has not received support in a given type of action supported by this Programme or its predecessor programme more than twice in the last seven years. This category includes the category of “first-time applicants”, as defined above. Lifelong learning means learning in all its forms, whether formal, non- formal or informal, taking place at all stages in life and resulting in an improvement or update in knowledge, skills, competences and attitudes or participation in society from a personal, civic, cultural, social or employment-related perspective, including the provision of counselling and guidance services; it includes early childhood education and care, general education, vocational education and training, higher education, adult education, youth work and other learning settings outside formal education and training and it typically promotes cross-sectoral cooperation and flexible learning pathways. Any organisation or institution that has not previously received support in a given type of action supported by this Programme or its predecessor programme either as a coordinator or a partner. A micro-credential is a recognised proof of the learning outcomes that a learner has achieved following a short learning experience, according to transparent standards and requirements and upon assessment. The proof is contained in a certified document that lists the name of the holder, the achieved learning outcomes, the assessment method, the awarding body and, where applicable, the qualifications framework level and the credits gained. Micro-credentials are owned by the learner, are shareable, portable and may be combined into larger credentials or qualifications. An agreement between the sending and receiving organisation and the participating individuals, defining the aims and content of the mobility period in order to ensure its relevance and quality. It can also be used as a basis for recognition of the period abroad by the receiving organisation. 409

Month In the context of the Erasmus+ Programme and for the purpose of MOOC calculating the grants, a month is equal to 30 days. Stands for \"Massive Open Online Course,\" a type of course that is National Agency completely delivered online, is open to be accessed by anyone without National Authority cost, entry qualifications or other restrictions; participant numbers are Non-formal learning often high. These courses can have in-person components, e.g. encouraging local participant meetings, and formal assessment, but tend to use peer review, self-assessment and automated grading. There are many variations of MOOCs, focused on specific sectors, target groups (e.g. vocational focus, teachers, etc.) or teaching methods. MOOCs funded under Erasmus+ have to be open to all and both the participation and a certificate or badge of completion are free of charge for participants. The open access requirement for educational resources applies also to MOOCs and other complete courses. A body in charge of managing the implementation of the Programme at national level in a Member State or in a third country associated to the Programme. One or more National Agencies may exist in each country. An authority in charge, at national level, of monitoring and supervising the management of the Programme in a Member State or in a third country associated to the Programme. One or more National Authorities may exist in each country. Learning which takes place outside formal education and training through planned activities in terms of learning objectives and learning time and where some form of learning support is present. Occupational profile The set of skills, competences, knowledge and qualifications that is usually OID relevant for a specific occupation. The Organisation ID (OID) uniquely identifies your organisation among all Open Access organisations participating in the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps actions managed by National Agencies. You can use your organisation’s Open Educational Resources OID when applying for an accreditation or grant under the Erasmus+ and (OER) European Solidarity Corps actions managed by National Agencies A general concept of publishing materials of a specific kind openly, i.e. designed to be accessible and usable by the broadest possible user group and the greatest number of use cases. Erasmus+ has an Open Access Requirement for educational resources and encourages Open Access of research results and data. Educational materials of any kind (e.g. textbooks, worksheets, lesson plans, instructional videos, entire online courses, educational games) which can be freely used, adapted and shared. OERs have either been released under an open licence or are in the public domain (i.e. copyright protection has expired). Cost-free materials that cannot be adapted and shared by the public are not OERs. 410

Open licence A way for copyright holders (creators or other rightsholders) to grant the general public the legal permission to freely use their work. Under the Participants in Erasmus+ Erasmus+ Open Access Requirement, any such open license must permit at project activities least use, adaptation and distribution. The open license should be Participating organisation indicated on the work itself or wherever the work is distributed. Partner organisation Educational materials with an open license are called Open Educational Resources (OERs). Partnership Erasmus+ participants are those individuals who are fully involved in a project and who may receive part of the European Union grant intended to cover their costs of participation (notably travel and subsistence). An organisation or informal group of young people involved in a Erasmus+ project, as either applicant or partner. a partner organisations is an organisation formally involved in the project (co-beneficiaries) but not taking the role of applicant. An agreement between a group of institutions or organisations to carry out joint activities and projects. Participant with fewer People with fewer opportunities means people who, for economic, social, opportunities cultural, geographical or health reasons, a migrant background, or for reasons such as disability and educational difficulties or for any other Peer Learning reasons, including those that can give rise to discrimination under article 21 of the Charter of Fundamental rights of the European Union, face Preparatory Visit obstacles that prevent them from having effective access to opportunities under the programme. Professional development A reciprocal learning activity, which is mutually beneficial and involves the sharing of knowledge, ideas and experience between the participants. Profit-making body active in Peer learning practices enable to interact with other participants, their Corporate Social peers, and participate in activities where they can learn from each other Responsibility and meet educational, professional and/or personal development goals. Project Visits to the country of the receiving organisation prior to the start of Qualification mobility activities to prepare and ensure high quality of those activities. Examples include tasks to facilitate administrative arrangements and build trust and understanding between organisations involved. Process of enhancing the professional capabilities of participants (learners and staff) by developing competences and expertise and acquiring new skills, which are normally identified in a development needs analysis. Professional development encompasses all types of learning opportunities, ranging from structured trainings and seminars to informal learning opportunities. A private company that a) carries out its business in compliance with ethical standards and/or b) on top of its business activities, carries out some actions that have social value. A coherent set of activities which are designed and organised in order to achieve defined objectives and results. A formal outcome of an assessment and validation process which is obtained when a competent body determines that an individual has achieved learning outcomes to given standards. 411

