EVS FAQs
Who can take part in an EVS placement?
EVS is open to young people between 18 and 30 years. This means that volunteers have to be between 18 and 30 years old at the beginning of their voluntary activity.
Do I need to pay to go on EVS?
No. Participation to EVS is free of charge for the Volunteer. All costs for travel, accommodation, food and pocket money is provided by the host organisation.
How long can I go for?
We currently send volunteers on long term EVS placements which are for either 6 months or 12 months. Short term EVS placements are available for young people who have fewer opportunities, for more information about short term EVS placements visit http://www.everythingspossible.org/catalogue/Evs.html
Do I need to know the language of my host country?
No, although you should be willing to learn a new language and will be offered a language course once you are in your host country. Learning even a little of a new language will enhance your EVS experience.
Can I go on an EVS placement with my friend or partner?
It is very unlikely that you’ll be able to find an EVS placement that will take both of you due to funding restrictions.
Do I need to have specific skills to take part in an EVS project?
No, EVS is open to everybody. Although competition for some EVS placements is very high so any relevent skills are a bonus.
Can I get certificates or accreditation for my EVS placement?
Yes. All volunteers who have completed their EVS project are entitled to receive a Youthpass. This certificate recognises your EVS volunteering as non formal learning. Find out more here http://www.youthpass.eu/en/youthpass/. You will also be able to achieve the vawards from your local vinvolved team, more info can be found here http://vinspired.com/rewards/awards
Do I need to organise travel insurance?
No. This will be organised for you and specifically covers EVS participants, this is provided free of charge to the volunteer.
Will I get any training during my EVS project?
Yes you’ll have to attend pre-departure training, on-arrival training, mid-term meeting and, an evaluation session. Each of these training sessions is designed to make your EVS experience a positive one. The training sessions cover topics such as basics of social engagement and voluntary work, intercultural learning, conflict resolution, group dynamics, etc.
Can I withdraw from a project if anything goes wrong?
Yes, although this would be the very last option, if all other ways to resolve the problem haven’t worked. Quite a few things can of course go wrong during an EVS placement. Misunderstandings or lack of communication can make a placement difficult. Communication is however the key to solving a really difficult situation. The decision to withdraw from a placement should be discussed with your Sending, Host and Coordinating Organisations and the National or Executive Agency.
When will I be able to go on an EVS placement?
It may take some time before you can go abroad. You’ll need to find a hosting organisation happy to host you as a volunteer as well as a sending organisation happy to send you, then a grant application has to be made. For this reason, good communication between you, your sending and host organisations is essential.
