European Voluntary Service Programme EVS

EVS programme is carried out and financed by the European Union in the framework of the Youth in Action Programme.

The EVS volunteer programme is meant for 18 to 30 year olds, who live permanently in one of the Youth in Action programme countries or partner countries. Maailmanvaihto receives applications from EVS volunteer candidates year around and applies for EVS project funding from the Finnish National Agency CIMO. Applications are mostly prepared in January and March. Most of the EVS volunteers begin their projects in August or September and their volunteer work period is from 6 to 12 months.

In case of EVS volunteering, the EU pays 90 % of the volunteer's travel expenses to Finland and back to their home country. The EU also pays travel costs to work, language tuition, travel expenses generated by language courses and a monthly pocket money of 120 €. The accommodation and food are provided by the volunteer work placement and/or Finnish host family.

AVAILABLE EVS PROJECTS IN FINLAND Making connections at on-arrival-camp

Prior to sending us your application, please contact a sending organisation in your own country. Database for accredited organisations: http://ec.europa.eu/youth/evs/aod/hei_en.cfm.

How to become an EVS volunteer?

Active projects, instructions and the application form here: 

www.maailmanvaihto.fi/en/volunteering-finland/active-evs-projects

For more information about the EVS programme, please consult the European Youth Portal:

http://europa.eu/youth/volunteering_-_exchanges/european_voluntary_service/index_eu_en.html

WE DID IT! Comments from EVS volunteers

"What happened to me in Finland is much more astonishing that I was first expecting. I didn’t only learn new skills trough my experience in Ruskeasuon Koulu. But I also learnt about connectedness between people. I learnt how to communicate in many different kinds of situations, regarding language barriers, or even with mentally or physically disabilities ones. I also learnt a lot by meeting different volunteers from all around the world. The craziest thing that you learn about EVS is realising how many commonalities you can find between you and people coming from different countries, backgrounds and cultures." -Émilie, France

"l came in August 28th from very warm country and of course first shock was attaching by cold weather in Finland (just image when it is in my country 40 degrees plus,here in Finland it was plus 17!). l was thinking how it is possible to live in cold country? But after winter when there is so much snow and sunshine (sometimes) and minus 30 degrees l think its possible:))" -Masha, Moldova

"How are the people in Finland? This is a good question, and the answer is difficult because I have found that some people are more open than others, it is like, if they need more distance, more time for that they can be connected with the other person and when they open for you, you can find a great person. In Lehtimäki I have found great persons and good friends although this is a small village and very different to my home city where 1 million persons live together and I think it is easier to find more friends. Lehtimäki has peace and you can forget the noise and arguments and you live quietly." -Oscár, Spain