FAQs - Volunteering - where to start

NO - the programme is open to everyone. You'll be given specific training before you go.

You can start by checking the European Solidarity Corps website for more information and opportunities to volunteer abroad.

NO - unless basic knowledge of the language is specifically required for the work you'll be doing. Language support will be available to you during your project, so you'll certainly learn some Spanish while you're there.

YES - but volunteering with the European Solidarity Corps entitles you to special free insurance if you go abroad. Ask the organisation sending you for details.

If you find yourself in a very difficult situation and your problems can't be solved, there are ways of terminating your volunteering agreement - as a last resort.

NO - you won't need to pay anything to participate in a volunteering project with the European Solidarity Corps.

YES - national volunteering schemes are not necessarily open to non-citizens. Contact the authority in charge to find out.

POSSIBLY - taking part in a volunteering project doesn't exempt you from abiding by national visa regulations. Make sure you do your homework properly!

Volunteers' status isn't regulated under EU law. Those working abroad are looked after by both the organisation sending them and their host organisation. As a volunteer, you have the right to live in any EU country, provided you have sufficient resources to support yourself and comprehensive health insurance. As long as you fulfil those conditions, you will be covered by the social security system of that country. If your stay in another EU country is temporary, you could rely on your European Health Insurance Card from your home country to ensure that you can obtain the healthcare you need during your stay.

If you've taken part in a European Solidarity Corps volunteering project, you'll receive a Youthpass Certificate.

With the Youthpass Certificate, you can be sure that experience gained through the European Solidarity Corps is recognised as an educational experience and a period of non-formal learning. If you are taking part in a solidarity project, your organisation should register on the Youthpass website and enter your details. Your certificate can then be validated and generated.