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👋 Hello, if you are here because of my presentation about volunteering find all the information connected with it below. I would appreciate it a lot if you give me some feedback on the presentation.
The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is an EU programme for people aged 18–30 who want to volunteer abroad. I went through the programme myself, with a volunteering project in Sweden.
What is the European Solidarity Corps (ESC)?
The European Solidarity Corps is an EU funding program for young people aged 18-30. Projects range from assisting disadvantaged people and humanitarian aid to health and environmental work. The official ESC factsheet has the details.
Who Can Volunteer with ESC?
European citizens aged 18-30 can join. You don’t need previous experience. ESC can also be possible for people from non-EU countries, but the process is more complicated.
Advantages of Volunteering with ESC
What the programme covers:
- 🕐 Project duration: Projects run 2 to 12 months.
- 🏡 Accommodation and food: Both are provided, either directly or as money.
- 👨⚕️ Insurance: The ESC covers insurance for the whole period.
- 🗣️ Language courses: Free, online or in person.
- 🏖️ Holiday: Two days per month.
- 💸 Travel costs: Reimbursed to and from the project country, up to a limit.
- 💰 Pocket money: Depends on the host country.
- 🛑 Exit: You can quit your project at any time.
My own experience is in a separate write-up: My time in Sweden.
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:
- European Solidarity Corps | Projects
- European Solidarity Corps | Austria
- 4yougend - ESC Information | Austria
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.
📨 For much more detailed information you can contact me or (for austrians) directly mail to susanne.rosmann@4yougend.at to contact the office responsible for coordination in Upper Austria. Moreover, Susanne Rosmann is the person to talk to if you want to apply for an ESC.
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.
