European Solidarity Corps (ESC)
Erasmus+ programme for young people aged 18 to 30
The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) – formerly known as the European Voluntary Service (EVS) – is a European Union programme that enables young people to engage in solidarity projects in Europe and beyond for a period of two weeks to 12 months. They are hosted by a host organisation and are monitored by both their host and sending organisations throughout their volunteering period.
What are the conditions of the CES?
For young people aged 18-30
Young people participating in the ESC must be between 18 and 30 years old and live in the same country as their sending organisation. There are no nationality requirements.
Coverage of expenses
The programme covers transport, food, accommodation and insurance costs. A daily allowance is also provided.
Motivation only
No qualifications are necessary and no specific skills are required. The CES is open to everyone; motivation is the only essential requirement.
Support throughout
Young people are supported throughout the project: before, during and after their volunteering by mentors from the sending and host organisations.
What are the objectives of the ESC?
- Participate in solidarity-based actions of general interest
- Facilitate intercultural learning and create positive change for local communities
- Discover best practices for inclusion and facilitation and raise awareness on current issues (environment, solidarity, gender equality, etc.)
- Develop key skills (digital, social, civic, linguistic, etc.) for your personal and professional life and showcase them by creating a Youthpass certificate
AMSED supports volunteers in creating their Youthpass at the end of their volunteering period. This certificate is the official European Union instrument for recognising experiences gained through European youth programmes. It allows volunteers to showcase the skills they have acquired during their volunteering experience and can be used when looking for employment.
Sending volunteers on ESC
AMSED places young people with fewer opportunities at the heart of its actions, as they often face social, economic, cultural or geographical barriers that limit their access to international opportunities. This mobility programme with the CES allows them to enjoy their first experience abroad, get involved in solidarity projects and develop their skills to promote their social and professional integration.
AMSED generally offers one-month placements in various countries, depending on our partners. Here are the assignments currently available. Click for a description and details of the activities involved in each placement:
AMSED supports volunteers throughout their project, from the recruitment phase until their return. Among the measures put in place to provide individualised support are:
- Information (office hours, individual meetings, local meetings, attendance at local events, etc.)
- Individualised support to overcome barriers to mobility
- Follow-up and meetings to prepare for mobility
- Organisation of a weekend to prepare for departure
- Remote follow-up during mobility
- Support upon return to identify the skills developed (CV, Youthpass certificate, etc.)
- Support for career plans
- Support for disseminating and sharing experiences (participation in events, production of a video recounting the volunteering experience, writing a report, etc.)
To better understand young people’s volunteering with AMSED, read their testimonials. They talk about their experiences, what they have learnt and what these projects have brought them.
Welcoming volunteers
Throughout the year, AMSED also welcomes volunteers from Morocco, Turkey, Tunisia and Armenia to its premises. During their stay in Strasbourg, these young people support AMSED in its activities.
AMSED generally offers short-term volunteering placements lasting two months, but also offers a few long-term placements lasting around six months.
Depending on the period of the volunteer programme, volunteers are asked to carry out various tasks:
- Creation of digital communication and awareness-raising tools
- Facilitation of and participation in digital activities and workshops on citizenship and cultural diversity
- Facilitation of workshops for children in disadvantaged neighbourhoods of the Eurometropolis
- Support for and participation in AMSED projects and events
- Participation in the urban community garden in an eco-responsible spirit
- Promotion and sharing of their volunteering experience
- Participation in local and European events related to citizenship issues (Europe Month, Refugee Week, World Forum for Democracy, European Youth Event, etc.) and promotion of these events
This project is co-funded by the European Social Fund as part of the ESF+ national programme ‘Employment, Inclusion, Youth and Skills’ 2021/2027.
Funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the authority granting the grant can be held responsible for them.
Practical info
Access: Tram C and E (Esplanade) – Bus L1, 30 and 31 (Esplanade / Ankara stops)
Contact: mobilite@amsed.fr / contact@amsed.fr Telephone: +33 (0)9 81 91 71 67 / +33 (0)6 61 34 26 03
