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The European Solidarity Corps

The European Solidarity Corps is a programme of the European Union which offers young people the opportunity to engage in a solidarity activity in France and Europe.

The European Solidarity Corps consists of several distinct parts:

 

Humanitarian volunteering

The European Solidarity Corps gives young people the opportunity to volunteer for projects run by non-profit organisations and aimed at helping communities and individuals across Europe. Solidarity encompasses a wide range of areas of intervention, for example: inclusion, reception and integration of refugees and migrants, citizenship and participation, environment and nature protection, health and well-being, Education and training, creativity and culture, sport, etc.

 


The solidarity project

​It can be a national, regional or local solidarity activity. In all cases, the project must respond to local challenges and present a «European added value», involve different actors and develop a network of partners. The project should address one or more European priority themes, such as inclusion, climate change, democratic engagement, citizenship or equality between women and men.

Individual volunteering

•  may last 2 to 12 months
•  full-time (30 to 38 hours per week) 
•  participation in the day-to-day work of an organization that benefits the local community 
•  generally “cross-border”, i.e. that it takes place in a different country from the one where you live (but it can also take place in your country; we then speak of «national» projects) 
•  in some cases the period may be shorter (from 2 weeks to 2 months), for example for disadvantaged or disabled participants


Volunteer work in a team 

If you can’t commit for a long time but still want to help, consider team volunteering:

•  can last between 2 weeks and 2 months​

•  full-time (30 to 38 hours per week)​

•  you will work with people from at least 2 different countries​

•  the group will comprise between 10 and 40 volunteers, including disadvantaged people​

•  usually takes place abroad, but it can also take place in your home country

Support and host organizations

2 organisations are concerned if you choose individual volunteering: 

•  the support organization in your home country, which will help you prepare for your experience abroad​

•  the host organization, who will receive you and help you in your destination country ​​

You can search for a supporting organization in the accredited/quality label database

Warning: You do not need a support organization if you volunteer as a team

Who can participate?

The voluntary activities of the European Solidarity Corps are open to people aged 18-30 who reside in the programme countries and partner countries.

What is covered?

•  You are covered by supplementary insurance.​

•  You have access to a range of support services such as language support and training.​

•  Your basic expenses are covered (round trip, accommodation and food).​

•  You also receive a small allowance for your personal expenses (from 3 to 6 euros per day, depending on the country).​

•  Costs related to specific needs (for example, due to disability) may also be covered.

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