EVS (European Voluntary Service) is an international volunteer programme funded by the European Commission. It enables all young people from Europe, aged between 18 and 30 years, to carry out an international volunteer service in an organisation or in a public body in Europe, Africa, Asia or South America for a period ranging from 2 to 12 months. It is very similar to the International Civil Service: provides the reimbursement of travel expenses and complete coverage of the costs of food and accommodation for the international volunteer.
European Voluntary Service is based on the following principles:
- increasing your own skills through the practical experience of volunteering abroad;
- encouraging the learning of another language;
- developing the ability to interact with persons of different language and culture;
- spreading tolerance among young people of the European Union;
- promoting active citizenship;
- supporting the development of local communities.