This ESC volunteering programme in Padova, Italy 🇮🇹 is hosted by XENA Centro Scambi e Dinamiche Interculturaliin cooperation with the Province of Padova, which owns six museums dedicated to cultural heritage, environmental education and scientific awareness. Volunteers will join one of two unique museums — Esapolis Insectarium or the Butterfly House & Fairy Forest — both operated by Butterfly Arc s.r.l., led by renowned entomologist Dr. Enzo Moretto (PhD). This is a rare chance to work closely with insects, butterflies, reptiles and a diverse team of scientists, educators and visitors from all backgrounds.
🦎🦋 Main Activities
Volunteers will support museum staff in:
✨ Caring for insects, reptiles and butterflies
🌱 Assisting during guided tours, events and educational workshops
📸 Helping with communication materials and cultural activities
🧪 Learning directly from scientists and entomologists
🎨 Contributing to creative content for exhibitions and visitors
🌍 Promoting environmental awareness and cultural heritage
The role is dynamic, interactive and ideal for nature lovers, science enthusiasts and creative communicators.
🏡 Accommodation, Food & Transport
Volunteers live in a shared flat in Padova 🇮🇹 with:
🛏️ A single or double room
🍽️ Access to full shared facilities (kitchen, bathroom, living areas)
💶 Monthly food budget
💸 5 EUR/day pocket money
🚌 A city bus card provided
🚲 Help from the organisation to find a bicycle
🎓 Learning & Support
Volunteers work in highly stimulating environments with:
🧠 Constant interaction with scientists, educators and visitors
✨ Opportunities to develop environmental, scientific and communication skills
👥 A supportive team and intercultural atmosphere
💡 Hands-on experience working with insects, reptiles and butterflies
👤 Participant Profile
Suitable volunteers are:
🌟 Curious, creative, social and open-minded
🦋 Comfortable working with insects and reptiles
👥 Ready to interact with visitors of all ages
💬 Friendly, communicative and team-oriented
💻 Having basic digital/technological skills is a plus
No previous scientific experience is required — enthusiasm and willingness to learn are key.
🌍 Eligible Countries
🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇧🇬 Bulgaria, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇪🇪 Estonia, 🇫🇮 Finland, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇸 Iceland, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇱🇻 Latvia, 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein, 🇱🇹 Lithuania, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇲🇹 Malta, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇷🇴 Romania, 🇸🇰 Slovakia, 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇺🇦 Ukraine
📅 Activity Dates
01 March 2026 – 31 March 2027 (48 weeks)
🔚 Application Deadline
06 January 2026 – 23:59
🔗 Application Link
https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/opportunity/49136_en
⚠️ Important Notice
1️⃣ Source of Information
This announcement has been prepared based on the information provided by the project coordinator.
2️⃣ Responsibility for Content
The project coordinator is solely responsible for the accuracy, details and updates of the opportunity content.
3️⃣ Right to Modify or Withdraw
Coordinating organisations reserve the right to make changes after publication — including dates, activity details or application deadlines — or to withdraw the announcement entirely.
4️⃣ Disclaimer of Liability
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💡 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.
