Volunteer in Europe

They say the best things in life are free and it’s not far from the truth. Volunteer work abroad can be a life changing experience. Whether it’s summer volunteer work or a paid volunteer programme, the benefits of volunteering in Europe are fantastic. As well as having a great time doing something different, you experience a new culture, make new friends and even learn a foreign language whilst doing something meaningful. Ever fancied working in turtle conservation in Greece, taking part in an archaeological dig in Italy or organizing an arts festival in Spain?  It's a great chance to expand your skills whilst helping other people – and if you’re under 30, you can!

Volunteer work as a career break or a gap year

You can take a year’s career break or gap year without it costing thousands of pounds. The European Voluntary Service (EVS) will pay your accommodation, food, pocket money and provide you with free language lessons. It’s available for UK citizens up to the age of 30 so you can take a well-earned career break and try something different.

There's no doubt that volunteering abroad can be challenging, inspiring and even a little frightening but it’s an experience not to be missed. Check out the links below and see where the path will take you!

There are thousands of volunteering opportunities in Europe. The European Youth Portal can assist you in finding the perfect opportunity for you.
European Youth Portal

The British Council is the UK national agency for the European Youth in Action programme. Along with the European Commission and the UK Government, they help young people discover Europe through initiatives such as Youth Exchanges, European Voluntary Service (EVS), Youth Initiatives and Support Measures. If you are interested in volunteering opportunities with the Youth in Action programme go visit the EVS website.
Youth in Action - EVS

Do-it 'Volunteering made easy' is a great website to search for voluntary work throughout Europe. Look up opportunities in the area you’re interested in – homelessness, the environment, human rights, disability, and much, much more.
Do-it Volunteering made easy

Concordia is a charity committed to international volunteering as a means to promoting intercultural understanding and peace. It offers young people opportunities for international volunteering, work experience, education, and training.
Concordia 

Global Xchange, a partnership between the VSO, the British Council, and Community Service Volunteers (CSV), is an exchange programme that brings young people from different countries to live alongside each other and work together as volunteers, so they can share their learning with their host communities.
Global Xchange

You can visit World Volunteer Web for the latest volunteering news, updates and resources.
World Volunteer Web 

On the brand new Go Abroad website you can search for volunteering opportunities around the globe.
Go Abroad

WWOOF volunteers work on an organic farm and receive free board and lodging and practical experience in return, but you need to arrange your own placement.
WWOOF

 

Volunteering under 18

As a rule of thumb you have to be 18 to be accepted as a volunteer by most organisations. However, you could check with each organisation individually if they accept younger volunteers. It usually depends on the kind of project you are interested in.

The European Voluntary Service (EVS), for example, is now open to 16-17 year olds on short-term EVS projects. Whilst not all projects are open to this age group it is definitely worth checking. Volunteers with fever opportunities or from a disadvantaged background are given priority. Have a look at the EVS website and contact the EVS team for information on the nearest EVS organisation. They will also be able to send you full details on the different EVS opportunities.
Youth in Action - EVS