ESC at the Edge of the World – Metsäkartano
Nuorisokeskus Metsäkartano
Rautavaara, Finland
Description
Come volunteer at Metsäkartano, a youth and nature centre located deep in the Finnish forest, 20 km from the nearest village. This is a unique opportunity to live surrounded by lake, wilderness, and silence—while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people. Our work focuses on youth empowerment, social inclusion, and sustainability. We host youth camps and educational activities for young people with fewer opportunities, and we use nature-based methods like “nuotiopedagogiikka” (campfire pedagogy) to build connection, confidence, and community. As a volunteer, you will become part of our close-knit team and support our youth work in different ways—from helping during youth camps and seasonal events, to working behind the scenes with communications, social media, photography, and daily practical tasks.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
The volunteer will be accommodated in a shared apartment on-site. Meals are provided by the Metsäkartano kitchen, either as ready-made meals from the restaurant buffet (when there are guests on-site) or as ingredients for self-cooking. Metsäkartano is located in a remote area with no public transportation available. However, staff members occasionally offer car rides to nearby villages when running errands or commuting. If the volunteer has a valid driving license, they may also book and use the Metsäkartano van sometimes. A store/village cannot be reached by walking or bicycling normally.
Training during the activity
The volunteer will have a personal work mentor and a mentor to reflect learning goals. There will also be a one-week on-arrival training in another city in Finland. At Metsäkartano, the volunteer will receive orientation training and be introduced to the permanent staff, interns, and seasonal employees to help them settle in and get to know the community. It is important that the volunteer enjoys spending time alone and has independent hobbies such as hiking, cycling, or crafts. Being proactive and open to connecting with others will also help the volunteer make the most of their experience
Participant profile
We welcome open-minded, self-motivated people who are: • Motivated • Not at the moment in work or school • Personal values fit to the values of ESC • Interested in youth work, inclusion, and nature • Comfortable with rural living and quiet surroundings • Able to enjoy solo hobbies (reading, hiking, crafts, etc.) • Willing to be proactive and get involved • Ready to challenge themselves and learn new things HOW TO APPLY: Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us in remote Finland! Please read the following instructions carefully and include all requested information in your application. What to Send Us: • Your CV • A Motivation Letter (1–2 pages) added at the end of your CV (same file is fine) Important: Please write the application in your own English – not with AI or translator help. It doesn’t have to be perfect – we also don’t speak perfect English! :) We want to hear your real voice and personality through your words. Please Answer These Questions in Your Motivation Letter: 1. Why do you want to live in remote Finland? (Metsäkartano is located 20 km from the nearest village.) 2. Why do you want to commit to youth work in Finland? 3. Why do you want to volunteer? What motivates you? 4. Do you have any previous experience living in an international setting? (E.g. exchange programs, international camps, studies abroad.) 5. Have you lived away from home before? If yes, where and how did you experience it? 6. What kind of volunteering or educational activities have you done in your free time? Have you worked with non-profits? What were your tasks? 7. Do you have experience updating social media for organizations or as an influencer? 8. Do you have photography or video making skills? If yes, please send us something you’ve created! 9. What are your hobbies and what do you like to do in your free time? (We’re especially interested in hobbies you enjoy doing solo.) 10. Do you have a valid driving license? 11. Do you already have a local supporting organisation? (This is required in ESC projects.) 12. Do you belong to the group "young people with fewer opportunities"? 13. Do you have any special needs or health conditions? (No problem – we can arrange extra support if needed, also shorter periods of volunteering is possible in this case.) 14. Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you? 15. If you come from a country/nationality you need a visa for working in Finland, please explain your situation if you already have it (the starting date is quite soon and there is not time to apply for visa in this project - for next year there might be time). Feel free to express your personality, values, and interests. We look forward to getting to know you! We only take applications via this portal. Any applications coming outside of the portal will be ignored. Questions can be asked: international@metsakartano.com. Reach out to us only via this email address. If you write to any other email address, unfortunately the messages will be ignored as we don't have the capacity to be available all the time. We will fill the spot soon. Thank you for your application, looking forward to work with you.
Activity dates
A total of 24 week(s) during the period 01/08/2025 to 31/12/2025
Activity location
Metsäkartanontie 700, Rautavaara, Finland
Activity type
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo * UN resolution, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova (Republic of), Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine
Activity topics
Education and training
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 30/08/2025 23:00