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European Voluntary Service (EVS) - A learning experience
Introduction
If you are between 18 and 30 and would like to get involved in voluntary work, then European Voluntary Service (EVS), part of the EU Youth Programme, may just be what you need.
EVS, which is administered by Léargas, funds volunteers from one European country to spend time - typically six to 12 months - working as a volunteer in a not-for-profit organisation in another country. Everyone benefits: the volunteer gains experience and skills and an insight into a different way of living, while the host organisation, and those it cares for, benefit from the energy and enthusiasm of the young person, while learning about another culture.
All costs, including the pre-departure training, travel, accommodation and subsistence are paid; volunteers also receive a small monthly allowance as ‘pocket money’ during the project.
Getting started
To participate in an EVS project, you can either get an organisation in Ireland to send you or an organisation in another country to host you. If you are already involved in volunteer work, your organisation may have contacts in other countries and therefore be in a position to send you abroad. Otherwise, you can check out the following to see what opportunities are available.
View the database of EVS opportunities
You have to make the initial application to the sending or hosting organisation, but once you have done so, they take over the process; if they need additional information, they will contact you. If your application is accepted, you will be expected to attend pre-departure training; the sending or hosting may also provide language training, if you need it.
While you are there
An EVS volunteer is expected to make a contribution to the work of the hosting organisation through their personality and skills, and to bring a multi-cultural dimension to the experience. EVS projects can cover anything from working in a seal sanctuary to teaching English to children in Romania; the work you will do will depend on the nature of the project, but as well as participating in the day-to-day running of things, you will be encouraged to bring your ideas and talents to the experience. If you want to see how well you can teach Gaelic football or computer skills, this could be the opportunity !
The national agencies usually run on-arrival training and also hold mid-project evaluation sessions, so there is ample opportunity to deal with any issues that arise. On the project you will have a supervisor who will help you with day-to-day matters, but you will also have a mentor – someone who is not directly involved in the project – to whom you can turn if you have any more serious concerns.
Remember, though, that projects can vary hugely, and so can conditions - an open mind and a flexible nature will go a long way to ensuring you get the most out of your EVS time.
Home again
When you return to Ireland, you will be asked to evaluate the experience – this helps all those involved in the administration of EVS to ensure that the needs of volunteers are fully met. Léargas Youth Service is always interested in hearing about EVS experiences, so if you have had an amazing time – and chances are good that you will – send us your stories and photos and we may use these for case studies on the Léargas Youth website.
For more information
Go to the Léargas web site
Contact: Conor D’Arcy at cdarcy@leargas.ie
Telephone (+353 1) 873 1411.
EVS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the age limit to participate in EVS?
The EVS is open to young people between 18 and 25 years. This means that volunteers have to be between 18 and 25 years old at the beginning of their voluntary activity. Flexibility can be applied to the upper age limit - young people with fewer opportunities may be 26 years old at the start of their voluntary activity if it is justified. For details please contact your National Agency or the SOS Volunteer Helpdesk.
Where can EVS projects take place?
The European Voluntary Service concerns all countries involved in the YOUTH programme. But there are some rules and conventions as to who can go where. For more information, click here.
Where do I get contact details of host organisations?
Contact details of potential host organisations are available in the European database on accredited host organisations. It is necessary to collaborate with a sending organisation for making contact with potential host organisations. If living in a Partner Country, volunteers can contact international voluntary organisation to have more information about potential host projects.
Who can be my sending organisation?
EVS sending organisations are non-governmental organisations/associations, local/regional authorities or other non-profit initiatives active for example in areas of social, cultural, environmental, community or youth work. Some of the YOUTH National Agencies publish contact details of potential sending organisations in their country.
Do I need an insurance coverage?
Specific plan designed to protect participants in EVS is provided free of charge to the volunteer. It is the responsibility of the sending or the coordinating organisation to enrol the volunteer. For more information consult the volunteer?s guide on insurance.
Do I need to know the language of my host country?
The selection of volunteers should not be made according to language skills, unless a basic knowledge is needed for a specific task. Linguistic support is provided during the EVS project in order to ensure the volunteers? integration.
Are the language courses compulsory?
