We are really glad that you have visited this website – that means that you are already interested in European Solidarty Corps Volunteering which we strongly recommend for each young person! 🙂
What is volunteering within the European Solidarity Corps?
ESC volunteering is an opportunity for social involvement – to make a positive impact on the world and society we are a part of. It is a chance to get to know Europe and the richness of its diversity, meet people from different countries, learn about their customs and mentality, and sometimes a completely different culture. It is an opportunity to confront your own opinions and stereotypes with the reality of living and working abroad. It is also an possibility for personal development and gaining professional experience. It is an opportunity to discover yourself and open up to new experiences. Finally, it is also a travel option.
From an ESC volunteering project you can bring back unique memories and lasting friendships while leaving a positive mark on another part of Europe.
As a volunteer for several months you daily support a specific organization by carrying out predetermined tasks, with the support of a tutor and covered costs of food, accommodation, transport, etc.
To obtain full knowledge about the European Solidarity Corps program, please visit the website of the European Commission.
What is volunteering is definitely not?
Paid work, internship, tourist trip, language course, occasional help, summer training.
Who can become a volunteer?
The only formal rule is age limit and your country has to be indicated as a Programme or Partner Country. You must be 18 and not over 30 years old. The remaining conditions is mostly based on the motivation of the candidates. The motivation to go to another country for a longer period and to devote to voluntary work for the hosting organization and local community.
What can I do while volunteering?
There are many areas of activity to choose from, because they depend on the profile of the organizations that engage in ESC volunteering – and there are many of them 🙂 Among the volunteering offers, you will certainly find those related to activating the local community, cultural animations, ecology, working with seniors, refugees, children and youth, etc.
It is important to choose the organization’s profile well according to your interests, expectations and possibilities.
Where can I go for volunteering and how long is it?
You can volunteer in 54 countries – in all countries of the European Union, in Iceland, North Macedonia, Liechtenstein, Turkey, Norway, as well as the countries of the Western Balkans, the Eastern Partnership, the Southern Mediterranean and the Russian Federation.
Individual volunteering projects last from 2 to 12 months. Group short-term volunteering projects last from 2 weeks to 2 months.
What is provided?
The voluntary service in the European Solidarity Corps does not require volunteers to contribute any money. The only small cost, that they might be asked to cover is a part of the travel costs if they exceed the limit of granted amount.
All other expenses, eg. accomodation, pocket money, money for food, language course, visa or any special needs costs are covered. The amount of the pocket money is determined by the European Commission for each country.
If you are interested in volunteering with us, please check the information about current calls on the main page