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About EU
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EU and Youth
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- The European Voluntary Service
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Flagship Events
- High-Level Opening Ceremony in Brussels, January 2011
- High-Level Opening Ceremony in Beijing, February 2011
- European Youth Week, May 2011
- EU-China Youth Culture Week in X'ian, July 2011
- EU-China Youth Festival for Universiade in Shenzhen, August 2011
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The European Voluntary Service – solidarity and learning across borders
The European Voluntary Service (EVS) gives young people an opportunity to live in another country whilst contributing to important local community projects. This provides a unique life-learning experience, helping volunteers to develop a sense of independence and active citizenship.
Set up in 1996, the European Voluntary Service (EVS) is open to young people, aged between 18 and 30, interested in doing unpaid and full-time voluntary activities in a foreign country either within or outside the EU. Activities span a wide range of areas, such as culture, youth, sports, social care, cultural heritage, the arts, civil protection, the environment, development co-operation, etc. But one thing they all have in common is a clear European and intercultural learning dimension.
As well as benefiting the local communities, by participating in voluntary activities young people can develop new skills and thus enhance their personal, educational and professional development. At the end of the placement, volunteers receive a ‘Youthpass’ – a certificate that provides formal recognition of the valuable learning experience they have had.
In addition to the experience gained, EVS volunteers also get a chance to meet fellow volunteers from other countries and to experience different cultures and practices. They meet up within placements and also through a variety of events organised by EVS, as well as some arranged by national host organisations: pre-departure training, on-arrival training, mid-term training, and so on. Such events give them a chance to compare experiences and get extra advice and support if they need it.
Participation in EVS is free for the volunteers, who also get board and lodging, insurance cover and an allowance for the duration of the project. Particular attention is given to including young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, or with other difficulties, which may make it more difficult for them to participate in this kind of exchange. One of the main goals is to develop solidarity, mutual understanding and tolerance among young people from different cultures.
The European Voluntary Service (EVS) is part of the European Commission’s Youth in Action programme 2007-2013.
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