1. What is European Voluntary Service (EVS)?
2. Can anyone take part in the EVS programme through Loesje?
3. Is EVS only for inside Europe?
4. How much time will it take before I can go abroad?
5. Do I choose for a country or for a project?
6. Can I also go with a friend?
7. Is there a difference between the different sending organisations?
8. Does EVS cost money?
9. Does Loesje offer a preperation?
10. OK, I want to go with Loesje and now?

If you have other questions just click here to contact Loesje.

1) What is European Voluntary Service (EVS)?

EVS is part of the youth programme of the European Commission. In Brussels they have money that they spend on projects for young people . EVS is one of these projects. They stimulate young people to meet each other and live abroad so that they learn more about Europe and its cultures.

2) Can anyone take part in the EVS programme through Loesje?

In principle yes, if you are between 18 and 30 years before the project starts. It's good to think of what you want to do, where and why.

3) Is EVS only for inside Europe?

No, there are also opportunities outside Europe but limited and there is less money available.

4) How much time will it take before I can go abroad?

If you want to leave right now, then EVS isn't suitable for you. It can take between the 3 and 6 months to find a suitable project and to arrange the paper work. If you want to go outside the EU it will take longer.

5) Do I choose for a country or for a project?

Most people often first choose for a country. If they find out later that they can't find a project in that country then they start to search for the project they like most. Many people want to go to Spain and Italy. There are more people that want to go to Spain and Italy than there are projects. Loesje advices you to search for a project that appeals to you rather than focusing on a city or country.

There are thousands of organisations with projects and these organisations you can find here

An example is Berlin. Loesje has her office there and she receives around 500 e-mails a year from people that want to do EVS there because many people want to go to Berlin. Loesje only has 4 EVS places. There are also great projects for example in Poland that can't find any people that want to do EVS since Poland seems to be less popular.

6) Can I also go with a friend?

Yes but it is difficult. Often organisations only have one EVS place and if they have two they rather have people from different countries. In any case you have to apply seperately for EVS.

7) Is there a difference between the different sending organisations?

Yes, some sending organisations have a obligatory preperation training and other organisation don't have any preperation. If you just became 18 and don't have any experience of being abroad Loesje advices you to do EVS through a sending organisation that offers a more intense preparation.

8) Does EVS cost money?

No, in no case it should cost you money. Your insurrance, accomodation and return ticket will be paid. Next this you will get monthly pocket money and an allowance.

9) Does Loesje offer a preperation?

Loesje does offer a preperation but limited. Loesje arranges everything centralised from her office in Berlin. Your first contact will be with an ex EVS-er. You can mail evs(@)loesje.org In the first contact is best to explain what you want to do, why, what kind of project and where. The first contacts will go through e-mail. Later when the plans are concrete and when a hosting organisation has been found there will be a personal talk (if possible) with a former EVS-er in your country.

10) OK, I want to go with Loesje and now?

Loesje can help you finding a suitable place, but also expect that you actively search. There is a database with projects where you can search for a project yourself. If you found several projects you can contact them directly. Please be aware that in the database there are many projects that don't have free EVS places but are unfortunately still in the database. In practise it means you have to send many e-mails. It is best to make short e-mails and in first instance just ask if they have a free EVS place. Don't wait before you get an answer, you can contact many organisations at the same time. Some organisations will reply but often organisation don't. That is unfortunately the reality.

Once an organisation confirm that they have free places you can send more information about yourself. It might sound bad but then again if you search some evenings intensively for projects and send many mails you will eventually find a project. Loesje also every week receive mails from organisations that have free EVS places. Loesje goes through them and looks if there is a suitable project for you. If that's the case you will be contacted directly.

When you have a hosting organisation Loesje will contact them and arrange all the paper work and your adventure will be realised!