Would you like to go abroad for a longer period of time and get involved socially? You wonder if there is an FSJ abroad? You are between 17 and 30 years old?
Then the European Voluntary Service (EVS or EVS for European Voluntary Service ) is just right for you!

During an EVS, you live between 2 and 12 months in other European countries and work in a social, cultural or ecological project. You get to know another culture and you can see the world and yourself with different eyes, learn a new language, gain practical experience in the world of work, and above all - you have fun! The EVS is funded by the EU under the Erasmus + Youth in Action program, which means that you will receive pocket money as well as free accommodation, food and travel and insurance. Especially if you just do not know what to do after school or graduation, or you want to look into a specific work area, the EVS is just right. Which degree you have does not matter.

What Is It? And What Am I doing Exactly?

The European Voluntary Service is a European Commission program to promote mobility and skills of young people in Europe. In this way, their participation in social life, ie active citizenship in Europe, should be strengthened. It will support the personal development of volunteers as well as strengthen social, cultural and civil society organizations in Europe.

Between 2 to 12 months you work in a social, cultural or ecological project in Europe: eg in a youth or cultural center in Romania or Sweden, you can take care of handicapped children in England, participate in organizing a hearing impaired festival in Greece, you help with the maintenance of a nature reserve in Italy and much more.

The European Voluntary Service is a learning service, which means that it is crucial that you learn a lot during this time and that you can apply your skills locally. There is room for your own projects in which you can contribute your creativity and initiative.

Why Participate?

During the EVS you can get to know a new country and many new people, you gain work experience and you can personally develop yourself. In addition, you train your foreign language skills and receive new impulses and orientation for your further CV.

In addition, you will strengthen your intercultural competence, prove yourself in teamwork, learn to take responsibility and to show initiative. Your independence, independence and self-confidence are strengthened and you discover new sides of you and the country in which you live and get to know Europe from a new perspective.

Who Can Participate in EVS?

All those who are between 17 and 30 years old and who have permanent residence in Germany or another European country can take part. What kind of graduation you have, what you did or want to do after the EVS does not matter. The main thing is that you are motivated and open to new experiences! Knowledge of the national language is not mandatory - but basic knowledge of English should be available.

How Do I Become a European Volunteer?

As a first step, you need a sending organization from Germany, eg the Jugendwerk. We help you to find a project, process the applications, take care of administration, insurance etc. and prepare you for your departure.

It is important that you take care of it early, preferably 6 - 8 months before!

Throughout the year, you can fill out an application form in English and send it to us by e-mail. If we take you, we will help you find a suitable project abroad. It is important that you think about what you want to do the most.

Tip: It is worth writing many projects at the same time to increase the chances to get a project. It's also worth being open, not focusing on a particular country, but finding a project that appeals to you and lets you be surprised.

If you have a commitment from a project, the host and broadcasting organization will apply for one of the three deadlines in the year: Mid-February, end of April, beginning of October

If the application is approved for your project, the host organization will take care of the schedule, accommodation, food and on-site support. We can organize everything for you and after your departure training you can start! There are about 80% of applications approved, so there is always the small risk that it does not work!

EVS is funded by the EU under the Erasmus + Youth in Action program