Deadline:
As soon as possible
Location(s)
Belgium France Germany Ghana Morocco Poland Slovenia Spain Thailand United Kingdom United States of America Vanuatu Zimbabwe Worldwide
Various locations
Overview
Are you between 17 and 30 and willing to spend from 2 weeks to 12 months abroad as an EVS volunteer?
Details
An EVS project is a partnership between two or more promoting organisations. These organisations are responsible for recruiting volunteers for their project.
Volunteers participate in EVS through a Sending Organisation in the country where they live and a Receiving Organisation that receives and hosts them during their period of service.
Projects last from 2 weeks to 12 months, and as a volunteer you can work in a wide range of fields, such as culture, youth, sports, children, cultural heritage, arts, animal welfare, environment and development cooperation.
Over the last 20 years, close to 100,000 young people have taken part in international volunteering through the European Voluntary Service (EVS).
Through EVS young people get the opportunity to volunteer abroad, contributing with their efforts to a cause they believe in – be it solidarity with refugees and migrants, work on environmental issues, activities for children or the elderly, support for non-governmental organisations, work for cultural events or a number of other topics.
Why EVS?
Going on an EVS project to another country is not a decision you should make lightly. If you take some time to reflect, plan ahead and stay motivated, the likelihood of disappointment during a project is much lower!
Before committing to the European Voluntary Service (EVS), there are a few questions you should ask yourself:
- What is my personal motivation? This will support your inner drive while completing your project.
- Which area do I want to commit to? We all have personal interests, so be realistic and honest with yourself.
- How long am I ready to commit myself for? (This includes finding the project, preparation, administration, training, the service itself and follow-up)
- How much time do I have?
Don’t focus on a specific country, but rather on a region. Look at the projects from the perspective of what you want to learn. Remember: EVS is not a job or an internship, nor a work placement, humanitarian mission, language course or holiday!
What others say
“It was a challenge to move on to a foreign green and rainy country where I didn't know anything, not even the language. I am happy to realise that I made it. I even learned more than I was expecting. I was very free in my projects so I worked in different topics: being with the service users, organising activities and events, working with other volunteers, doing statistics, helping to update the website of the organisation, etc.”
Agathe Friquet from France, was 22 when she participated in an EVS project from July 2010 to June 2011. She worked in the Backlane Hostel, one of the Depaul Trust’s shelters for homeless people in Dublin (Ireland).
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Anyone between 17 and 30 years old can join.
Dates
Deadline: As soon as possible
Cost/funding for participants
You will receive free accommodation, food, insurance and pocket money. The only thing you might have to pay is a small part of your travel costs.
At the end of your EVS period, you will receive a certificate confirming your participation and describing your project – the Youthpass.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
