The first step in applying from Finland for ICYE volunteering abroad is to fill in the application form. You can download the form from the bottom of this page. If you send us an application, we’ll invite you for a selection interview.
Participants are selected on the basis of an application and an interview.
Each year, Maailmanvaihto has two application deadlines for the ICYE program: 31 October and 31 January, both are for periods starting in August and September.
After the main application rounds, there are still places available for August–September 2025 departure to Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Ghana, and Kenya. Places will be filled in the order of applying as suitable applicants are found. The last day to receive applications is 22 April 2025.
The participation fee includes accommodation and daily meals, insurance, training (pre-departure orientation camp in Finland, training on the language and culture in the destination country and two evaluation training (in periods of 6 months one evaluation meeting)), daily travels to work, the support of ICYE office in Finland as well as in the destination country, small pocket money, and a meeting of the returnees in Finland after the return.
NB! The participant also needs to pay for the flights and the visa to the destination country. The participant is responsible for organizing their travels to the destination country.
ICYE’s group insurance only covers participants under 40 years of age. Participants aged 40 and over will have to pay around €400–500 for insurance provided by ICYE.
Maailmanvaihto grants the participants stipends (maximum of 650 €) on an economic basis.
Selection days are held twice a year, about 2–3 weeks after the closing date for applications. At the selection day, you will learn more about the ICYE program and Maailmanvaihto, and take part in a selection interview and group activity. It is an opportunity to meet other applicants and to share ideas and expectations.
The interviews (approximately 45 minutes) will help us to assess the suitability of the applicants. We will discuss with candidates their motivation, realistic expectations, and communication skills. There are usually two interviewers present.
If necessary, we will also interview applicants at other times.
Applicants are selected for a program in a specific country. The decision is taken by an interviewers in consultation with the Secretary General. A report on each interview is sent to the host ICYE organisation.
Within a week or so of the interview, Maailmanvaihto will inform you whether you have been selected for the program. If so, you will receive a participation contract to sign. You will also receive an application form in English to fill in, which we will forward to the host ICYE organisation. You will also need to provide Maailmanvaihto with a certificate of your health and a criminal record.
Your final volunteer placement will be confirmed at least one month before your departure. If you have a strong interest in a particular field or organisation, Maailmanvaihto may request confirmation from the host ICYE organisation in advance.
1) Download the application form the ICYE program:
2) Fill in your application form and gather the attachments. The application should include:
3) Email your application to maailmanvaihto@maailmanvaihto.fi or mail it to the address Maailmanvaihto – ICYE Finland, Oikokatu 3, 00170 Helsinki.
4) We will contact you and invite you for a selection interview.
Would you like to ask us about applying? Please, contact us at maailmanvaihto@maailmanvaihto.fi, 050 452 5660.
