What is the European Solidarity Corps?

What is the European Solidarity Corps (ESC)?

The European Solidarity Corps is the new European Union initiative which creates opportunities for young people, aged 18-30, to volunteer or work in projects abroad that benefit communities and people around Europe.They will usually be located within the European Union Member States. It is full-time, for a maximum of 12 months, and always in a different country from your own.

Free overseas volunteering

ECS is a long-term voluntary service with the costs paid. If you decide to volunteer, you will not receive a wage, but will on the other hand be entitled to travel, lodging and subsistence as well as insurance coverage for the duration of the activity. You will receive relevant training before you start and after you arrive on site.

For participants doing an apprenticeship or a traineeship, there will, in some countries, be an employment contract established in accordance with the national regulations of the hosting country. A subsistence allowance will be provided.

For participants that are recruited for a job placement, there will always be a formal labour contract and a wage in accordance with local laws, regulations and collective agreements.

Benefits of joining the European Solidarity Corps (ESC)

Taking part in a European Solidarity Corps project will be a significant achievement for any young person. It will be an asset when applying for a job and it will help you when you apply for higher education. The European Solidarity Corps could be a new opportunity for you to engage in a meaningful activity which could prove to be a stepping stone into employment.

As well as being useful for your future career prospects, European Solidarity Corps you will receive a package of other benefits, which will vary depending on the type of project that you undertake. It will also depend on whether you are participating in the Volunteering or Occupational parts of the Corps.

Objectives of the European Solidarity Corps

Promote tolerance among young people
Strengthening social cohesion
Strengthen the culture of active citizenship
Developing values such as solidarity, mutual understanding between young people

What does the European Solidarity Corps include

The cost of round-trip flights to and from the country of origin
Accommodation and food expenses during the project period
An amount of pocket money (varies according to the cost of living of the host country)
Health insurance during the months of volunteering and after two months after
Language training in the language of the host country
Personalised tutoring with a colleague

ESC stakeholders

Volunteer – This is a volunteer between the ages of 18 and 30 who wants to participate in a long-term volunteer project with expenses paid.
Host organisation. It is an organisation in a European country that has a project of social, cultural or environmental interest where it has European volunteers for its development.
Support Organisation: This is an organisation in the country of the volunteer that accompanies the volunteer throughout the process: training, monitoring and evaluation.

SCI Madrid is an accredited organisation for the support of European volunteers, we can accompany you throughout the process 🙂