Your Stay Abroad
Upon arrival you will attend a one-week “orientation camp” during which you will have the chance to learn more about the people and culture of the host country, the local ICYE and your work placement. You will also receive an introductory language course. You will live with a family or in a shared flat, and work as a volunteer in a local project for 6 or 12 months.
The “mid-year camp” is a chance to catch up with other volunteers and evaluate your first six months with the ICYE hosting committee. This may be combined with a conference on an issue relevant to your host country.
The last official meeting for volunteers is the “end-of-stay evaluation”, where you will discuss your experiences and prepare to return home – which is often the hardest part! After the evaluation you have a free month before returning to your home country. Most volunteers take this opportunity to travel and see more of the country.
Returning Home
Upon your return home, your sending national committee will organise a “returnees camp” together with other returning volunteers as well as incoming international volunteers. You will also be invited to join ICYE’s membership scheme in your country that will give you access to national and international events, meetings and seminars.
Erasmus+, European Solidarity Corps, and Governmental Volunteer Programmes
Since 1996, ICYE has been directly involved, both at the international and national level, in launching and implementing the European Voluntary Service under the Youth in Action Programme (2007-2013), and as of 2014 the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, particularly the Key Action 2 Capacity building in the field of Youth, a programme funded by the European Commission (EC) to build capacity of youth and volunteering organisations, and promote youth work, youth mobility and international voluntary service. Since 2019, ICYE member organisations in Europe are also implementing European Solidarity Corps projects, which aim to foster solidarity in European society, engaging young people and organisations in accessible and high-quality solidarity activities.
ICYE is also involved at various levels in the implementation and further development of government funded volunteer programmes such as the “Weltwärts” programme of the German Ministry of Cooperation and Development.