European Voluntary Service
Would you like to volunteer in a fully-funded volunteer programme in Europe for up to 12 months? Erasmus symbol
The European Voluntary Service Programme (EVS) is an EU funded programme for 18-30 year olds. The programme funds travel, accommodation, food and pocket money as well as preparation, on-arrival training and personal support during the project. Volunteering opportunities are available from 2 to 12 months (shorter periods and extra financial support are available for those with extra support needs e.g. those who have a disability and unemployed people).
You can search the EVS project database and contact the hosting organsiation abroad yourself, if you need support with this VSI can help.
If you would like to discuss the programme, have any questions or would like to join our long-term mailing list please contact Helen: helen@vsi.ie
The programme works by helping volunteers to make contact with accredited hosting organisations. Organisations select the volunteers that they would like to host on the basis of the interest that the volunteer brings to the project. You are not expected to have qualifications in any particular area and you cannot be excluded because you don't have such a qualification. In the end, however, the organisation will select the volunteer(s) it will work with so it is important to select project that you are genuinely interested in. You should also take care to make it clear to potential hosts that you are very interested in their work and would like to contribute to the organisation.
View the Database of EVS Projects
The EU publishes a database with information on all the organisations that are accredited for EVS. Each organisation is presented through a short description, its motivation and EVS experience, the themes of work and contact details. It also informs if the organisation offers possibilities for young people with fewer oppportunities. Important: Please be aware that the database is very large and often projects registered on it may not be currently seeking volunteers.
VSI is a recognised sending organisation under the EVS scheme. There are quarterly deadlines for funding applications and the process usually takes several months as it requires the volunteer, the hosting and the sending organisation to jointly submit an application for funding.
Interested?
View detailed information on what is EVS and how to apply (Word document).
Antonia Karpova, VSI EVS Volunteer with a childrens projects in Barcelona.
Terms and Conditions
- Travel costs, food and accommodation, pocket money, insurance provided by the EU.
- We ask volunteers to become a member of VSI.
Preparation
Our staff will meet with each volunteer, and together with the volunteer they will organise an appropriate preparation and orientation programme for all aspects of their volunteer project. This includes:
- meeting with former long term volunteers
- visits to similar projects in their locality
- learning the local language of the project
- practical issues - insurance, finances, visas, health etc
In addition, EVS Volunteers join in pre-departure and on-arrival training in the country they are going to.
How to Apply for EVS Projects
To apply for EVS, contact the VSI office.
Volunteer stories from the Long Term Volunteer & European Voluntary Service Programmes
- "We are what we do" - EVS in Spain Poverty and social injustice, Community life
- A Word From Sarah - ESC in France Read about some of the amazing actions and initiatives Sarah has taken during her ESC project
- Accessibilty and working at Grenzenlos NGO in Austria volunteering opportunities for people with disabilities
- An amazing time volunteering in Tirana
- An Interview with VSI's ESC Volunteer, Senka Read the conversation between Maria and Senka about her experience working with VSI
- Animal rescue centre in Belgium Environment protection
- Campaign for Universal Nuclear Disarmament in Belgium Peace and disarmament
- Education and Employment Options in the European Union for Young People - Amy Collins Watch Amy discuss her volunteering experience and more!
- Education and Employment Options in the European Union for Young People - Maria Conte Watch Maria discuss her volunteering experience as an in-country ESC volunteer with VSI and more!
- ESC in a centre for the recovery and research of wild animals Volunteering on a long term EU funded project in Olhão, Portugal
- EVS in Ireland 2014 Volunteers, volunteers, volunteers
- Exchanging experiences from Honduras and Ireland, 2018
- Festivals, PR and Theatre in Austria Art, culture and local history
- Helping to achieve Sustainable Development Goal: 5 through an ESC project Read all about Sarah's project and how she helps achieve gender equality through volunteering
- Kids 4 Peace in Jerusalem Global youth work
- La ‘Ferme des Enfants’, France Climate and sustainable lifestyle, Children and youth
- Learning Centre for Roma Minorities in Kosovo Refugees, immigrants and ethnic minorities, Children and youth
- Municipal youth service in Brovst, Denmark Children and youth
- My EVS in the Netherlands
- My EVS project in Albania: first impressions
- My EVS project in Belarus
- My EVS project in Finland
- My EVS project with PVN Albania
- My EVS project with Tools for Solidarity (Northern Ireland)
- Notes of a short-term EVS in Albania
- Organising Events in Slovenia Art, culture and local history, Children and youth
- Projects of Inspiration - Sarah Browne Watch Sarah discuss some of her personal projects and initiatives that she's started while volunteering in France!
- Reflections on Human Connection in a Disconnected World Read Maria's personal reflections on connecting with others during Covid times and managing stress
- Sarah's ESC experience in France
- Short-term EVS in Albania, 2018 Personal reflections
- Street Children in Perm, Russia Children and youth, Poverty and social injustice
- Teaching and Youth Work in Slovenia Working in a Youth Centre and Teaching English in Slovenia
- Teaching English in Bosnia and Herzegovina Working with vulnerable children - EVS in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Teaching in Germany Children and youth
- Volunteering experience at PVN Albania Volunteering on a long term EU funded project in Tirana
- Volunteering in the Time of Corona - Marisa's ESC Experience in Portugal
- Volunteering with Alter Ego Youth Centre What does it mean to be an EVS volunteer?
- Volunteering with the Roma National Council Nancy-Jane Carragher on the EVS project in Croatia
- VSI Step Up EVS project
- Watch Sarah discuss her ESC project in France! Discover what Sarah does while volunteering at a Youth Information Point
- What does it mean to host EVS/ESC volunteers? From the perspective of a hosting organisation
- What's it like finishing your ESC project online? Read Marie-Clare's personal experience of finishing her ESC online due to COVID-19
- When a VSI volunteer speaks on the Ryan Tubridy Show on RTÉ Radio 1 Listen to Amy's journey from leaving school early to starting university after volunteering abroad
- Winter Season In Tbilisi EVS in Georgia
- Working for Human rights in Moldova Antiracism, antifascism, remembrance, Poverty and social injustice
- Working in a Youth Centre and Teaching English in Slovenia
- Working in an all-female office Working in the VSI office has offered the unique but wonderful experience of being a part of an all-female (superhero) team.
- Working with children and young people in ARTICO centre - EVS in Moldova
- Working with young people in conflict with the law in Belarus