European Voluntary Service: what is it really?

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. At the end of your EVS period, you will receive a certificate confirming your participation and describing your project – the Youthpass.

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.

How can you apply?

If you are between 17 and 30 you have two options:

1. Contact an organisation  that is recruiting volunteers for a granted project OR

2. Contact an organisation to discuss starting a project

To contact an organisation, consult the database of accredited organisations.

You can check the list of eligible countries in the Programme Guide.

Sources: europa.eu