European Voluntary Service (EVS)

What is EVS and how does it work?
The European Voluntary Service (EVS) as part of the “Youth in Action” program (2007-2013) of the European Union aims to support young people's participation in various forms of voluntary non-profit activities abroad. European Voluntary Service (EVS) is a great opportunity for you to gain work experience in a European country, make new friends, develop new skills, and contribute to the development of local communities. Being a volunteer abroad means that you will work on an interesting project of your choice where you won’t receive a salary, but you will be provided with a monthly allowance to cover all your living expenses. The costs of accommodation, food, international and local transport related to your project, health insurance and pocket money are covered by the “Youth in Action” program of the European Commission. You will receive free language training to enable you to live and work in your destination country.
Duration of the projects:
  • 2 months to 12 months in an individual EVS activity
  • 2 weeks to 12 months in a group EVS activity, involving anything from 2-30 volunteers
  • 2 weeks to 2 months short term EVS activity for young people facing certain obstacles and difficulties

You can work in many different areas: art and culture, sport, social work, healthcare, environment, etc. so you can find a project which most closely matches your interests.

Who can participate?
The program is open to ALL young people in Europe age 18-30 years, regardless of their social, cultural, educational or economic background. Typically, EVS is a “once in a lifetime” experience - a volunteer can take part in only one EVS activity. However, an exception could be made in cases of volunteers with fewer opportunities who could take part in more than one EVS activity, provided that the total duration of the combined periods of service does not exceed 12 months.
Why become a volunteer?
For many reasons! First, it is an opportunity to travel the world, discover a new culture, and learn or practice a new language. It is also good for CV improvement. The EVS program gives you a true opportunity to gain work experience in the area that you have chosen for your project (art and culture, sport, social work, healthcare, environment, etc.), which can provide you added value later on in the job market. You can even discover your future vocation through EVS! It is a unique opportunity to make new and international friends and widen your social network for future opportunities. You will be able to contribute to your local community, be young ambassadors of Macedonia abroad, and make people discover your culture while discovering theirs. And of course, the EVS makes you develop yourself! By living abroad, in a new and challenging environment, you develop decision making skills, becoming a more independent and active citizen.

Some typical benefits for young people from participation in EVS:

  • Increased self-esteem
  • Sense of independence and self-initiative
  • Foreign language competence
  • Communication skills
  • Project management skills
  • Intercultural sensitivity and awareness
  • Teamwork skills
  • Establishment of networks and partnerships
  • Increased work experience
What should I do to become a volunteer abroad?
Regarding sending EVS volunteers, LDA Struga proposes the following steps for getting involved in the EVS program for volunteers from Macedonia going abroad:
  1. Contact LDA Struga
    2. You are welcome to contact us on contact@ldastruga.org if you are considering the opportunities to be a volunteer abroad. We will be glad to assist you in finding the project, explaining you how the EVS program works, answering all of your questions, and undertaking the responsibility of being your sending organization.
  2. Find a host organization
    3. You can access the database and search for the right project that matches your interests at:ec.europa.eu
    or search available EVS positions through the fan page on Facebook at:www.facebook.com

    If you do not find a project yourself, we can start working together on finding a partner abroad. Remember, to work out all the technicalities takes up to several months, so, if you want to become EVS volunteer, contact us in advance.

  3. Complete the application
    4. When all three partners (you, LDA Struga, and the host organization) have agreed on a placement and clarified all the practical arrangements, LDA Struga and your host organization will submit your application to the European Commission or respective National Agency. If your application is accepted, you will be given a grant which will cover all costs, such as travel, health insurance, board & lodging, training and your pocket money. Please keep in mind that you do not have to pay to participate in EVS! You will not receive a salary, but monthly allowance to cover basic needs, e.g. 125 eur/month for France.
  4. Attend training
    5. Participation at the LDA’s pre-departure EVS training is obligatory.

    EVS is NOT...

    • Occasional, unstructured, part-time volunteering
    • An internship in an enterprise
    • A paid job and must not be substitute for paid jobs
    • A recreation or tourist activity
    • A language course
    • Exploitation of a cheap work force
    • A period of study or vocational training abroad

    EVS is not simply a funding scheme, but a quality model of transnational voluntary service. With the EVS you have possibility to see Europe like never before!

    For further detailed information regarding the process of applying or becoming part of the activities within “Youth in Action” Programme, contact us on any LDA’s contact information.