It has been replaced by the ESC (European Solidarity Corps) programme! This new European Union initiative creates opportunities for young people to volunteer or work in projects in their own country or abroad, for the benefit of communities and people around Europe. It enables young people aged 17 to 30 years to live up to 12 months in another country while working in a non-profit organisation.
ESC stands for European Voluntary Service. This is a scheme funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Commission to give young people in Europe the chance to volunteer abroad. It enables young people aged 17 to 30 years to live up to 12 months in another country while working in a non-profit organisation.
ESC aims to improve young people’s skills whilst encountering different cultures, meeting people from across the world and learning a new language.Find out more about ESC in our
Fun Guide for Long-Term Volunteers.
ESC Briefly: Who is it for?
Anyone aged 17 – 30, living in the UK, can apply for an ESC project.
If you are looking for a change in your life, want to get new experiences and gain new skills, want to live abroad and meet people from all over the world then start the journey that will change your life today and sign up for an ESC project!
What kind of projects can you do? – Placements may be with NGOs, charities, public bodies or community organisations. You can work with children or young people in a youth centre in Spain, you can do environmental work in Sweden or volunteering in an animal rescue centre in the Netherlands, there are many different types of projects it all depends on your interest and what you want to do – You decide!
“[ESC] is great – everything is funded: flights, accommodation, food, health insurance, even a monthly allowance – so I didn’t have to be massively rich to take part.” Davide, Fair Trade Project, Spain
Where can I go?
Because it’s funded by the EU most projects are in European Countries such as France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Estonia, Greece etc (in green below) but there are also some opportunities to go further afield to European Neighbourhood countries such as Jordan, Morocco, Armenia, Belarus or Russia (in gold) and occasionally even further.
ESC doesn’t cost you anything! During your project, your travel, accommodation and food will be provided and you will even receive monthly pocket money so that you can visit different places and have fun with all your new friends from across the world and really engage with your new community. How much does it cost?
How can I start the journey that will change my life?
UNA Exchange has been an EVS and ESC sending, hosting and coordinating organisation for over 15 years and will support you in your journey. We will help you through the application process, prepare you for your experience with pre departure training and keep in contact with you throughout.
Get in touch with our ESC Coordinator on [email protected] and learn more about European Solidarity Corps.
To find your dream ESC project have a look on the European database of accredited projects.
You can also keep your eye on our featured project links below, follow us on facebook or sign up to our newsletter for all the latest news on upcoming projects.
Found your perfect ESC project? Apply by submitting your CV, motivation letter and specific application form.
Got accepted? Congratulations, have an amazing experience!!
Read our volunteer stories!
Meet Joe, Tom and other young people who took part in an EVS or ESC project overseas!