European Solidarity Corps (ESC)

Donegal Youth Service are a hosting and sending ESC (Formerly EVS) organisation.  Please contact us for more information.

Want to volunteer with us?

Amazing opportunity for all people aged 18-30 from EU countries. Email us evs@donegalyouthservice.ie for more info!

Overview

The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) helps young people travel abroad to participate in volunteering projects.

As an ESC volunteer, you commit yourself to the work of an organisation abroad. Volunteering projects can involve many different kinds of activities in areas such as youth work, cultural activities, social care or environmental protection. You volunteer on an unpaid (but you do get a small amount of spending money) and full-time basis.

What you have achieved and learned through volunteering is certified Europe-wide via the Youthpass recognition tool.

Volunteers already involved in ESC should read an Info Kit explaining what to expect and with information on the Youthpass and the insurance cover provided.

Access to Erasmus+ Online Linguistic Support will help you learn the language that you volunteer in.

Duration

Volunteering activities last a minimum of 2 weeks and a maximum of 12 months.

Conditions

You must be between the age of 18 and 30 to volunteer.

Financial support

All essential costs related to your volunteering project are covered. You will be provided with accommodation, board and any local transport that you may need. You may also receive a small amount of ‘pocket money’.

All volunteers are covered by insurance during their time abroad.

How to apply

You can apply to volunteer with the ESC directly through the organisation responsible for sending you abroad or receiving you in the host country and for arranging all practicalities.

The European Youth Portal, the EU’s website for young people, hosts a database of volunteering opportunities containing:

  • Details of different projects
  • Descriptions of what kind of volunteers are needed
  • Contact details and application procedures

Application procedures vary between ESC projects, so always check the “How To Apply” section of projects that interest you.

ESC opportunities are available in both Erasmus+ Programme countries and Neighbouring Partner countries – meaning that you can volunteer outside of Europe too.

Source: https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/opportunities-for-individuals/young-people/european-voluntary-service_en

If you would like to take part in an ESC, or have any questions please contact the Letterkenny Youth Information Centre 16-18 Port Rd, or call 074 91 29630 for help and support.