Youth exchanges and European Solidarity Corps volunteering explained

Not every international opportunity is a degree. Youth exchanges and volunteering placements let young people spend from a week to a year abroad, learn by doing, and meet people from many countries, usually with most costs covered. Two European programmes dominate this area: Erasmus+ youth exchanges and the European Solidarity Corps. This guide explains how both work and how to get in.

Erasmus+ youth exchanges

A youth exchange brings together groups of young people from at least two countries for a short programme, typically between one and three weeks, around a theme such as the environment, inclusion, media or culture. Activities are based on non-formal learning: workshops, discussions, role plays, outdoor activities and visits. Each national group comes with a group leader.

Key points:

• Age: Erasmus+ youth exchanges are generally for young people aged 13 to 30, with group leaders of any adult age. Each project sets its own age range.
• Who organises: youth organisations, informal groups and other bodies apply for funding and run the exchange. The organisations in each country select their own participants.
• Costs: the Erasmus+ grant usually covers accommodation, food and programme costs, and contributes to travel according to distance. Check each call for any participation fee and the travel rules.
• Certificate: participants can receive a Youthpass, a certificate that describes what they learned.

Because participants are chosen by the partner organisation in their country, the usual way in is through a local youth organisation, not an individual application to the host. Our youth exchanges list and training courses show current calls and the countries whose residents may apply.

European Solidarity Corps volunteering

The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is the European Union's programme for young people who want to volunteer in projects that benefit communities. Placements range from a few weeks to a year, in fields such as education, environmental work, culture, social care or support for refugees.

Key points:

• Age: volunteering is generally for people aged 18 to 30; humanitarian aid volunteering goes up to 35. You can register from 17 but must be 18 when the placement starts.
• Formats: individual volunteering (most placements), and volunteering teams with people from several countries for shorter periods.
• Organisations: host and support organisations must hold a quality label from the programme. Your support organisation helps you prepare and stays in touch during the placement.
• What is covered: in ESC placements, travel, accommodation, food, insurance and a monthly amount of pocket money are normally covered, together with training before and during the placement. The exact arrangements are stated in each placement.
• Certificate: volunteers can receive a Youthpass.

The rules on which countries' residents can take part depend on the action and the project; each placement lists the eligible countries.

How to apply for ESC placements

1. **Register on the European Youth Portal** and complete your profile honestly: your languages, interests and availability.
2. Search placements by country, topic and date. On our site, volunteering placements are grouped by country and by topic, for example environment and climate or education.
3. Apply to placements that fit you. A short, personal motivation for each placement matters more than a long generic text.
4. Prepare for a call. Host organisations usually hold an online interview to discuss the tasks, living conditions and your expectations.
5. Prepare to leave. Once selected, you sign an agreement, arrange insurance through the programme, and handle your visa if you need one.

How to choose a good placement

• Read the task description: what will you actually do each day?
• Check the living arrangements: shared flat, host family, room alone?
• Look at the location: a village placement is very different from a city one.
• Ask about training, mentoring and the support you will receive.
• Make sure the dates and the duration fit your studies or work.

Tips for a strong application

• Be specific about why this project and this community interest you.
• Mention relevant experience, even informal: helping in a school, organising events, sports coaching, caring for relatives.
• Show openness to living with people from other cultures.
• Be honest about your language skills; many placements need basic English or the local language.

Is it right for you?

Exchanges and volunteering are not scholarships, but they build skills, language, confidence and networks that strengthen later applications for scholarships and fellowships. They are also a good first experience abroad for people who are not ready for a full degree.

Related: how to spot scams (real ESC placements never charge a fee to apply) and applying from Central Asia.