Receiving organisation Under some Actions of Erasmus+ (notably mobility Actions) the receiving School organisation is the participating organisation receiving one or more School pupil participants and organising one or more activities of an Erasmus+ project. Sending organisation An institution providing general, vocational or technical education, at any Small and medium-sized level from pre-school to upper secondary education, including early enterprises (SMEs ) childhood education and care. To verify eligibility under the field of ‘school education’, please consult the definition of eligible schools in each country Social enterprise on the website of the relevant National Agency. A person enrolled in a learning capacity at an institution providing general Staff education at any level from early childhood education and care to upper secondary education, or a person schooled outside an institutional setting considered by the competent authorities as eligible to participate in the Programme in their respective territories. Under some Actions of Erasmus+ (notably mobility Actions) the sending organisation is the participating organisation sending one or more participants to an activity of an Erasmus+ project. Enterprises (see definition above) which employ fewer than 250 people and which have an annual turnover not exceeding 50 million EUR, and/or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding 43 million EUR. An undertaking, irrespective of its legal form, which is not listed on a regulated market within the meaning of point (14) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2004/39/EC, and which: 1) in accordance with its articles of association, statutes or any other statutory document establishing the business, has as its primary objective the achievement of measurable, positive social impacts rather than generating profit for its owners, members and stakeholders, where the undertaking: a) provides innovative services or goods which generate a social return and/or b) employs an innovative method of production of goods or services and that method of production embodies its social objective; 2) reinvests its profits first and foremost to achieve its primary objective and has in place predefined procedures and rules for any circumstances in which profits are distributed to shareholders and owners, in order to ensure that any distribution of profits does not undermine the primary objective; 3) is managed in an entrepreneurial, accountable and transparent way, in particular by involving workers, customers and/or stakeholders affected by its business activities. A person who, on either a professional or a voluntary basis, is involved in education, training or non-formal learning at all levels. Includes professors, teachers (including pre-school teachers), trainers, school leaders, youth workers, sport staff, early childhood education and care staff, non- educational staff and other practitioners involved on a regular basis in promoting learning. 412

Statutory link This notion implies that the cooperation between the organisations concerned is based on a formalized/documented relation, which is neither limited to the project they apply for, nor established for the sole purpose of its implementation. This link can cover many forms, from a very integrated one (e.g. one “mother organization\" with its national branches/affiliated entities with or without proper legal entity) to a looser one (e.g. a network functioning through a clearly defined membership modality requiring for instance: the payment of a fee, the signature of a membership contract/agreement, the definition of rights and obligations from the two parties, etc.) Study visit A trip where the participant gets to know and study another organisation or institution, its practices and systems. It enables the participant to have a Third countries not learning experience based on direct contact and on observation of the associated to the host organisation’s methods and practices. Programme Countries which do not participate fully in the Erasmus+ Programme, but which may take part (as partners or applicants) in certain Actions of the Traineeship (work Programme. The list of third countries not associated to the Programme is placement) set out in Part A of this Guide, in the section \"Who can participate in the Erasmus+ Programme?\". Transnational Time spent in an enterprise or organisation in another country, with a view to acquiring specific competences that are needed by the labour market, Transversal (soft; life) skills gaining work experience and acquiring more understanding of the economic and social culture of that country. Union transparency and In the context of Erasmus+, relates, unless otherwise indicated, to any recognition tools activity involving at least two EU Member States and third countries associated to the Programme. Validation of non-formal and Include the ability to think critically, be curious and creative, to take informal learning initiative, to solve problems and work collaboratively, to be able to communicate efficiently in a multicultural and interdisciplinary Virtual cooperation environment, to be able to adapt to context and to cope with stress and Virtual learning uncertainty. These skills are part of the key competences. Instruments to help stakeholders understand, appreciate and, where appropriate, recognise learning outcomes and qualifications throughout the European Union. A process of confirmation by an authorised body that an individual has acquired learning outcomes measured against a relevant standard and consists of the following four distinct phases: 1.Identification through dialogue of particular experiences of an individual; 2.Documentation to make visible the individual's experiences; 3.A formal assessment of these experiences; and 4.Certification of the results of the assessment which may lead to a partial or full qualification Any form of cooperation using information and communication technology tools to facilitate and support any relevant Programme actions. Acquisition of knowledge, skills and competences through the use of information and communication technology tools that allow participants to have a meaningful transnational or international learning experience. 413

