Volunteering in Humanitarian Aid

As from 2022, the European Solidarity Corps opens up to the world and offers new cross-border volunteering activities in support of humanitarian aid operations in third countries.

These projects are an excellent opportunity to engage as an active citizen, show solidarity to people in countries outside of the EU who have faced humanitarian disasters or need to increase their preparedness to possible disasters in the future, while learning new skills, cultures and ways of life – definitively a life-changing experience!

Beyond disaster preparedness and post-disaster relief, the projects in which you will participate cover a wide range of issues, here are just a few examples: promotion of gender equality, protection of women and children, protection of refugees and internally displaced persons, protection of undocumented migrants, mitigation of the effects of climate change, improvement of food security, etc.

You have the choice between individual volunteering and volunteering in teams, for a short or longer period.

Individual volunteering

• can last from 2 months up to 12 months
• is full-time (between 30 and 38 hours a week) 
• allows you to contribute to the daily to carry out tasks needed to support the activities undertaken by the host organisation, which is an organisation active in the humanitarian aid field
• is ‘cross-border’ – i.e. in a different country to where you live – and takes place in a third country where there are ongoing humanitarian aid activities and operations

Team volunteering 

If you can’t commit for a long period, but still want to help, then check out team volunteering, which:

• can last between 2 weeks and 2 months
• is full-time (between 30 and 38 hours a week)
• you volunteer with people from at least 2 different countries
• the group will be between 5 and 40 volunteers who will be selected by the supporting and host organisations 
• takes place in a third country where there are ongoing humanitarian aid activities and operations

Supporting and host organisations

If you’re selected to go abroad for some humanitarian aid volunteering, at least 3 organisations will be involved:

• At least 2 support organisations – from different EU Member States or third countries associated to the programme (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Türkiye and North Macedonia). These organisations will help you to prepare for your experience abroad. 
• At least 1 host organisation – based in a third country not associated to the programme where there are no ongoing international or non-international armed conflicts and where humanitarian aid activities take place. This organisation will accompany you during your volunteering activities abroad. 
• First opportunities are expected to be published in the second quarter of 2023. More information will follow.   

Who can volunteer?

European Solidarity Corps volunteering activities are open to 18-30 (35 for humanitarian aid volunteering) year old people who legally reside legally in a EU Member State or in a third country associated to the Programme (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Türkiye and North Macedonia) and who have registered in the European Solidarity Corps Portal.

What is covered?

• You are covered by a complementary insurance
• You can access a range of support services such as linguistic support and training
• Your basic costs will be covered (your travel to and from the project, accommodation and food)
• You’ll also receive a small allowance for personal expenses 
• If you have specific needs (e.g. a disability), these costs may also be covered

How to register

You can register here and express your interest in humanitarian aid volunteering. Volunteering activities in the field of humanitarian aid will be as of 2023. Prior to a volunteering activity volunteers need to have completed successfully a self-assessment, an online and face-to-face training.

/!\ Registering for the Corps does not guarantee you will take part in an activity.