Mental health services in many European countries are undergoing to changes: it is important that early career psychiatrists (ECPs) have opportunities to broaden their professional horizons and better understand the international context of the upcoming changes: then, they can become aware protagonists of these changes and the future of the mental health system in their countries and in Europe. The gaining experience programme (GEP), offering ECPs observership placements in various psychiatric institutions across the Europe, can boost it.

We aim to consider how the EPA GEP can provide a unique professional and cultural understanding of the mental health services across the Europe and positively affect the ECPs’ career.

Starting from an experience of the GEP in 2016, we will discuss how it represents a great chance to observe the clinical work of multidisciplinary teams and an opportunity to visit different countries. Many aspects were significant, starting from the different organization of the mental health services, as well as the influence of different cultures on the mental health care system and the patient's expectations.

Attending EPA GEP is an important chance for ECPs to improve their professional and organizational skills as well as a great skill-building opportunity and personal growth experience. The GEP is at his third edition this year and it has having a growing success among young psychiatrists. It gives them a chance to improve mentoring and professional networks among experts and ECPs and to get more involved in the EPA activities.