What is the ESC-Humanitarian Aid Program?
The “European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps,” or in Turkish, “Avrupa Gönüllü İnsani Yardım Programı,” is a new international volunteering program launched by the European Commission in 2022. Within this program, young people aged between 18 and 35 (inclusive) can participate in voluntary activities supporting humanitarian aid operations in non-EU countries for periods ranging from 2 to 12 months.
Since the safety and security of volunteers are a top priority, no activities will be carried out in conflict zones or during acute emergencies. Instead, the program supports post-disaster reconstruction or resilience-building efforts (e.g., after earthquakes, wars, or natural disasters). Unlike the European Solidarity Corps, to apply for the European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps, you must complete specific training provided by the European Commission via the European Youth Portal and pass the final assessment. The aim of this training is to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to benefit fully from your humanitarian volunteer experience.
What Support Is Provided to Volunteers?
Volunteers in the European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps projects are entitled to the following types of support. These supports are legally mandatory under the program, but how they are provided and their specifics may vary depending on the project, the host organization, and the country of deployment. Therefore, make sure to clarify the details with the host organization (e.g., during a video interview) before confirming your participation.
Travel Support
Your travel expenses to and from the host country will be covered. Typically, you are expected to purchase your outbound ticket, and once you arrive at your destination and submit your original receipts, invoices, and boarding passes, you will be reimbursed.
Accommodation Support
The host organization will provide accommodation either in a volunteer house, dormitory, or with a host family. Basic utilities such as electricity, water, and heating are also covered. While internet access is not mandatory, if not provided, you may arrange shared internet access with other volunteers. Although luxury accommodations should not be expected, the living arrangements must be clean and safe by law.
Meal Support
In most cases, you will receive a monthly meal allowance (amounts vary by country and organization) to cover three meals a day. Alternatively, the host may directly provide meals or offer a combination of partial meal allowance and meal provision (e.g., lunch provided at the office). Some organizations may also supply groceries directly.
Local Transportation Support
Transportation costs between your accommodation and activity site (e.g., the host organization’s office) will be covered. If the distance is walkable, transportation support may not be provided. If public transport (bus, train, metro) is needed, your travel expenses will be reimbursed. Some hosts may provide a bicycle or similar means of transport.
Health Insurance
Once accepted into a European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps project, you will receive special health, travel, and third-party liability insurance free of charge for the duration of your service. You’ll also use this insurance for your visa application. Insurance arrangements are managed by your supporting sending organization.
Visa Support
All expenses related to visa and residence permits are covered by the project budget. These include visa application fees, translation costs, agency service fees, insurance (if a separate one is required), and travel expenses to the embassy (e.g., trips to Ankara or Istanbul). Passport issuance fees are not included. You must keep and submit all original invoices, receipts, and supporting documents to the paying organization (either the host or sending organization). If a residence permit is required after arrival, those expenses will also be covered.
Language Course Support
You are expected to participate in a language course for at least 3 months. If language support is not available through the European Commission’s Online Language Support (OLS) platform, the host organization will provide the course for free. Language training may be offered by a youth worker from the host organization, a professional course provider, or a private tutor.
Pocket Money
In addition to the support listed above, you will receive a monthly pocket allowance meant solely for personal expenses—not for accommodation, food, or local transport. The amount varies by country and is calculated on a daily basis.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
To participate in a European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps project, you must be between the ages of 18 and 35 (inclusive) as of the project start date. Unlike regular ESC projects, you must complete the humanitarian aid training available on the European Youth Portal and pass the final online test. If successful, you will be invited to a 5-day in-person training in one of the following cities: Milan (Italy), Madrid (Spain), Bochum (Germany), or Lyon (France). After completing this step, you will be eligible to apply for projects as a qualified volunteer.
There are no requirements related to language proficiency, student status, or holding a university degree. However, please note that the mandatory training and final exam are conducted in English, French, or Spanish.
How to Apply for Projects?
First, you need to register on the European Youth Portal (or log in if already registered). You can access the portal [HERE]. Then, follow the steps outlined in the information pack prepared by our association, accessible [HERE].
The above information summarizes the essential details about the European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps program. If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to contact us at yeskadernegi@gmail.com or by phone at +90 533 346 41 32.