Work Package A component of the project work breakdown. It represents a group of Young people project activities targeting common specific objectives. In the context of the Erasmus+ Programme, individuals aged between 13 and 30. Higher Education A set of learning outcomes of an individual which have been assessed and Credit which can be accumulated towards a qualification or transferred to other Credit mobility learning programmes or qualifications. Degree mobility A limited period of study or traineeship abroad set within on-going studies Diploma Supplement at a home institution - for the purpose of gaining credits. After the mobility phase, students return to their home institution to complete their studies. A period of study abroad aimed at acquiring a full degree or certificate in the destination country/ies. An annex to the official qualification documentation, which is designed to provide more detailed information on the studies completed according to an agreed format, which is internationally recognized; a document accompanying a higher education diploma, providing a standardised description of the nature, level, context, content and status of the studies completed by its holder. It is produced by higher education institutions according to standards agreed by the European Commission, the Council of Europe and UNESCO. In the context of an international joint study programme, it is recommended to deliver a \"joint diploma supplement\" covering the entire programme and endorsed by all the degree awarding universities. Double degree/multiple (At least) two separate degree certificates awarded to a student upon degree successful completion of a joint programme. A double degree is a specific type of multiple degree. Each degree must be signed by the competent authority of the institution concerned, and recognised officially in the countries where the different awarding institutions are located. ECHE (Erasmus Charter for An accreditation granted by the European Commission giving the possibility Higher Education) to higher education institutions from EU Member States and third countries associated to the Programme to be eligible to apply and participate in learning mobility and cooperation activities under Erasmus+. The Charter outlines the fundamental principles an institution should adhere to in organising and implementing high quality mobility and cooperation. It states the requisites the institution agrees to comply with in order to ensure high quality services and procedures, as well as the provision of reliable and transparent information. 414

ECTS (European Credit A learner-centred system for credit accumulation and transfer, based on Transfer and Accumulation the transparency of learning, teaching and assessment processes. Its System) objective is to facilitate planning, delivery and evaluation of study programmes and learner mobility through the recognition of qualifications and periods of learning. A system that helps to design, describe and deliver study programmes and award higher education qualifications. The use of ECTS, in conjunction with outcomes-based qualifications frameworks, makes study programmes and qualifications more transparent and facilitates the recognition of qualifications. Higher education institution Means an institution which, in accordance with national law or practice, offers recognised degrees or other recognised tertiary level qualifications, regardless of what such an establishment is called, or a comparable institution at tertiary level which is considered by the national authorities as eligible to participate in the Programme in their respective territories. Joint degree Single degree certificate awarded to a student upon successful completion of a joint programme. The joint degree must be signed by the competent authorities of two or more of the participating institutions jointly and recognised officially in the countries where those participating institutions are located. Joint programmes Higher education (study or research) programmes jointly designed, delivered and fully recognised by two or more higher education institutions. Joint programmes can be implemented at any higher education cycle, i.e. bachelor, master or doctorate or even short cycle. Joint programmes can be national (i.e. when all universities involved are from the same country) or transnational/international (i.e. when at least two different countries are represented among the higher education institutions involved). One-cycle study Integrated/long programmes leading either to a first or a second-cycle programmes degree and which, in some countries, can still be better characterised by duration in years rather than credits. In most of these countries, the programmes outside the Bologna first-cycle model are in the fields of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, nursing and midwifery and in most cases involve 1-8 % of the student population. The typical length of integrated programmes leading to regulated professions is in general 300- 360 ECTS/five-six years depending on the regulated profession in question. Third cycle The third cycle level in the Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area agreed by the ministers responsible for higher education at their meeting in Bergen in May 2005 in the framework of the Bologna process. The descriptor of the third cycle of the QF EHEA corresponds to the learning outcomes for EQF level 8. 415

