Volunteering with the European Solidarity Corps

Volunteering opportunities - European Solidarity Corps

Introduction

Volunteering is an incredible opportunity to make a positive impact on society while gaining valuable experiences abroad. In this post, we explore how you can do your volunteering with the European Solidarity Corps (ESC), an EU program that offers various volunteering opportunities for young people.

What is the European Solidarity Corps (ESC)?

The European Solidarity Corps is an EU funding program that enables young people aged 18-30 to engage in solidarity activities across a wide range of areas. From assisting the disadvantaged to providing humanitarian aid and participating in health and environmental projects, the ESC offers diverse opportunities for personal growth and societal impact. You can find more detailed information about the ESC here.

Who Can Volunteer with ESC?

The ESC welcomes European citizens aged 18-30 who are passionate about making a difference. Regardless of your background or previous experience, the ESC provides a platform for you to engage in meaningful and impactful activities. ESC can also be possible for people from non-EU countries, but the process is a bit more complicated.

Advantages of Volunteering with ESC

When you volunteer with the ESC, you can enjoy numerous advantages that make the experience quite smooth and rewarding:

🕐 Flexible Project Duration: Choose projects that range from 2 to 12 months, allowing you to find a commitment that suits your availability and goals.
🏡 Accommodation and Food: Throughout your volunteering period, the ESC ensures that your accommodation and food are provided. It can be in the form of direct provisions or monetary support.
👨‍⚕️ Comprehensive Insurance: The ESC offers insurance coverage during your volunteering period, providing you with peace of mind.
🗣️ Language Courses: Take advantage of free language courses, either through online platforms or in-person classes, to enhance your language skills.
🏖️ Holiday Time: Enjoy two days of holiday per month, giving you the opportunity to explore your project country or take a well-deserved break.
💸 Travel Cost Reimbursement: The ESC reimburses your travel costs to and from your project country, up to a certain amount.
💰 Pocket Money: Depending on the host country, you will receive pocket money to cover your personal expenses.
🛑 Flexibility: If the need arises, you have the option to step back and quit your volunteering project at any time.

To learn more about why volunteering with the ESC is an awesome idea and to read about my personal experience in Sweden, click here.

How to Apply for ESC?

At first register in the European Solidarity Corps portal, you’ll get access to a personal dashboard, where you’ll find opportunities to volunteer, work, train and more.

If you’ve tagged yourself as available, you might be contacted by organisations that want to match you with their projects.

You can also directly contact your National Agency to find out about volunteering opportunities in your country or abroad.

More Details and Resources

For additional information and resources, check out the following links:

Other Volunteering Opportunities

If you’re interested in exploring more volunteering opportunities beyond the ESC, consider the following platforms:

Workaway connects volunteers with hosts around the world, offering opportunities to work on various projects in exchange for accommodation and meals.
WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) provides opportunities for volunteers to work on organic farms in different countries, promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
Praktikawelten offers a wide range of volunteering and internship programs abroad, providing opportunities to explore different cultures while contributing to meaningful projects.
HelpX connects volunteers with hosts who require assistance with a variety of tasks, including farming, gardening, and household chores, in exchange for accommodation and meals.
AuPairWorld matches au pairs with host families around the world, offering cultural exchange experiences and opportunities to support families in childcare responsibilities.

I can not guarantee the accuracy of the information since it is based on personal experience. Changes in policies or regulations may not be considered here.