Volunteering abroad, learning about new cultures, contributing to something concrete. For many young people it is an idea that remains pending: beautiful, but difficult to realize. The reason is often the same: costs, organization, lack of clear information. Yet, there is an official European Union program that makes all this possible.
It’s called the European Solidarity Corps and it allows girls and boys to participate in volunteering and solidarity projects, in Europe and also in other countries, with the necessary support to really leave.
What is the European Solidarity Corps
The European Solidarity Corps is a European Union initiative that allows girls and boys between the ages of 18 and 30 (up to 35 for some specific actions, such as humanitarian aid) to participate in volunteering and solidarity projects in Europe and around the world, working together with other young people on activities that have a real impact: from environmental protection to social inclusion, from support to communities in difficulty to education.
The underlying idea? Simple: put your young energy at the service of the common good, while offering you an experience of personal, cultural and professional growth.
The program works by providing grants to participating organizations through calls for proposals. In order to participate, you must register on the European Solidarity Corps portal. But let’s see in detail.
Where can you volunteer? “European” does not just mean Europe
The name can be confusing. Although many projects take place in European Union or associated countries, the program also includes opportunities in partner countries outside the EU, particularly in the field of volunteering and humanitarian aid actions.
An interactive map with active opportunities in the different countries is available on the official portal: a useful tool for orientation and understanding where it is possible to start. This means being able to choose between very different contexts, even far from your own, and have significant intercultural experiences.
The program distinguishes between different types of commitment that influence the destination:
To consult the complete and updated list of territories in which it is possible to provide service, you can refer to the “Countries concerned” section on the official portal.
Volunteering abroad: what the program really covers
One of the reasons why the European Solidarity Corps is very accessible is that there are no costs for volunteers to participate. The program covers several essential expenses, including:
In many cases volunteers live in apartments shared with other participants or local students, an aspect that favors cultural exchange and integration into the host context.
One example among many: working with communities in Peru
Among the many opportunities available, there are also projects in non-European contexts. In Peru, for example, the organization TECHO Perú works with communities in vulnerable conditions, developing housing and social projects.
The arrival of international volunteers contributes concretely to the work in the area:
Their participation expands the capacity of the local team, accompanying community processes such as diagnosis, workshops and field activities. Furthermore, they promote a cultural exchange that opens new perspectives and strengthens the sense of belonging to a broader world,” says Karina Sánchez Azabache, director of TECHO Perú.
This is one of the central elements of the program: not just helping, but building relationships and mutual understanding.
Volunteering with the European Solidarity Corps does not mean “gaining experience” in a superficial way. It’s a real commitment. Lourdes Martínez Navarro, volunteer with Médicos del Mundo, tells it:
My role combines management, teamwork and field presence, always striving for volunteering to have a real impact. Being part of such a close-knit and cohesive team makes daily work very stimulating and encourages me to continue participating and giving my contribution to the organisation”.
It is an experience that requires adaptation, responsibility and daily involvement.
How to register on the portal to participate?
Here are the main steps you should follow to proceed:
Finally, keep in mind that the portal is the fundamental tool not only for registering, but also for managing your profile and finding all the necessary information on how to actively participate in solidarity initiatives.
Why do it?
Because, in addition to the social impact, the European Solidarity Corps is a good opportunity to develop transversal skills, learn new languages and live an international experience in contact with different cultures.
For you too, it could be not just a journey, but an experience that changes perspective and will allow you to better understand which direction to take in your personal and professional future!
Green EU&ME | Project co-financed by the European Union
The opinions expressed, however, belong to the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the European Union or of the Representation in Italy of the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the providing administration can be held responsible.
