JESUIT REFUGEE SERVICE EUROPE
Brussels, Belgium
⭐️ Activity Title
BE THE CHANGE
📋 Everything you need to know about applying for ESC volunteering — 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. 👉 https://youthworkshub.org/15101/
🔷 Activity Details
Description
The JRS volunteer service enables young people to contribute to more inclusive EU societies, being engaged with and supporting vulnerable people, and constructively respond to a major challenge that the EU is facing in this moment, which is the rising of populism, nationalism and anti-immigration sentiments. The JRS Volunteer service aims to promote solidarity by enabling young people to volunteer in this cross-border European JRS project that increases cooperation in a field of interest for Youth, and allows them to become active citizens, promote cohesion and social inclusion by showing solidarity with refugees and vulnerable migrants. The JRS Volunteers will participate in high quality solidarity activities in the areas of JRS Europe´s Programmes/Fundraising, Communication and Advocacy Unit in Brussels respectively. Each activity will be related to a specific learning dimension, thus contributing to the personal development of the volunteer, to the team and to the local community.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
JRS Europe ESC program will support for Travel arrangements (including briefing on visa, vaccinations, insurance, local transport upon arrival in Brussels). At date of arrival, welcome and reception by Volunteer Coordinator and Mentor at Brussels office. Accommodation to be found before departure, either provided by JRS communities, or individually found with the support of JRS Europe. Volunteers hosted will sign a Volunteer contract, clarification of bank account for stipend. The volunteers will receive pay out of a stipend including pocket money, transport, food and accommodation.
Training during the activity
Please, mention in your application your preferred volunteering opportunity in:
• Programs / Fundraising Unit : learning how to research a fundamental topic and roll out a program, the steps from concept to implementation, monitoring of a project and participate writing Grant Funding Applications or identifying new donors and approach them.
• Communication : learning to use communication as a tool to advocate for the rights of refugees and migrants in a European network.
• Advocacy : experience the different areas of advocacy with European public institutions and NGO networks in Brussels.
Participant profile
Between 18 and 29 years old (signing the volunteer agreement before your 30th birthday). From an eligible country of the ESC program as published here (selected countries). Ukrainian displaced youth with a temporary protection status in the EU can apply and won´t need a sending organisation from Ukraine. Interest in working with refugees and people from diverse cultures, and feeling comfortable in a multicultural team. Ability to speak and write in English (our working language is English), while knowledge in other European languages is also welcome. Previous experience or studies in the refugee field, or having volunteered in civil society projects is an asset, but not a requirement. Being open to learn about organisational processes and skills, with a sense of taking initiative. Willingness to work in an office environment, using Microsoft Office suite. Please note: we are the European office, coordinating projects for JRS on European level, thus our work is more office work, while our colleagues in the partner organisations are the ones who are mainly in direct contact with beneficiaries.
✅ 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 — 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. 👉 https://youthworkshub.org/8396/
🔑 Key Information
Activity dates
From 01/06/2026 to 31/05/2028
Activity location
Chaussée de Wavre 205, Brussels, Belgium
Activity type
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo * UN resolution, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Ukraine
Activity topics
Reception and integration of refugees and migrants
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 31/05/2028 23:59
Project code
2026-1-BE04-ESC51-VTJ-000401609
🔗 Official Project Page
https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/opportunity/53253_en
✍️ How to write a motivation letter for ESC volunteering that actually gets read — 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. 👉 https://youthworkshub.org/6061/
🤝 What is a supporting organisation in ESC volunteering — 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 — 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. 👉 https://youthworkshub.org/6051/
💡 What do organisations actually look for in an ESC volunteer? Getting selected for an ESC volunteering project isn't just about ticking boxes — 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. 👉 https://youthworkshub.org/13941/
🗺️ Which countries can apply for Erasmus+ and ESC? — The complete and up-to-date country list. A lot of people assume Erasmus+ and ESC are only available to European Union member states — 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. 👉 https://youthworkshub.org/15124/
⚠️ Important Notice
1️⃣ Source of Information
This announcement has been prepared based on the information provided by the source.
2️⃣ No Affiliation
YouthWorks Hub is not the organiser, partner, or representative of the projects listed. All applications must be submitted directly to the project coordinator or hosting organisation through the original link, email, etc.
3️⃣ Content May Change
The project coordinator is solely responsible for the accuracy and details of the opportunity. Deadlines, eligible countries, activity dates, and other details may change, or the announcement may be withdrawn entirely, at any time after publication. Always check the original link before applying.
4️⃣ Funding
All funding, travel reimbursements, and allowances are determined and provided by the project coordinator or National Agency. YouthWorks Hub is not responsible for any payments or financial matters.
5️⃣ External Links
Listings may contain links to third-party websites, forms, or documents (e.g. the ESC Portal, infopacks, application forms). YouthWorks Hub is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or security of these external sources.
💡 Final Note: All listings are shared for informational purposes only. Please always verify details directly through the official project coordinator or programme website before applying.
