How to find your perfect volunteering match

Posledná aktualizácia streda, 15/04/2026

Volunteering can be your first work experience, a great way to gain new skills, meet new people and make a difference in your community, in Europe or beyond. If you’re wondering which volunteering programme fits you best, let’s dive in!

1. European Solidarity Corps (ESC)

The European Solidarity Corps is an EU-funded programme that helps young people aged 18 to 30 residing in eligible countries to volunteer on projects that benefit communities across Europe and beyond.

It allows you to volunteer abroad, in your country, or even set up your own local solidarity project, all fully funded!

What makes it appealing is that you contribute to something meaningful while building skills and becoming more independent and confident.

Whether you prefer to enjoy this experience solo or as part of a team, there’s a project for you.

Finally, the programme covers your travel, accommodation, food, insurance and provides a small allowance, making the experience accessible even if you don’t have a big budget!

2. Humanitarian Aid Volunteering

The Humanitarian Aid Volunteering strand is open to young people aged 18 to 35 living in the EU or in Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia or Türkiye.
It’s tailored for those who want to volunteer outside the EU, in projects linked to humanitarian operations and real crisis situations. Don’t worry, you’ll receive preparatory training and support throughout the whole process. And yes, it’s fully funded by the EU!

Humanitarian Aid Volunteering means joining experienced organisations and seeing solidarity in action in real humanitarian contexts. That’s why mandatory preparation,  online learning and in-person training are required before applying. With high demand and limited spots, clearly stating your motivation and applying at the right time can make all the difference.

3. Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVY)

Interreg Volunteer Youth offers programmes for young people (18-30) curious about how Europe works behind the scenes, from cross-border cooperation, regional projects to local impact.

Volunteering usually lasts between 2 and 6 months, and roles often focus on either supporting project implementation or helping with communication and storytelling. Volunteers must be from the EU and can then be deployed to any of the 27 EU Member States and partner countries.

It’s the right fit for you if you want volunteering that feels close to EU cooperation projects, policy in action and real-world regional challenges, while still being practical and hands-on.
Finally, everything’s fully covered by the European Commission, so no stress!

Volunteers working on the revitalisation of Malý Bor mires.

© European Union, 2020
 

4. Service Civil International (SCI) work camps and long-term projects

SCI is your ideal route if you’re looking for international volunteering with a peace-and-community spirit. 

You’ll find both longer placements and short-term experiences where you live and work with a group of volunteers from different countries, cultures and backgrounds.

• Longer placements provide volunteers with the opportunity to stay abroad from 1 to 12 months. Volunteers can choose from a variety of projects and activities, from working with disabled people, disadvantaged youth, or ethnic minorities, to working in an office or running daily activities in an eco-village.
• Short-term voluntary projects, commonly known as workcamps, are a unique form of volunteering, bringing together people to live and work together with local communities for a period of 2 to 3 weeks.

Some costs can apply, for example, a membership or placement fee, but the overall model is designed to keep projects accessible for everyone, especially those with fewer opportunities!

5. Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organisations

The Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organisations is an international youth NGO that brings together national organisations promoting intercultural education, understanding and peace through voluntary service; the perfect choice if you’re looking for an intercultural and community-driven experience.

One of the most popular formats is the work camp, where you live and work with an international group on a project that benefits a local community for 2-3 weeks. 

If you’re looking for something longer, many Alliance member organisations also offer mid- and long-term volunteering placements, typically 1 to 12 months, often outside Europe, for people who want more time to settle in, learn deeply and grow through a bigger life experience!

6. United Nations Onsite and Online Volunteering

The United Nations Onsite and Online Volunteering (UNV) is a UN initiative that connects you with organisations around the world working to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. It offers both onsite and online volunteering for anyone who wants to contribute within their own country, abroad, or remotely, without needing to travel. 

What you do depends on the specific assignment, but the idea is simple: you offer your time and skills in a way that’s practical and useful. This could mean supporting communication (writing, editing, social media), contributing creativity (design, visual content), helping across languages (translation), supporting learning (teaching, training), or pitching in on research and tech tasks. Each opportunity has its own requirements, so you can choose what fits you best, whether you’re building experience or simply want to do something meaningful with your skills.

One last tip

The best volunteering experience is the one that matches your life right now.

Before applying, clearly understand your availability, the type of volunteering you want and what you hope to walk away with, whether it’s new skills, new people or a clearer direction for your future.

For more information, explore Eurodesk’s publications on volunteering:

• Euro-Volunteering brochure
• How to volunteer for the climate
• How to Volunteer with the European Solidarity Corps

And if you want to discover even more volunteering opportunities, the Eurodesk Opportunity Finder is definitely worth a look!

Written by Eurodesk