European Solidarity Corps

The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is the new European Union initiative which creates opportunities for young people to volunteer or work in projects in their own country or abroad that benefit communities and people around Europe. ECS replaces the former European Voluntary Service and adds new forms of volunteering by joining an organization locally or abroad for a period of 2-12 months. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to become an ESC volunteer and we will be happy if you choose to make your ESC project with us.

ESC offers you a unique experience where you can learn about another culture, yourself, about working in an NGO, about youth work and many other topics. It is also an experience that offers you to give your time and skills to the local community in a host country. It is an experience that you can use to initiate activities, experiment with ideas and challenge yourself. This can be a truly unforgettable experience if you wish so!

Who can go with Shokkin Group? 

Anyone who has Estonian residency and is aged 17* to 30 and interested in moving to another country to volunteer and learn. (*You can register for the European Solidarity Corps when you are 17 years old, but you cannot start a project until you are over 18.)

Do I get any financial support as a volunteer?

Yes! You get your travel reimbursed up to a certain limit, get free accommodation, food money, pocket money and if necessary, local transportation money. The amounts depend on each hosting organization and are agreed beforehand.

What does it cost?

You need to be a member of Shokkin Group to go to an ESC project, which means you need to fill the application and pay the membership fee.

Why should I be an ESC volunteer with Shokkin Group?

Because we send only a small amount of volunteers, which means we are there to keep in contact and support you before/during/after your service with whatever we can.

Where can you go with Shokkin Group?

We have built a network of reliable partners and we send people on volunteering periods to organizations in Pontevedra (Spain), Athens (Greece), Örebro (Sweden), Ploiesti (Romania) and many other destinations.

If you want to learn more, keep track of our ESC blogs or send an email to olalla@shokkin.org