I WILL...volunteer
Interested in learning new skills while helping others? Volunteering introduces you to new people and cultures, giving you invaluable experience that will enhance or influence your future career.
You can do it abroad or nearer to home. The websites listed on this page will open your eyes to the many European and international opportunities for volunteer work that exist: European Voluntary Service (EVS), Youth Exchanges and Work Camps.
European Voluntary Service
Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organizations
This group represents national bodies that run international voluntary projects. The site includes a detailed presentation of the network and a useful list of its members.
http://www.alliance-network.eu [EN]
EVS Community
The virtual meeting place for all European volunteers. Here you can find EVS volunteers and volunteering projects in the country where you are planning to go. With news and information on the European Voluntary Service and the Future Capital. (Registration required if you want to interact with the other volunteers or view their personal page.)
http://www.4evs.net [EN]
EVS guide
Explains what EVS is and how it works and raises some questions for you to think about before applying. The site will help you prepare mentally for a stay abroad and give some practical hints and tips.
http://www.evsguide.eu/ [EN]
EVS: Application Forms
Whether you are a volunteer or a host organisation, you will find all the necessary application forms (pdf or word) to apply for an EVS programme.
http://ec.europa.eu/youth/youth-in-action-programme/doc411_en.htm [EN]
EVS: Background
Read more about the history: how and when the European Voluntary Service project started and the decisions that supported this programme.
http://europa.eu/scadplus/leg/en/cha/c11602c.htm [DA][NL][EN][FI][FR][DE][EL][IT][PT][ES][SV]
EVS: Information page
Dedicated to the programme, this site includes information about volunteering in Europe and contact details of former participants and other applicants. Reach them in a direct forum or by searching the comprehensive address list. A partial version available in English.
http://www.ex-evs.de
EVS: Practical information
Learn more about the European Voluntary Service project from the Youth in Action Programme: descriptions of the projects, who can apply and how to do so.
http://ec.europa.eu/youth/youth-in-action-programme/doc82_en.htm [EN]
National agencies
Wondering whom you should contact? Find the contact details of your National Agency for the Youth Programme.
http://ec.europa.eu/youth/youth/contacts_en.htm [EN]
The European database on EVS accredited organizations
Each organisation is presented through a short description, its motivation and EVS experience, the themes of work and contact details. It also informs if the organisation offers possibilities for young people with fewer opportunities.
http://ec.europa.eu/youth/evs/aod/hei_en.cfm [EN]
Other Opportunities
Association of Voluntary Service Organizations
Information on all member bodies dealing with voluntary service programmes in Europe.
http://www.avso.org [EN]
Charities for international exchange
International organisation with work camps in Germany, Latin America and Switzerland. General information about programmes and advice on what to expect from a work camp. Limited information available in English.
http://www.ibg-workcamps.org [DE]
Concordia
Organization helping to arrange and support work camps in Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America. Information about work camps, and advice on what to expect and how to prepare.
http://www.concordia-association.org/index.php [FR]
Creative Corners: new agency for creative volunteering
Through this site, volunteers with creative skills (from any country) can apply for projects in South and Central America.
http://www.creative-corners.com [EN][ES]
Cross-Cultural Organisation
Independent, non-profit organisation coordinating volunteer programmes in Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Peru, Russia, Tanzania and Thailand.
http://www.crossculturalsolutions.org/ [EN]
European Volunteer Centre
European umbrella organisation of National and Regional Volunteer Centres across Europe, which promotes volunteering Europe wide. It provides information on developments within the EU.
http://www.cev.be/index.htm [EN][FR]
Eurotope.net
This site is built around the experiences of young volunteers from all over Europe. It gives tips on tackling environmental problems, improving quality of life, contacting others and sharing ideas. Anyone can participate by posting questions, comments or ideas.
http://www.eurotope.net/ [EN]
GapGuru.com
Look here to create the perfect gap year programme. Behind it, there is a young, dynamic, specialist team of committed professionals with relevant management expertise and a thorough understanding of business and the volunteering sector. The projects they offer could be based on adventure and activity, arts and heritage, leisure and lifestyle, wildlife and safaris. It is up to you to choose what suits you best!
http://www.gapguru.com [EN]
Global Volunteer Network
Apply online for volunteer positions in China, Ecuador, Ghana, Nepal, Romania, Russia, Thailand and Uganda.
http://www.volunteer.org.nz/ [EN]
GreatGapYears
A reference site for planning your gap year, with tips on staying safe. Practical advice and articles on voluntary work, paid work and gap-year travels in general.
