Are you looking for meaningful international experiences and learning opportunities? Come and experience European Solidarity Corps (ESC) volunteering in Finland!
ESC volunteering – learning together in a new community
European Solidarity Corps workplaces
Who can participate?
What costs are covered?
How to apply?
Further information
Volunteering with the European Solidarity Corps is a great way to connect with new people and contribute to meaningful grassroots projects. You’ll also have the chance to develop new skills and gain valuable experience.
European Solidarity Corps volunteering is about learning together. Everyday moments from working in a team to sharing meals become opportunities for dialogue, understanding, and connection. Through volunteering, stereotypes fade and prejudices break down.
We welcome European Solidarity Corps volunteers for 6–12 months, giving you time to settle in, build relationships, and gain meaningful experience. Most of our volunteers begin their projects in August or September. Many of our volunteers assist in educational institutions or workshops or living communities for persons with disabilities.
Join in – you may be surprised by how much you can learn about others and yourself by being part of a new community!
We coordinate volunteering periods in following host organisations:
Be part of a supportive community in which learning happens through courses and shared daily life. You’ll work closely with people with disabilities while experiencing life in the countryside.
Learn through everyday encounters while supporting young people with disabilities. You’ll get to learn about the education field, build meaningful relationships, and live close to nature in the countryside.
Are you interested in the education field? Would you like to support the students’ community and individual growth? Volunteer at Otavia, a place of adult upper secondary education and basic education, as well as studies in liberal adult education.
Live and learn in a vibrant countryside community while supporting adults with disabilities. You’ll get hands-on experience in workshops and a chance to build life-enriching friendships.
Are you curious about international volunteering? At Maailmanvaihto – ICYE Finland, you can gain experience in office tasks and get involved in intercultural learning in a youth exchange organisation.
European Solidarity Corps volunteering is open to young people who
No previous education or work experience is required. Practical English skills are enough to get started, and the volunteering experience offers a great opportunity to learn Finnish or Swedish.
If there are many applicants, preference will be given to candidates who have fewer opportunities than other candidates.
Important update (February 2026): Currently, it is not possible to apply for European Solidarity Corps volunteering in Finland from Russia, Syria, or Libya. If you are living in Finland and interested in volunteering, please contact us to explore local opportunities.
Before confirming their participation, selected candidates must submit a criminal record check for volunteer roles that involve working with minors or the elderly (with or without disabilities) or adults with disabilities.
Volunteers working with vulnerable groups, such as the elderly or people with disabilities, must have a full COVID-19 vaccination series. Exceptions may be granted for medical reasons. If you have not yet been vaccinated, you must commit to taking the vaccinations upon arrival.
The European Union covers the following expenses for volunteers:
The accommodation and food are provided by the voluntary workplace and/or a local host family.
Check out the currently available positions on our website. There, you’ll also find application instructions and the application form.
Note: To apply, you need a sending organisation in your country of residence. You can find accredited sending organisations in the European Solidarity Corps Database ↗ (youth.europa.eu).
“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, a volunteer from Ireland
“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)
“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, a volunteer from Spain
The European Commission is not responsible for the content of the website.
