EVS were letters that sounded good to anyone who wanted to travel to another European country and volunteer there for a longer period of time. EVS? This means (or was called) European Voluntary Service and meant working for 2 to 12 months in a project in the social, cultural or educational sector, getting a taste of a new language, living alone for the first time (perhaps), gaining initial work experience - and above all: getting to know lots of new people and EUROPE!

Our NGO magazine contains several enthusiastic testimonials from young people who have completed the European Voluntary Service and were clearly delighted with it. The work opportunities during the EVS were very different: Christina worked in a children's home and orphanage in Lithuania, Elisabeth took a break from her normal life in Romania, Sinem gained experience in childcare in a kindergarten in Palermo and Petra (from South Tyrol) supported young people looking for work at an association in Graz.

These four - like many other teenagers and young adults before and after them - have gained enriching, colorful, valuable experiences for their entire lives.

Elisabeth sums up the social component of the European Voluntary Service in touching words:

"EVS brings you into a community full of bright and sometimes open-minded people. They invite you to be a member of their family. They are your best friends with an expiration date. You put all your trust in strangers you've never met before. At a speed that makes you dizzy. Step by step, you tell them more and more about your past and spend a fantastic present with them. You tell them more than your true friends, you can be what you are, who you are. No apologies, no "I didn't expect this from you". No surprises, because everything is a surprise. Being surprised becomes your new routine."

What has become of the European Voluntary Service?

Why is the beginning of this article written in the past? Does the EVS no longer exist? All-clear - it does! It just got a new name and was incorporated into the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) in 2018. However, the project has hardly changed.

With the ESK - if you are between 18 and 30 years old - you can

... work on a charitable project for 2 to 12 months
... gain valuable experience in a social, cultural or environmental project in Europe
... live in another country free of charge and receive pocket money. Your work (approx. 30 hours per week) is voluntary.
... fill a "gap year" after school, after a period of study, after graduating from university in a wonderful and valuable way!

How can I apply for the European Solidarity Corps?

First you need to find a broadcasting organization, these vary depending on the federal state in which you live. Here you will find an overview of all ESK regional offices that are responsible in Austria. In Vienna, for example, this is Jugendinfo wien xtra. The regional offices will also provide you with detailed advice on the volunteer projects and there are information days on the European Solidarity Corps.

You can then search for projects and apply yourself in the ESK database. Your broadcasting organization or the regional office in your federal state will also help you with this. There are hardly any requirements for participation if you are between 18 and 30 years old and show motivation and openness for your commitment - then nothing can stop you!

Take a gap year with the European Solidarity Corps and get to know Europe!

Or, to quote Elisabeth's touching article again:

"EVS gives you a break from normal life. From everything that is normal. You will be confronted with more than you expect, come back with more than you expect, if you dare.
It's a time when you can be selfish and still do something good for the world.
It's a good balance.
Welcome to the adventure where you never know what tomorrow will bring. You're going to love it!"