Are you curious about international volunteering? Want to gain hands-on experience in office tasks and get involved in intercultural learning in a youth exchange organisation? Come spend a year with us at Maailmanvaihto – ICYE Finland!
- Volunteering period: 7.9.2026-6.9.2027
- Number of volunteers: 1
- Location: Helsinki, Finland
- Deadline for applying: 8 March 2026
About Maailmanvaihto – ICYE Finland
Maailmanvaihto – ICYE Finland is a non-profit youth exchange organisation that promotes intercultural understanding, equality, and peace through international volunteering. We are part of the International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) Federation, a global network of around forty organisations.
Every year, we:
- Send 20–30 young people from Finland abroad as volunteers
- Welcome 30–40 international volunteers to Finland
- Coordinate ICYE and European Solidarity Corps volunteering programmes
Our office team includes three full-time staff members (Secretary General, Program Coordinator, and Communications Officer) and two international volunteers. Our work is supported by a group of active volunteer coworkers.
Location
Maailmanvaihto’s office is located in the center of Helsinki, about a ten-minute walk from the central railway station.
What will you do?
You’ll get to learn about office work in an non-governmental organisation related to organising international volunteering programs and supporting volunteers.
You’ll work in cooperation with the office staff and teams by supporting in organising international volunteer programs and informing young people about the volunteering possibilities. You’ll enrich our organisational culture by bringing in your ideas, skills, and views of a young person.
Your tasks will include:
- Office work related to coordinating European Solidarity Corps and ICYE volunteer programs, including, for example:
- e-mail communication with volunteers and partner organisations
- practical arrangements related to documents and travels
- promoting available volunteer placements and assisting in the selection process
- Supporting organising trainings for volunteers and other events, for example:
- facilitation of workshops
- presentations
- kitchen work, practical arrangements
- Joining Maailmanvaihto’s event team at fairs, school visits, and other events
- Running a small personal project based on your interests and skills
Who we’re looking for
This volunteering project is perfect for someone who wants to learn more about international volunteering and working in an international NGO. We are looking for someone who:
- is responsible, organized, and proactive
- works well in a team and communicates clearly
- is comfortable using English in both written texts and spoken communication
- enjoys organising group activities and facilitating workshops
- is ready to take on different types of tasks, take initiative, and bring new ideas
Practical arrangements
- Accommodation: With a host family or in a rented room in the Helsinki metropolitan area
- Food: Lunch allowance provided; other meals will be arranged by the host family or the volunteer will receive food money for the other meals, depending on the accommodation arrangement
- Transport: Monthly public transport card for the Helsinki area covered
Training during the volunteering period
- On-arrival training and mid-term evaluation organised by the Finnish National Agency of the European Solidarity Corps. In addition, the volunteer will be invited to training camps of the coordinating organisation Maailmanvaihto – ICYE Finland as a camp team member.
- Access to Online Language Support (OLS) to support learning Finnish.
Accessibility information
Maailmanvaihto’s office is partially wheelchair accessible. While it is possible to move around in a wheelchair, there is a doorstep at the entrance (approximately 7 cm high), and the toilet is not large enough for wheelchair access.
If you need additional support due to a disability, long-term illness, or another reason, please feel free to contact us at esc@maailmanvaihto.fi. We are happy to discuss possible arrangements.
Maailmanvaihto’s social media
- TikTok: @maailmanvaihto
- Instagram: @maailmanvaihto
- Facebook: @maailmavnaihto
- LinkedIn: Maailmanvaihto ry – ICYE Finland
- YouTube: Maailmanvaihto ry – ICYE Finland
Activity topics
international cooperation, youth, youth work
How to apply?
Further information
- If you wish to ask something, please, see answers to frequently asked questions and European Solidarity Corps program page.
- If you don’t find an answer to your question, please contact us at Maailmanvaihto at esc@maailmanvaihto.fi.
- Please note that you can only apply for the open position by following the application instructions linked above.
Volunteer’s experiences
Nicole: Embracing New Experiences – Volunteering at Maailmanvaihto’s Office
“Ciao! I’m Nicole and right now I’m European Solidarity Corps volunteering at Maailmanvaihto’s office. I started less than a month ago and right now I’m working with incoming volunteers. In the office, they are all really patient and help me to get through all the new stuff.
I really enjoy Helsinki and the life here. It is a really quiet and calm city with all you need in it. I’m loving this experience cause it helps me to go out of my comfort-zone, by living in another country, meeting new people, learning new skills and struggling with English every day (in a good way ofc).
If you’re thinking about leaving for an European Solidarity Corps opportunity, you should definitely do it! I also think that Helsinki and Maailmanvaihto’s office are good places for your opportunity.”
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