Where can EVS projects take place? What is the age limit to participate in EVS?

The EVS is open to young people between 18 and 30 years. This means that volunteers have to be between 18 and 25 years old at the beginning of their voluntary activity. Flexibility can be applied to the lower age limit - young people with fewer opportunities may participate as from the age of 16.

Where can EVS projects take place?

The European Voluntary Service concerns almost all countries of the world. But there are some rules and conventions as to who can go where. For more information, consult the Programme Guide.

How to do I find my Sending Organisation and my Host Organisation?

EVS Sending and Hosting Organisations are non-governmental organisations/associations, local/regional authorities or other bodies active for example in areas of social, cultural, environmental, community or youth work. Their contact details are available in the European database on EVS accredited organisations.

For more information, you may contact your National Agency if you live in a Programme country, or the regional SALTO Resource Centres for Eastern Europe and Caucasus, the Euro-Mediterranean region, and South East Europe.

Do I need an insurance coverage?

Specific plan designed to protect participants in EVS is provided free of charge to the volunteer. It is the responsibility of the Sending or the Coordinating Organisation to enrol the volunteer.

Do I need to know the language of my host country?

The selection of volunteers should not be made according to language skills, unless a basic knowledge is needed for a specific task. Linguistic support is provided during the EVS project in order to ensure the volunteers' integration.

Are the language courses compulsory?

The Host Organisation is responsible for the linguistic support of EVS volunteers. It is an integral part of any EVS project. Linguistic support should be appropriate to the volunteer's needs and level, but the type of linguistic support may vary from formal language classes to more informal learning methods.

Do I need to have specific skills to take part in a EVS project?

The selection of volunteers should not be made according to the skills of the volunteers. EVS should be open to everybody. Nevertheless, in justified cases a certain sensitivity or ability are sometimes mentioned as being a plus for specific tasks.

Will I get any training during my EVS project?

The Coordinating, Sending and Host organisations ensure the participation of their volunteers in a compulsory series of training events organised for each EVS project: pre-departure training, on-arrival training, mid-term meeting and, an evaluation session. Each type of training has several subjects useful or necessary to deal with before and during the service period: basics of social engagement and voluntary work, information concerning the Youth in Action programme and the values of the European Voluntary Service, intercultural learning, conflict resolution, group dynamics, etc.

Can I withdraw from a project if anything goes wrong?

Quite a few things can of course go wrong during a voluntary service. Misunderstandings or lack of communication can make a service period difficult. Communication is however the key to solve a really difficult situation sometimes. Withdrawing from a project is the last option, if nothing else works. Then bear in mind that such a decision involves and should be discussed with your Sending, Host and Coordinating Organisations and the National or Executive Agency.

When can I be sure that I will go?

There are several partners needed for the realisation of an EVS project. It is based on an agreement between volunteer, Sending, Host and Coordinating Organisations. One Coordinating Organisation needs to present grant applications, and, if approved, receives the financial support from the Youth in Action Programme. Only then you can be sure that the project can take place. For this reason, good communication between you, your Coordinating, Sending and Host Organisations are essential.

Can my Sending, Host or Coordinating Organisations ask me for financial contribution for my participation in an EVS-project?

No. Participation to EVS is free of charge for the Volunteer. Fees or financial contribution by the volunteer cannot be a condition to take part in an EVS project. This includes any kind of deposits to get back after a completed project. Also bills for electricity, gas and water, as well as any taxes are the responsibility of the Host Organisation.

Will I get some document or certificate after my project?

All volunteers who have completed their EVS project are entitled to receive a Youthpass.Through the Youthpass the European Commission ensures that the voluntary activity is recognised as an educational experience and a period of non-formal learning. The achievement report is filled in jointly by the volunteer and the Host or Coordinating Organisation and handed over to the volunteer directly at the end of the Service.

Ready to go? Found a project? It's only a start!

After the initial euphoria has subsided, prepare yourself for the puzzle work to do for getting ready to leave. Contact former volunteers in your Sending Organisation to find out about their experiences. Figure out the administrative requirements both in your country of origin and in your hosting country (visa, residence permit, health insurance, etc.). Get in touch with ex-volunteers associations. They can help you to get a better idea of the development of a project, what to expect or not, and so to better prepare yourself.

Participate in the necessary pre-departure training (generally organised by the National Agency). It is a good opportunity to meet other volunteers ready to start their service.

Gather as much information as you can about the country you are going to. Initiate personal contacts in your Host Organisation.
Keep on asking questions...

Off you go but remember...

EVS is not a job or an internship, nor a work placement, a humanitarian mission, a language course or a holiday period…

Your Sending Organisation is still there to counsel and help you all along your EVS project.

Your Host Organisation will nominate a personal Mentor for you. It is very helpful to have somebody nearby, with a good understanding of your situation and ready to give personal advice and support.

It may sometimes be difficult but who said it would be easy?

Communication brings common understanding, while lack of communication leads to false expectations and wrong interpretations. Take care that you and your partners ask the right questions and bring along the helpful answers.

All your questions should be addressed to the Sending/Host/Coordinating Organisations of your project. If you need additional info, depending on the geographical location of your project, you may contact your National Agency, or the Executive Agency, or the regional SALTO Resource Centres for Eastern Europe and Caucasus, the Euro-Mediterranean region, and South East Europe.

And, last but not least… Enjoy your EVS!