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Action 1 - Youth for Europe
Action 2 - European Voluntary Service
Action 3.1 - Co-operation with EU Neighbours
Action 4.3 - Training and Networking Activities
Action 5.1 - Meetings of youth and policy-makers
More Youth in Action opportunities
Action 2 - European Voluntary Service
EVS for organisations
Action 2 - European Voluntary Service
EVS for young people

European Voluntary Service (EVS) is a fantastic opportunity for young people aged 18 (by the start date of the project activity) to 30 legally resident in the UK to carry out a period of full-time voluntary service abroad from two to 12 months.

Volunteering through EVS provides young people with an intercultural learning experience, encouraging social integration and increasing employability.

Local communities are strengthened by the experience of European partnership - exchanging cultural knowledge and good practice, increasing awareness and understanding of international youth work.

EVS is not:

  • A paid job, it must not replace paid jobs
  • A recreation or tourist activity
  • An internship in an enterprise
  • A period of study or vocational training abroad
EVS for young people
how does evs work?
EVS is based on a partnership between a host project, the volunteer and a sending organisation.
Volunteers carry out their volunteering placement in a host project outside the UK. Volunteers choose from accredited EVS projects that interest them. Host projects select volunteers for the vacancies they have.
Applications for funding are made on the volunteer's behalf by either the host or sending organisation.
What are the benefits?
Gain confidence and independence
Experience a different culture
Learn new skills and develop competencies
Contribute to the local host community
Enhance employability (Youthpass certificate on completion)
How much it will cost?
It is free. There is no cost to the volunteer at any stage. Travel, accommodation, food and insurance are all covered by an European grant. You will even receive a small personal allowance each month.
Are there any qualifiactions needed?
No. There are no qualification requirements. Basic language knowledge will help, but is not necessary.
What is EVS for young people with fewer opportunities specificity?

EVS is inclusive for all young people. Those volunteers with fewer opportunities who do not feel able to complete a longer term placement can take part in EVS for a short-term project from two weeks to two months.
Extra support is available, if you feel that this would be needed for you to carry your project.

For definitions of fewer opportunities download the European Commission's descriptors from their inclusion strategy.

Volunteers who complete a short-term EVS project are eligible to apply again for a longer placement. The total duration of both projects cannot exceed 12 months.
How to get started and become an EVS volunteer?

Step 1: Finding a sending organisation
You will need to register with an accredited EVS sending organisation within the UK. They will help prepare you for your EVS experience and will support you while you are abroad.
You should contact a sending organisation near you.
Please note that from the time of registering with a sending organisation it will take a minimum of three months before you can start your EVS placement.

Step 2: Choosing a host project
What would I like to do? Where would I like to go?
There is a huge range of EVS placements across Europe and beyond. Project themes include: Youth, sport, culture, social care, environment and more. Think about what interests and motivates you before you contact host organisations. It will help you, if you are as open-minded as possible.

Register free at YouthNetworks for up to date information on current vacancies
Search for projects by country or theme by visiting the European Commission database of EVS accredited organisations. However, do note that some projects may not have EVS placements available.
Read the experiences of current EVS volunteers on myEVS
EVS volunteers under 26 can register for a Euro <26 discount card

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