http://www.greatgapyears.co.uk [EN]
International Cultural Youth Exchange
Non-profit, international youth organisation coordinating youth exchange and voluntary service programmes in 34 countries worldwide. Volunteer placements are usually in social work, education, youth work, health education and environmental work. Site has a searchable database of placements.
http://www.icye.org [EN]
International Volunteer Programs Association
Search for opportunities online and read the practical general information and advice on volunteering. Subscribe to the newsletter (one every two months).
http://www.volunteerinternational.org/ [EN]
International Voluntary Service
Join a summer camp in Europe, North America or North Africa, and meet people from all over the world. Activities include peace camps and anti-racism work. Short-, medium- and long-term opportunities. Only people aged over 18 can apply.
http://www.ivs-gb.org.uk [EN]
International Youth Community Services
Find out about short-term international work camps in Germany and Europe, and longer ones in Africa, South Asia and Latin America. Information on different projects and programmes, advice on how to apply and prepare. Limited information available in English.
http://www.ijgd.de [DE]
One World Action
This organisation is working for a world free from poverty and oppression. Visit the website to see the latest opportunities for prospective volunteers. The newsletters are available in pdf format.
http://www.oneworldaction.org/ [EN]
Oneworld
Opportunities for voluntary work in human rights, the environment and sustainable development. Register to receive the latest vacancies by email.
http://www.oneworld.net/job/search/?Volunteer=1&Search=Search&RestrictPacka [EN]
Online Volunteering Service
This site is for volunteers who want to get involved in a development project without leaving home, and for organisations looking for online volunteers around the world. Here you will find translated documents, articles, data and projects for helping people and communities in the developing world.
http://www.onlinevolunteering.org [EN][FR][ES]
Pro International
German organisation for international work camps around the world. Learn more about its projects. Includes an application form and contact details of previous participants. Some information is available in English (a programme in pdf).
http://www.pro-international.de [DE]
Service Civil International
Voluntary short- and long-term projects worldwide, information on organisations dealing with them, and many useful links and documents. Subscribe to email lists for the programmes that interest you.
http://www.sciint.org [EN]
Toolkit: Measuring volunteering
A resource that helps countries take stock of volunteer resources at national, regional and local level. The kit is available in English, French, Spanish and Korean.
http://www.independentsector.org/programs/research/toolkit/default.html [EN]
United Nations Volunteers
An open door to opportunities with UN Volunteers and like-minded organisations around the world. Learn more about your volunteer options and how to apply. Read about the experiences of former volunteers.
http://www.unv.org/ [EN]
Voluntary Worker
Site to help you find information and advice on voluntary work all over the world – at any age.
http://www.voluntaryworker.co.uk [EN]
Volunteer Abroad
Interested in volunteering? All you need to know about volunteering including how to get started. Links to many other sites with useful information.
http://www.volunteerabroad.com/ [EN]
WorkingAbroad
An independent organisation offering volunteering opportunities around the world. Visit the volunteer section of the website for details, fill in the online application form or read volunteers’ stories.
http://www.workingabroad.com [EN][FR]
Volunteers for Peace
Find out about international work camps in 80 countries. Services include a consultation and placement service for work camp hosts and volunteers, linking people with suitable programmes. FAQs, a work camp directory and advice for volunteers.
http://www.vfp.org [EN]
World volunteers
A resource for students or people with no previous experience who are interested in volunteering in a developing country for an interesting vacation or unique gap year. Useful guides list hundred of projects throughout the world in different fields. The choice ranges from archaeological, heritage conservation and green projects to humanitarian work camps.
http://www.worldvolunteers.org [EN][FR][IT]
Worldwide Experience
Looking for the most amazing gap year, summer break or sabbatical opportunities on offer? This organisation is specialised in conservation placements in Africa. Its programmes run from 2 weeks to 3 months and are located in amazing countries like South Africa, Kenya, Namibia, Scotland and Sri Lanka. Placement types include conservation on land and at sea, plus various teaching and community projects.
http://www.worldwideexperience.com/gapyear [EN]
Worldwide volunteer abroad
Looking to volunteer abroad in your gap year? This site will help you find a programme (and accommodation) in China, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Thailand or Vietnam.
http://www.worldwidelanguagestudy.com/index.html [EN]
Worldwide volunteer directory
A directory of current volunteering opportunities in different countries.
http://www.planetedu.com/category/volunteer/ [EN]
Youth Action for Peace
International exchanges of volunteers into non-profit initiatives, and links to international youth organisations.
http://www.yap.org [EN]
Youth Challenge International
Looking for a challenge? Here you can join one of the adventurous projects combining community development, health work and environmental research carried out by teams of volunteers aged 18-30.
http://www.yci.org [EN]
[Source: European Youth Portal http://europa.eu/youth]