Online Language Support (OLS) is a free language support mechanism, not a formal course, that helps European Solidarity Corps participants prepare for volunteering in another language. Hosted on the European Commission's EU Academy platform, it lets you assess, practise and improve the language you will use on your project, at your own pace. This guide explains what OLS is, who gets it, and how the €150 language grant fits in.


What Is OLS? 🌍

OLS is the EU's online language support tool for the ESC (and Erasmus+). It is important to be clear about what it is: it is a support mechanism, not a taught classroom course. You use it yourself, online, to build the language skills you need for your placement. It gives you:

📊 A way to assess your current level in the language

🎯 Materials to practise and improve at your own pace

🤝 Collaborative and social learning features to learn alongside others

It is hosted on EU Academy, the European Commission's official learning platform, and it is completely free for participants.

Why Does OLS Exist? 💬

A lack of language skills is one of the biggest barriers to taking part in cross-border activities. Many people talk themselves out of volunteering abroad because they worry their English (or another language) is not good enough. OLS exists to remove that barrier, so you can go into your ESC placement feeling prepared and confident.


What Can You Do With It? 🎯

Because it is a flexible, self-directed support tool, you fit it around your life:

🔹 Check your starting level with a self-assessment

🔹 Work through free learning material whenever suits you

🔹 Focus on the language you will actually use on the project

🔹 Keep improving before and during your activity

There are no fixed class times and no cost, which is exactly why the programme encourages every volunteer to use it.

Who Gets Language Support? 🙌

Language support is available to participants in ESC Volunteering and Solidarity Projects. Organisations are encouraged to promote OLS as part of your learning experience, alongside the general online training. It is one of the support measures that makes the ESC a genuine learning experience, not just a placement. See who can apply to check your eligibility.


The €150 Language Grant: When Does It Apply? 💶

Language support usually comes through OLS. But there is an alternative: in some cases, a participant may receive a €150 language grant instead. This applies only when the language or level you need is not available through OLS. In other words, OLS is the default, and the grant is a backup for languages OLS does not yet cover. For the wider funding picture, see is ESC fully funded.


How Do You Access OLS? 🔑

You reach OLS through your ESC account once you are registered and taking part in an activity. The online courses are available on the EU Academy platform, and your hosting or sending organisation will point you to it as part of your preparation. Not registered yet? Start with how to register on the ESC Portal.

Doing Humanitarian Aid Volunteering? OLS is offered there too for longer assignments, so you can prepare for working in another language.

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

Is OLS a language course?

Not in the classroom sense. OLS is a free online support mechanism where you assess, practise and improve the language yourself, at your own pace, rather than attending taught lessons.

Is OLS free?

Yes. It is completely free for ESC participants and hosted on the EU Academy platform.

Who can use OLS?

Participants in ESC Volunteering and Solidarity Projects. Organisations are encouraged to promote its use as part of your preparation.

What is the €150 language grant?

It is an alternative to OLS, available only when the language or level you need is not offered through OLS.

When should I start using it?

As early as possible before your activity, so you are prepared and confident by the time you arrive, and you can keep using it during your placement.

In Short 💙

Online Language Support is a free, flexible support mechanism, not a course, that helps ESC volunteers assess and improve the language they will use on their project. If your language or level is not on OLS, a €150 grant can step in instead. Either way, language should never be the reason you do not apply.

👉 Find your next ESC placement: ESC projects on Youth Works Hub