The host organisation is responsible for the linguistic support of EVS volunteers. It is an integral part of any EVS project. Linguistic support should be appropriate to the volunteer's needs and level, but the type of linguistic support may vary from formal language classes to more informal learning methods.
Do I need to have specific skills to take part in a EVS project?
The selection of volunteers should not be made according to the skills of the volunteers. EVS should be open to everybody. Nevertheless, a certain sensitivity or ability are sometimes mentioned as being a plus for specific tasks.
Will I get any training during my EVS project?
Sending and host organisations jointly assure the participation of their volunteers in a series of training events during an EVS project: pre-departure training, on-arrival training, mid-term evaluation and, if possible, a final evaluation session. Each type of training has several subjects useful or necessary to deal with before and during the service period: Basics of social engagement and voluntary work, intercultural learning, conflict resolution, group dynamics, rights and responsibilities, etc.
Would my parents or I lose any legal rights or national allowances taking part in an EVS project?
So far, taking part in an EVS project should not have any influence on legal rights. Certain allowances might not be cancelled, but rather suspended during the service period. National legislations differ from country to country. Many YOUTH National Agencies have gathered specified information on the legal status of EVS volunteers coming from or going to their countries: you can read such information in the Volunteer Mobility section.
Can I change project if anything goes wrong?
Quite a few things can of course go wrong during a voluntary service. Nothing and nobody is perfect. Misunderstandings or lack of communication can make a service period difficult. Communication is however the key to solve a really difficult situation sometimes. Changing a project should be the last option, if nothing else works. Before taking any decision you should discuss your difficulties with your sending and host organisations and contact your National Agency if it is necessary.
Can I withdraw from a project?
As for changing project, withdrawing from a project is to be seen as a truly exceptional measure, if nothing else works. Consider carefully the alternatives before taking a final decision. Then bear in mind: such a decision is not your private thing only. It involves all three partners of your EVS project: you as the volunteer, the sending organisation and the host organisation.
Is it possible to prolong a project?
In principle it is not possible to prolong an EVS project. However, if the expected results of the projects can only be achieved through a prolongation and if both the sending and hosting National Agencies agree on a prolongation up to twelve months, an exception can be made. A short-term EVS project (up to six months) might be prolonged once for the same volunteer.
When can I be sure that I will go?
There are several partners needed for the realisation of an EVS project. It is based on an agreement between volunteer, sending and host organisation. For the financial part National Agencies in the sending and the host country or, for some projects, the European Commission get involved. Sending and host organisation need to present grant applications, and financial support from the YOUTH programme is to be approved. Only then you can be sure that the project can take place. For this reason good communication between you, your sending organisation and your host organisation is essential.
Can my sending or host organisation ask me for financial contribution for my participation in an EVS-project?
Participation fees or financial contribution by the volunteer cannot be a condition to take part in an EVS project. This includes any kind of deposits to get back after a completed project. Also bills for electricity, gas and water, as well as any taxes are the responsibility of the host organisation.
What are my rights and responsibilities as a volunteer?
The European Commission published a document "Rights and Responsibilities of a Volunteer", which clarifies the role, the rights and the responsibilities of an EVS volunteer in mission. It corresponds to a second document "Rights and Responsibilities of the Host Organisations, Sending Organisations and Mentors" giving detailed information what you can expect from your partner organisations and your mentor during an EVS project period.
Will I get some document or certificate after my project?
All volunteers who have completed their EVS project (or at least half of it) are entitled to receive an EVS certificate. The certificate consist in two parts: an attestation issued by the sending National Agency or the Commission and an "annex to the certificate" filled in by the host organisation together with the volunteer.
Who can help me with visa problems?
Both sending and host organisation have the responsibility to help you obtaining a visa, if needed. Participating in EVS does not exempt you from following the national visa regulations. It is important to know that there is a big difference in those regulations from country to country. The document "General Recommendations for Visa/Residence Permit Applications" (download: English French German ) contains useful advice for completing visa/residential permit procedures. In specific or difficult cases the European Commission can issue a letter and an explanatory note in order to support individual visa applications.Ask your sending organisation to contact the YOUTH National Agency for further support.
For further questions please contact us via email to volunteers@ec.europa.eu or by phone +32.(0)2.233.02.99.
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