Do something that
truly matters
The European Solidarity Corps lets you volunteer, intern or work abroad — funded by the EU. No experience required. Just the will to contribute.
The EU pays — you change the world
The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is the EU's programme for young people who want to make a difference. You can volunteer in another European country, complete an internship, or take a real job in the solidarity sector — all with EU funding.
The programme exists to connect engaged young people with organisations that need support — in the environment, education, integration, culture and much more. All you need is to be between 18 and 30 years old and live in a participating country.
Choose your path
Volunteering
The most common option. You work as a volunteer with an organisation in another European country for 2–12 months. The EU covers accommodation, food, travel and gives you pocket money.
- ✓ Accommodation included
- ✓ Food included
- ✓ Travel covered
- ✓ Monthly pocket money
Internship & job
Apply for a paid internship or an actual employment contract with an organisation working in the public interest. Perfect for building your CV and gaining experience.
- ✓ Salary or stipend
- ✓ Professional experience
- ✓ Networking
- ✓ Professional references
Solidarity project
Have an idea? Create your own project in your local community with at least 5 young people. You don't need to have been part of ESC before.
- ✓ You set the direction
- ✓ EU project grant
- ✓ ESC support
- ✓ 2–12 month project
How it works
Register
Create an account on EU Login and fill in your profile on the European Youth Portal. It takes about 10 minutes.
Find a project
Browse hundreds of projects and organisations. Filter by country, topic and duration. Find something that fits you.
Contact the organisation
Write directly to the organisation through the portal. Tell them who you are and why you want to participate.
Get accepted
If the organisation chooses you, they'll help with the practicalities — visa, accommodation and travel are arranged with ESC support.
Go and make a difference
Make the most of the experience, learn a new language and build a European network. Come home with a Youthpass certificate!
What the EU covers
Travel
Return travel is covered by the EU based on distance. The further you travel, the more support you receive.
Accommodation
The organisation arranges accommodation for you throughout your stay. Nothing you need to sort yourself.
Food
Daily meals or a food allowance are included. The exact arrangement varies by project.
Pocket money
You receive monthly pocket money adjusted to the cost of living in your host country.
Language course
Free access to online courses in the host country's language before and during your stay.
Insurance
EU insurance covers health and accidents throughout the entire project period.
Answers to your questions
Do I need to speak English?
Not necessarily. Many projects require basic English, but there are projects in other languages too. A free language course is also included.
Can I choose which country I go to?
Yes! You apply to specific projects and choose yourself which countries and organisations to apply to. There are projects across Europe and in some countries outside the EU.
Do I need to pay anything?
No. The ESC programme is free for participants. The EU funds accommodation, travel, food and pocket money. You don't need money to participate.
What if I don't enjoy it?
You can always talk to your sending organisation or the ESC support office in your country. In exceptional cases it is possible to withdraw early.
Does it count on my CV?
Absolutely. You receive a Youthpass certificate describing what you've done and which competences you've developed. Many employers value ESC experience.
Can I go more than once?
You can participate in several projects, but volunteering is limited to a total of 12 months per person.
Ready to take the leap?
Register for free on the European Youth Portal and start browsing projects today.