Volunteering isn’t just something you do. It’s part of who you are. You’re ready to go all in, take responsibility, and use your experience to lead or support others. You see challenges as opportunities to leave things better than you found them, wherever you go.
Inspiring
Committed
Diplomatic
Over-responsible
Meticulous
Inflexible
Compass
Look for long-term volunteering through the European Solidarity Corps, international placements with the Humanitarian Aid Volunteering or UN Volunteers programme, or mentoring roles for new volunteers. This might even be the beginning of a career in the humanitarian or social field.
Volunteering under Humanitarian Aid Volunteering brings together volunteers and organisations from different countries, providing practical support to humanitarian aid projects and contributing to strengthening the local capacity and resilience of disaster-affected communities. You must be between 18 and 35 years old and legally reside in an EU Member State or in a third country associated with the programme.
How does it work? All volunteers will receive a training programme and be assessed as to their readiness for deployment. Individual volunteering projects last from 2 to 12 months and group projects from 2 weeks to 2 months. International projects take place in countries where there are ongoing humanitarian aid activities and operations. Participants’ travel, accommodation, and insurance costs are covered. Additional support measures and funding are available for young people with fewer opportunities. As the programme falls under the European Solidarity Corps, the first step is to register with the ESC Portal.
Are you ready to become an international UN volunteer? You can contribute your time, skills, and knowledge through volunteering with the UN. To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old and willing to engage in development and peace initiatives in your own country or in another country around the globe.
How does it work? The educational background and experience required vary by assignment. You may work in human rights, climate change adaptation, primary health care, disaster management, peacebuilding, youth engagement, or many other areas. You may work directly in a UN agency, in one of its partner organisations, in a university, or with a government. Volunteers receive a basic living allowance. For those volunteering outside of their home area, travel costs and some other basic costs are paid by the host agency. Volunteers also receive orientation and training before and after the assignment.
Fancy an experience on organic farms? World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is a worldwide movement linking volunteers with organic farmers and growers to promote cultural and educational experiences based on trust and non-monetary exchange, thereby helping to build a sustainable, global community. To participate, you need to be 18 years old, although different rules apply in different countries.
How does it work? As a volunteer (or WWOOFer), you will live alongside your host, helping with daily tasks and experiencing life as a farmer (e.g. sowing seeds, making compost, gardening, planting, cutting wood, wine-making). The length of the stay is usually 2 to 3 weeks, but it can vary from a few days to several months, depending on your agreement with the host.
Remember that these results are just a source of inspiration; programmes from other categories might suit you even better!
Take a look at the other volunteer profiles and enjoy the discovery!
Select the subscription:
Receive opportunities for studying, volunteering, and working abroad.
About Eurodesk, youth policies, programmes, events and publications.