Vocational Education and Training268 Without prejudice to national terminology, apprenticeships are understood as formal vocational education and training schemes that: Apprenticeship a) combine learning in education or training institutions with (Apprentice) 269 substantial work-based learning in companies and other workplaces, b) lead to nationally recognised qualifications, c) are based on an agreement defining the rights and obligations of the apprentice, the employer and, where appropriate, the vocational education and training institution, and d) include payment or other compensation to the apprentice for the work-based component. EQAVET (European Quality A reference tool for policy-makers based on a four-stage quality cycle that includes goal setting and planning, implementation, evaluation and review. Assurance Reference It respects the autonomy of national governments and is a voluntary system to be used by public authorities and other bodies involved in Framework for Vocational quality assurance. Education and Training) VET skills competitions International sectoral events in which competitive demonstration of skills by VET learners is central for promotion, recognition and exchange of experience, know-how and technological innovations in VET. The events are a result of close cooperation between businesses, VET providers, chambers of commerce and other relevant stakeholders that aim at improving attractiveness and excellence in VET, creating global training standards and benchmarking systems, and influencing industry, government, and educators through cooperation and research. The purpose of skills competitions is to raise the profile and recognition of skilled people, and show how important skills are in achieving economic growth and personal success. They are designed to inspire young people to develop a passion for skills and pursuing excellence, through competitions and promotions. 268 For other VET terminology please use the official Cedefop publication: https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/files/4117_en.pdf 269 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32018H0502%2801%29 416

Vocational education and Vocational education and training is to be understood as the education training (VET) and training which aims to equip young people and adults with knowledge, skills and competences required in particular occupations or more broadly on the labour market. It may be provided in formal and in non-formal settings, at all levels of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), including tertiary level, if applicable. For the purpose of Erasmus+, projects focusing on initial or continuing vocational education and training are eligible under VET actions. Vocational education and A person enrolled in an initial or continuous vocational education and training programme or a person who has recently graduated or obtained a qualification training (VET) learner from such a programme. Work-based learning Acquisition of knowledge and skills through carrying out – and reflecting on – tasks in a vocational context, either at the workplace (such as alternance training) or in a vocational education and training institution. Adult education All forms of non-vocational adult education, whether of a formal, non- Adult education formal or informal nature (for continuous vocational training see \"VET\"). Adult learner Any adult who, having completed or being no longer involved in initial education or training, returns to some forms of non-vocational continuing learning (formal, non-formal or informal). For the purpose of the Erasmus+ projects, educational staff (teachers, trainers, educators, academic and youth staff, etc.) in any of the Erasmus+ sector cannot be considered as adult learners in Adult Education. Staff members formally linked to their working educational organization (school, vocational education and training, school education, higher education and adult education organization, etc.) may participate in activities for staff in a relevant sector of the Erasmus+ programme. Youth A resource Person - not member of the group – who supports young Coach people in in the preparation, implementation and evaluation of their project. Community building Creation or enhancement of a community among individuals who share a common need or interest or who lived a joint experience which created common ground. The community created through the community building process is a lively group of members who exchange practices and ideas for further development to the benefit of the community itself. 417

Dialogue mechanisms Dialogue with young people and youth organisations and decision makers which serves as a forum for continuous joint reflection on the priorities, implementation and follow-up of European cooperation in the youth field. Digital Youth Work Proactively using or addressing digital media and technology in youth work. Group Leader Digital media and technology can be either a tool, an activity or a content in youth work. Digital youth work is not a youth work method, it can be included in any youth work setting and it has the same goals as youth work in general. In youth mobility projects, a group leader is an adult of at least 18 years old who joins the young people participating in a Youth Exchange or DiscoverEU Inclusion Action in order to ensure their effective learning (Youthpass), protection and safety. Informal group of young Group of at least four young people which does not have legal personality people under the applicable national law, provided that their representatives have the capacity to undertake legal obligations on their behalf. These groups of young people can be applicants and partners in some Actions of Erasmus+. For the purpose of simplification, they are assimilated to legal persons (organisations, institutions, etc.) in this Guide and fit within the notion of Erasmus+ participating organisations for the Key Action 1 actions in which they can take part. The group must be composed of at least four young persons and their age should be according with the overall age of the young people in the programme (13-30). In exceptional cases and if all young people are minors, the group could be represented by an adult. This would allow a group of young people (where all are minors) with a help of a youth worker/coach to submit an application. Itinerant activity An activity taking place in more than one country. Itinerant activities imply the movement of all participants at the same time. Smart Youth Work The innovative development of youth work encompassing digital youth Youth activity work practice, and including a research, quality and policy component. Youth worker An out-of-school activity (such as youth exchange, volunteering or youth training) carried out by a young person, either individually or in a group, in particular through youth organisations, and characterised by a non-formal learning approach. A professional or a volunteer involved in non-formal learning who supports young people in their personal socio-educational, and professional development. 418

Youthpass The European tool to improve the recognition of the learning outcomes of young people and youth workers from their participation in projects supported by the Erasmus+ Programme. Youthpass consists of: a) certificates that can be obtained by participants in several Actions of the Programme; and b) a defined process which supports young people, youth workers and youth organisations to reflect about the learning outcomes from an Erasmus+ project in the field of youth and non-formal learning. Youthpass is also part of a broader European Commission strategy which aims to enhance the recognition of non-formal and informal learning and of youth work in Europe and beyond. 419