Bureau International Jeunesse (BIJ) - "Tremplin Job" Internship Grants

What the "Tremplin Job" grant gives you

You will receive a lump-sum grant of 250 EUR per week for an internship abroad with a company, organisation or association. The placement will last 3 to 12 weeks and will comprise 20 to 38 hours per week. Your international travel expenses will also be reimbursed at the cheapest available fare for each mode of transport, up to a maximum of 1,000 EUR. The grant is provided by the Bureau International Jeunesse (BIJ), an organisation for youth mobility run by the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles in Belgium. The BIJ team also offers a meeting to discuss your project idea and will support you throughout the entire process.

Who can apply

• Age: You are between 18 and 35 years old.
• Where you live: You speak French and have been living in Wallonia or Brussels for at least 2 years. Non-Belgians may also apply, but must provide evidence that they have had their main residence there for 2 years.
• Your status: You are a jobseeker or an employee, not a student.
• Language: You have at least a basic knowledge of the language spoken in the country you are travelling to.
• Where you go: Every country in the world, with the exception of Quebec, which has its own programme. Neighbouring countries take priority.
• How often: A Tremplin scholarship can be awarded once a year and a maximum of twice in total. Priority is given to those who have no previous international experience and have not previously received a BIJ scholarship.
• What the placement cannot be: This is not a compulsory work placement as part of a school or university course, nor is it a humanitarian or development project, nor is it a post as a French teacher, nor is it a work placement that is already funded by Actiris or Forem.

How to apply

First, find a host organisation abroad, then create an account and submit your application documents online via the e-BIJ platform. You can submit your application documents on the 1 of each month. Your project can start no earlier than 6 weeks after submission, and you will receive the committee’s decision by the end of the month in which you applied.

How realistic are your chances?

The eligibility criteria are quite strict: you must be between 18 and 35 years old, speak French, have been living in Wallonia or Brussels for two years, and not be a student. This keeps the pool of applicants small. If you meet these criteria, secure a reliable host organisation and apply, your chances are good. They improve even further if this is your first experience abroad and you choose a neighbouring country – both of which are favoured by the BIJ.