What is the ESC Individual Volunteering Program?

The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is a new volunteering and solidarity program launched by the European Union in 2019. It allows young people aged 18 to 30 (inclusive) to participate in volunteering projects lasting from 2 weeks to 12 months in an EU country or their own country. As a candidate country for EU membership, Turkey can benefit from this program on equal terms with other EU countries.

There are two types of volunteering projects under the ESC:

• Short-term projects (14–59 days, excluding travel days)

• Long-term projects (2–12 months, excluding travel days)

Each young person can participate once in a short-term and once in a long-term ESC volunteering project. Once both rights are used, they can no longer join ESC volunteering projects. However, if you join a long-term project first, you lose your right to participate in a short-term one. For this reason, as Yeskad Association, we recommend you start with a short-term project and then move on to a long-term one.

What Support is Provided to Volunteers?

Volunteers participating in ESC projects are entitled to the following support. Providing this support is a legal requirement within the ESC framework. However, the method and scope of the support can vary depending on the project, the hosting organization, and the country you are going to. Be sure to ask the host organization for specific details during the application process (e.g., during the Skype interview).

Travel Support

Your round-trip travel costs to and from the project country are covered. Usually, you book your own ticket, and after arriving at the project site, the host organization reimburses you upon submission of original receipts, boarding passes, etc.

Accommodation Support

The host organization provides accommodation in a volunteer house, dormitory, or with a host family. Costs for electricity, water, and heating are also covered. Internet access is not mandatory. In cases where internet is not provided, you can arrange shared access with other volunteers.

Food Support

In most cases, you’ll receive a monthly food allowance from the project budget to cover three meals a day. Alternatively, the host organization may directly provide meals or offer a hybrid option (e.g., provide lunch at the office and pay an allowance for other meals).

Local Transportation Support

Local transport between your accommodation and the activity location is also covered. If the distance is walkable, transport may not be provided. For longer distances, costs for public transportation (bus, metro, train, etc.) or even a bicycle may be covered.

Health Insurance

During your ESC activity, you are provided with free health, travel, and third-party liability insurance. Your sending organization handles the insurance registration, and you may need this document when applying for your visa.

Visa Support

Visa and residence permit costs (excluding passport issuance) are covered by the project budget. These may include:

• Visa application fees

• Translation services

• Intermediary agency fees

• Additional insurance costs

• Travel costs to visa centers (e.g., traveling to Ankara or Istanbul)

All expenses must be backed by original receipts or invoices. If you need to apply for a residence permit after arrival, this cost is also covered. The only exception is if the organization didn’t plan for visa costs during the project application—this can happen if they originally intended to accept only EU-based volunteers.

Language Training

For projects of at least 3 months, you’re expected to participate in a language course (e.g., German in Germany, Polish in Poland). This training is free and organized by the host organization, either through staff members or professional language schools/instructors.

Pocket Money

In addition to the supports above, volunteers receive monthly pocket money meant for personal expenses (not food or rent). This amount varies by country and is calculated daily. For example, in 2022, volunteers in Turkey received €4 per day, totaling €120 per month.

What Are the Requirements to Join?

There are no requirements regarding foreign language proficiency, student status, or academic qualifications. The only condition is being between 18 and 30 years old (inclusive) at the start of the activity. Applications are made using an English Europass CV, which you can prepare via the Europass website.

Before Applying

We recommend finding a sending organization in Turkey before applying. While some applicants delay this step, it's essential because:

• Some ESC postings appear close to the deadline

• Applications may require information about your sending organization

At Yeskad Association, we provide free sending organization support to all young people in Turkey. To work with us:

1. Email your CV to yeskadernegi@gmail.com

2. Include a message like: “I would like to work with you as my sending organization.”

You will receive a response within 24 hours with the relevant details.

How to Apply?

You have two options for applying, and we recommend using both simultaneously:

Option 1: ESC Portal

Apply directly to open calls from host organizations via the official ESC Portal. After creating a profile and uploading your CV:

• Click “Apply” on the projects you’re interested in

• If shortlisted, the system notifies you and provides contact information for the host organization

• Some applications may ask for a 1,000-character motivation statement

• In most cases, no separate motivation letter is needed

Before applying via this portal, be sure to arrange a sending organization (e.g., Yeskad Association, free of charge).

Option 2: Yeskad ESC-XXX Calls

We also publish ESC project calls from our international partners using “ESC-XXX” codes via our website and social media accounts. For these projects:

• You don’t need a separate sending organization, as Yeskad is the sending organization

• Follow the application instructions in each project post

• We pre-screen applications before forwarding them to host organizations

• Selected applicants are invited for online interviews (e.g., Skype)

• If selected, we assist with visa, insurance, and pre-departure training

Final Note

This guide outlines the essentials of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC). If you have questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us at:

📧 yeskadernegi@gmail.com
📞 +90 533 346 41 32