Come and experience European Solidarity Corps volunteering in Finland!
Volunteering in the European Solidarity Corps offers a great way to participate in creating grass-root level contacts and understanding among people with different kinds of backgrounds. You will also get a chance to learn new skills.
We welcome European Solidarity Corps volunteers for 6–12 months. Many of our volunteers work in the educational field or with people with disabilities – in folk high schools or workshops for people with disabilities, for example.
“European Solidarity Corps volunteering is such an amazing opportunity for young people to learn new skills and spend time learning in another country. It also helps to build friendships and teaches us more understanding of each other across Europe.” – Catriona Dinnegan, a volunteer from Ireland
The European Solidarity Corps volunteering is carried out and financed by the European Union. We at Maailmanvaihto coordinate volunteering periods here in Finland, and host volunteers in our own organisation, too.
Most of our European Solidarity Corps volunteers begin their projects in August or September. We apply for funding for the volunteering periods from the Finnish National Agency of the European Solidarity Corps.
We coordinate European Solidarity Corps periods in these host organisations (click the name to learn more):
The European Solidarity Corps volunteering is meant for 18–30-year-olds who live permanently in one of the European Solidarity Corps programme countries or partner countries mentioned below.
Programme countries
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey
Partner countries
Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Norway, Palestine, Russia, Serbia, Syria, Tunisia, Ukraine
Please note that currently (updated in Jan 2024), it is not possible to apply for European Solidarity Corps volunteering in Finland from Russia. In addition, it is not possible currently to apply for the European Solidarity Corps from Syria or Libya. If you are living in Finland and are intersted in joining European Solidarity Corps volunteering in Finland, please consult us on possibilities for in-country volunteering.
We require a full COVID-19 vaccination series for volunteers working with vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly or people with disabilities. An exception is possible if you cannot take the vaccine for health reasons. If you haven’t been able to take the vaccinations, we can welcome you only if you commit to taking the vaccinations soon after you arrive in Finland following the vaccination schedule.
“Volunteering has been a period of intense change in our lives. New country, new people, new climate… Definitely, a moment to discover, not only our surroundings, but also ourselves.” – Volunteers Nathan (from France), Diogo (from Madeira of Portugal) and Elisa (from Spain)
Reasonable traveling expenses (based on travel distance) to Finland and back to the home country are covered for the volunteer from the EU funding. In some cases, the volunteer may have to pay a small part of these costs.
Also, the following costs are covered for the participant from the EU funding:
The accommodation and food are provided by the voluntary workplace and/or a local host family.
“During this year, in every place, I have stepped in, I have found something unique. I think this is because my perspective on life has changed. I see the world with the eyes of another culture.” – Carmen Cobos, a volunteer from Spain
Please see currently available positions. On the same page, you can find the applications instructions and the application form.
Please not that to apply, you must have a sending organisation in your country of residence. You can browse sending organisations in the European Solidarity Corps Database for accredited organisations (youth.europa.eu).
The European Commission is not responsible for the content of the website.
