The one year roles will run from September 1, 2018, to August 31, 2019 with the deadline set for January 26, 2018.

EUSA is accredited as a hosting, sending and coordinating organisation for both the EVS and ESC programmes within the Youth mobility activities under the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union.

The EVS, which has been going for over 20 years and is now run as ESC, provides young Europeans with the chance to show their commitment through voluntary activities in a foreign country with the aim of developing solidarity and tolerance among young people.

The scheme is open to people aged from 17 to 30 and is considered a learning opportunity for both the volunteers and organisations involved.

Aside from bringing benefits to the local communities, volunteers are also able to develop new skills by taking specific training throughout their activity.

This learning experience is formally recognised through Youthpass, which is a tool to document and recognise learning outcomes from youth work activities.

Participation in the activities is free for volunteers who also receive board and lodging and insurance cover whilst they are also given a small allowance for the duration of the project.

The EUSA stress that the EVS/ESC is not “…a free vacation but an internship in a way, with emphasis on learning experiences, personal growth and improving youth employability opportunities.”

Potential participants in the scheme should read the information on the European Youth Portal and EVS/ESC section before filling out a questionnaire and sending a covering letter and CV by the January 26 deadline.