FAQ
What is the European Voluntary Service ? The European Voluntary Service ( EVS ) is a programme of the European Commission which allows a young person aged between 17 and 30 years to be a volunteer in a foreign country for a determined period of time , between 2 and 12 months , to get to know another culture and another language and participating at the same time in the realisation of a project useful for the local community .
Who can apply for EVS projects ? All organizations and public bodies that are accredited for it . To get the accreditation organizations must register in the Unique Registration Facility of the European Comission ’ s Portal . Next the organization can apply to the Accreditation on the online application form . This should be filled in English .
Who are the partners in EVS project ? Each EVS project foresees the partnership of three or four partners : the volunteer , the sending organisation , the hosting organsiation and the coordinating organisation
What is the age limit to participate in EVS ? The EVS is open to young people between 17 and 30 years .
Do the volunteers need to have specific skills to take part in EVS project ? The selection of volunteers should not be made according to the skills of the volunteers . EVS should be open to everybody . Nevertheless , a certain skills or abilities are sometimes mentioned as being a plus for specific tasks .
Where can EVS projects take place ? The European Voluntary Service concerns all countries of the European Union , the EFTA countries ( Iceland , Norway , Liechtenstein , Macedonia and Turkey ) and EECA countries ( Moldova , Ukraine , Georgia , Armenia , Azerbaijan and Belarus ). Furthermore , there are also some projects in other countries of the world .
What is EECA ? EECA is the group of Eastern Europe and Caucasus countries that can be partners in Erasmus +: Moldova , Ukraine , Georgia , Armenia , Azerbeijan and Belarus .
Where can I find partner organizations ? OTLAS is an online tool promoted by SALTO where organizations can search and find other partner organization to develop their own projects .
Do the volunteers need an insurance coverage ? Specific plan designed to protect participants in EVS is provided free of charge to the volunteer . It is the responsibility of the sending or the coordinating organisation to enroll the volunteer .
Who can help the volunteer with visa problems ? Both sending and host organisation have the responsibility to help the volunteer to obtain a visa , if needed .
Can the volunteers take some holidays ? All volunteers are entitled to take 2 working days ’ holiday per month , which means that you can take 24 days holiday during a 12 month placement . It is volunteer ’ s choice how and when they use their holidays but they must discuss their holiday dates with the project supervisor at least one month before they plan to go .
Do the volunteers get free accommodation and food ? The host organisation provides the volunteers with a suitable accommodation and food allowance throughout the entire service period including holidays .
Do the volunteers get pocket money ? Yes , all EVS volunteers get a monthly allowance directly from the project depending on the hosting country .
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