A new kind of family life
A family life that sets an example for your child and those around you, open to other languages and cultures. Years later you will find you have an open door in another country.
← Volunteering and Participation
European Solidarity Corps
European Solidarity Corps (ESC)
A programme that lets you volunteer on social work in an EU or candidate country — entirely free of charge.
Age
18–30
Open to all young people
Duration
2–12 months
Short term 2–8 weeks
Requirements
None
No language or degree required
Per week
30–35 hours
Two days off a week
What is the ESC?
The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is a programme that lets you volunteer on social work for a civil society organisation or a local community in an EU or candidate country for a set period — entirely free of charge.
An ESC project may be short term (2–8 weeks; only for young people with disabilities or fewer opportunities) or long term (2–12 months). Volunteers have two days off a week, plus two days' leave a month. No conditions such as language skills or a university degree are required; basic English makes communication easier at training sessions and meetings.
Costs covered during the programme:
- Food
- Accommodation
- Language support
- Local transport
- Insurance
- Pocket money
The aims of the programme
The International Volunteering Programme creates mobility opportunities for young people, particularly those aged 18–30, to volunteer individually or in groups. Its aims are:
- To help solidarity be embraced as a universal value through volunteering
- To make it possible for volunteers and civil society organisations to take part in and contribute to accessible, high-quality international volunteering
- To strengthen cohesion, solidarity, democracy and active citizenship through intercultural dialogue
- To strengthen local communities by encouraging volunteering, solidarity and inclusion
- To involve more people in Türkiye in international volunteering
- To design, develop and run volunteering activities that can host volunteers from abroad
- To carry out outreach and communication work so that more people learn about international volunteering
Volunteer Movement and the ESC
All Erasmus+ programmes in Türkiye, and therefore the ESC, are coordinated by the Turkish National Agency. Volunteer Movement has been an accredited organisation since May 2010; it runs ESC projects as both a sending and a hosting organisation. It sends volunteers abroad and hosts volunteers coming to Türkiye.
Accreditation PIC No948264629Since May 2010
Host Family
Become a host family
A host family is the family in whose home a volunteer stays. By opening their home, families do more than meet a need for accommodation; they share a great deal more.
Under the international projects Volunteer Movement runs, volunteers aged 17–30 come to Bursa from various European countries and work here for 2 to 12 months. They take part in 30–35 hours of planned activities a week. It is a unique experience for every member of the family: even if you never travel, you can bring the world into your home.
The main benefits of being a host family
Using English every day
By hosting a guest you will find yourself using English in every part of your life. While teaching the volunteer Turkish, you get the chance to learn their language too.
Being a cultural ambassador
Why are there portraits of Atatürk everywhere? Why do people kiss elders' hands at bayram? Like every volunteer who comes here, you become a cultural ambassador through this programme.
Discovering new cultures
With volunteers who ask about everything like curious children, you will discover in your own home much that you could not easily learn even by travelling to their countries.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of accommodation is provided for volunteers?
- Families provide suitable accommodation and nothing more. A room the volunteer can have to themselves is enough; it should contain standard furniture such as a bed, wardrobe, bedside table, desk and chair. The volunteer should also be free to use shared spaces such as the kitchen, bathroom, living room and balcony.
- What else needs to be provided at home?
- Families have no responsibility or obligation for volunteers' food, drink or social expenses. Anything a family offers beyond accommodation falls under Turkish hospitality.
- Should the volunteer follow the rules of the house?
- Yes. Volunteers come knowing they are to respect the family's rules and their home. It matters that the rules are explained at the outset, and in a way that does not oppress the volunteer or narrow their personal space.
- Is there a fee for being a host family?
- No. Families neither pay nor receive any fee for hosting.
- Will we be supported through the process?
- Every volunteer has a mentor; throughout their stay, activities and practical arrangements are reviewed at regular monthly meetings. The Volunteer Movement team meets regularly with both volunteers and mentors, and is reachable around the clock whenever needed.
Applying and the final preparations
Once you have the agreement of everyone in the family, all you need to do is fill in the Volunteer Application Form. We select the volunteers who will come after a thorough application and interview process and match families and volunteers with care; we contact the selected families 3 to 6 weeks before the projects.
Volunteer Application Form →