Individual volunteering
2 weeks–12 months, usually 30–38 hours per week. Cross-border individual volunteering involves both a host and a support organisation.
EUROPEAN SOLIDARITY CORPS · ESCVolunteer in Europe.
Volunteer in Europe.
Contribute. Learn. Connect.
Join a project that benefits a community, develop practical skills and experience life in an international team. Understand the conditions and apply directly through the official channel.
Content and listings last checked: 15 October 2026Ages 18–30Standard ESC volunteering activities
2 weeks–12 monthsDuration depends on the activity type
Cost supportAccommodation, food, travel and pocket money
Direct applicationsOfficial portal or the host's stated channel
01 · THE PROGRAMME
What is EU volunteering?
The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is an EU-supported programme for community service and learning. Young people contribute to host organisations working in fields such as the environment, culture, education, youth and social inclusion.
It is a volunteering activity rather than paid employment; pocket money is not a salary. Participation develops practical skills and intercultural experience. Selection depends on the host organisation and the project conditions.
Volunteering teams
2 weeks–2 months, usually 30–38 hours per week. Participants from different countries contribute to a shared activity schedule.
02 · GENERAL ELIGIBILITY
Who can apply?
Age
You must be 18–30 at the start of standard volunteering activities. You can register at 17 but cannot begin before turning 18.
Residence and country eligibility
Türkiye is covered by the programme. Legal residence is relevant, and the listing must also include Türkiye under “Looking for participants from”.
Education and language
The programme has no universal university-degree or language-test requirement. Hosts may assess communication skills and suitability for the activities.
Registration and motivation
Create an EU Login account and ESC profile. Submit the requested CV, motivation statement and application form, and attend any online interview.
Availability and participation
Be available for the full activity and ready for teamwork and community service. Tell the host about previous ESC or EVS participation.
Travel preparation
After selection, complete the volunteering agreement and any required visa or residence procedures. A project offer does not replace travel authorisation.
03 · COVERED COSTS
What support is provided?
Support includes accommodation, food, insurance, learning and language support, and pocket money. Eligible travel receives support within ESC limits, with receipts sometimes needed for reimbursement. Visa and specific-needs costs may be supported under programme rules.
Pocket money and food allowances vary by country and project. Participation is free; travel above funding limits or personal expenses unrelated to the activity may remain your responsibility.
04 · ACCEPTING RESIDENTS OF TÜRKİYE
Current project examples
The official ESC listings below include Türkiye among accepted participant countries. They were checked on 15 October 2026. Consult the official listing for remaining places and the precise application cutoff.
Germany · Fahren / ZurowApplication date open
Volunteering team
Deep into Life III 12/2026
GRUENER GRASHALM e.V.Practical outdoor tasks, landscape care, woodwork and international community life, alongside leadership, communication and teamwork workshops.
- Activity period
- 1–26 December 2026
- Duration
- 26 days
- Application deadline
- · 00:00
Participant profileAges 18–30; no previous experience or special qualification required. Motivation and willingness to live and work in a team matter.
Project arrangementsAccommodation and food are provided. A Deutschlandticket supports local and regional transport; bicycles and local transport are available.
Application channelThe host accepts applications only through the Google Form linked in the official listing. Complete your ESC registration as well.
Türkiye is an accepted participant country
Cyprus · Klavdia / LarnacaApplication date open
Individual volunteering
Active Sport Solidarity Spirit VOL VI
Active Zone OutdoorSport, outdoor activities, environmental education and community engagement, with inclusive activities for people with disabilities and young people with fewer opportunities.
- Activity period
- 10 January–9 July 2027
- Duration
- 6 months
- Application deadline
- · 00:49
Participant profileMotivated young people interested in sport and social inclusion. Applicants with fewer opportunities receive priority.
Project arrangementsShared double-room accommodation. A combined €400 monthly food and pocket-money allowance. Eligible travel expenses are reimbursed against receipts within ESC limits.
Application channelRead the official application and information pack. Türkiye is among the accepted countries; confirm travel and visa arrangements with the host.
Türkiye is an accepted participant country
Romania · DrăgășaniNo published deadline
Individual volunteering
Start ESC: Green and Inclusive Volunteering
Asociatia Pro Dezvoltare DACIA (APDD)Community activities with young people focusing on social inclusion, environmental protection, digital skills, employability and entrepreneurship.
- Activity period
- Project window: 1 September 2026–30 December 2027
- Duration
- 48 weeks / 12 months in the host profile
- Application deadline
- Not specified in the listing
Participant profileAges 18–30 and sufficient English to communicate in an international team. No language certificate required. Selection uses a Europass CV, a short questionnaire and an online interview.
Project arrangementsThe listing states that accommodation, food and transport arrangements are provided within the project. Confirm amounts and your individual start date with the host.
Application channelNo application deadline is published. Confirm remaining places and a start date compatible with the 12-month commitment.
Türkiye is an accepted participant country
Browse all official volunteering listings
Application dates and remaining places may change. Check current conditions on the official host or portal page.
05 · APPLICATION STEPS
Prepare your application.
- 01Create your profile
Use EU Login to register on the ESC portal and complete your profile and participant number.
- 02Choose an eligible listing
Check accepted countries, age, dates, activities and the application deadline.
- 03Write your CV and motivation
Explain your interest in this specific project and the contribution you can make.
- 04Use the stated channel
Follow the host's portal, form or other instructions. Adapt each application to the project.
- 05Complete selection
Attend the interview if requested. Arrange a support organisation for individual volunteering abroad.
- 06Prepare after acceptance
Confirm the agreement, insurance, accommodation, budget and required travel documents with the organisations.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Before you apply
01Can I apply from Türkiye?+
Yes. Young people legally resident in Türkiye who meet the age requirement can apply to listings that accept Türkiye. Check each listing's country list and additional conditions.
02Do I need a degree or a language certificate?+
There is no universal requirement. Hosts may assess language communication and relevant skills. The APDD listing, for example, expects sufficient English but does not require a language certificate.
03Will I receive a salary?+
Volunteering is not paid employment. The project provides basic support and pocket money; amounts are stated in the listing or the volunteering agreement.
04Is acceptance or permanent residence guaranteed?+
No. Hosts select volunteers, and public authorities decide visa and residence applications. Acceptance does not automatically provide employment rights or permanent residence.
05How can I find a support organisation?+
Individual volunteering abroad requires a support organisation and a host organisation. Search for appropriate organisations in Türkiye in the official accredited-organisations database.
OFFICIAL SOURCES
Check the original guidance.
Content and listings last checked: 15 October 2026