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Vereinigung junger Freiwilliger e.V.
MAXIM Kinder- und Jugendkulturzentrum
Berlin, Germany
โญ๏ธ Activity Title
Young Leader from Austria wanted for Project at the Youth Centre โOktopusโ in Berlin!
๐ Everything you need to know about applying for ESC volunteering โ all in one place. The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is one of the most life-changing opportunities available to young people across Europe, yet many applicants walk in without a clear picture of what to expect. This complete guide covers how ESC works, who can apply, what costs are covered, what your daily life as a volunteer looks like, and how to strengthen your application from the start. Whether you're applying for the first time or exploring your options, this is the one resource you should read before anything else. ๐ https://youthworkshub.org/15101/
๐ท Activity Details
Description
During the ESC, the volunteer will learn about different facets of children and youth work in a theoretical and practical approach. The Oktopus offers creative, pottery and wood workshops, a music room, a sports room, gaming, cooking and baking activities. The volunteer will work in a team and will be responsible for certain tasks. The main task is to provide a great variety of leisure time activities like the ones mentioned. It is possible to choose a project on which she or he can focus referring to his/her interests and talents. These projects could be, for example: environmental, creative projects or networking between youth institutions. Another task is to help prepare a little buffet before opening time for the children and adolescents. The volunteers might also design posters and flyers for public relations and manage our Instagram accounts. On Mondays we have cooperations with the school nearby and we do media workshops with the students.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
Local Transport: The volunteer will receive a monthly ticket for public transportation in Berlin. There is the possibility to organise a bike for the volunteer. Accommodation: The volunteer will share a flat in Berlin with other volunteers. She or he will have her or his own room and share communal areas like the kitchen, living room and bathroom. The accommodation is a 10-minute walk away from the S-Bahn-Station Pankow. Food: Money for food will be provided at the beginning of the month (11,50 โฌ per day). Pocket money: Will also be provided at beginning of the month (7 โฌ per day).
Training during the activity
The volunteer is going to receive support and information before the start of their project. In Germany, they are going to participate in two mandatory seminars (the โOn-Arrival-Training and the โMid-Term-Meetingโ). This way we are ensuring that the volunteers are going to be able to make the most of their time and have the chance for personal development. In the youth centre, the volunteer is going to be assigned a mentor to help. Another person from VJF is helping with bureaucratical hurdles and problems that may be occurring in the working environment.
Participant profile
As a volunteer at Oktopus it is required to have at least a C1-Level of German. Working at the Oktopus requires a teamwork spirit as well as the ability to work independently. It might be easier if you already have experiences in the work with children, that is not necessary though. Oktopus welcomes motivated, flexible, friendly, curious and self-confident volunteers with good communication skills and a sense of humour. Gender, nationality, religion, political and sexual orientation are not considered in the selection process. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us via this email address: oktopus@ba-pankow.de Here you can find our website: https://meer-pankow.de/ And our Instagram accounts: @riff_im_oktopus and @oktopus_pankow
โ 10 practical tips to write a stronger Erasmus+ or ESC application and actually get selected. With growing competition for spots in Erasmus+ and ESC projects, a well-crafted application can genuinely make or break your chances. This guide shares 10 concrete, actionable tips based on what selection committees actually look for โ covering everything from how to frame your motivation to the common mistakes that get applications rejected. If you're serious about getting selected, take the time to read this before you hit submit. ๐ https://youthworkshub.org/8396/
๐ Key Information
Activity dates
From 01/09/2026 to 31/08/2027
Activity location
Berlin, Germany
Activity type
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Austria
Activity topics
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 14/06/2026 00:00
Project code
2026-1-DE04-ESC51-VTJ-000400918
๐ Official Project Page
https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/opportunity/52098_en
โ๏ธ How to write a motivation letter for ESC volunteering that actually gets read โ and remembered.A motivation letter is often the single most important part of your ESC application, yet most people write them too generically or too formally to make an impact. This guide walks you through what to include, what to leave out, how to structure your letter, and how to express genuine motivation without sounding like everyone else. Whether you're writing your first letter or rewriting one that didn't work, this is the guide you need. ๐ https://youthworkshub.org/6061/
๐ค What is a supporting organisation in ESC volunteering โ and why does it matter for you? Most people know about sending and hosting organisations in ESC projects, but the role of the supporting organisation is far less understood โ and far more important than it appears. This article clearly explains what a supporting organisation does, how it fits into the structure of an ESC project, and how its involvement directly affects the volunteer's experience and support throughout the programme. A must-read if you want to fully understand how ESC is structured. ๐ https://youthworkshub.org/6051/
๐ก What do organisations actually look for in an ESC volunteer? Getting selected for an ESC volunteering project isn't just about ticking boxes โ it's about showing the right combination of values, attitude, and genuine motivation. This article digs into the skills and personal qualities that make a real difference during the selection process, and explains why some candidates stand out while others don't. If you want to understand what a strong volunteer profile looks like before you apply, this is essential reading. ๐ https://youthworkshub.org/13941/
๐บ๏ธ Which countries can apply for Erasmus+ and ESC? โ The complete and up-to-date country list. A lot of people assume Erasmus+ and ESC are only available to European Union member states โ but the reality is much more inclusive. Programme countries, partner countries, and special eligibility rules mean that young people from far more places can participate than most realise. This article provides the full, up-to-date list of eligible countries for both Erasmus+ and ESC, with clear explanations of what each status means for applicants. ๐ https://youthworkshub.org/15124/