Volunteering abroad can be one of the most

learning, rewarding and life changing experiences

Volunteering means experience! Experiential learning enhances personal development! Young people aged 18-30 are eligible to participate in the ICYE programmes. No prior experience is required of participants. Just energy, enthusiasm, and motivation to face the challenge of being confronted with something new, as well as to learn more about oneself and the world we live in.

Volunteering in pandemic times

Regarding the COVID 19 pandemic, the ICYE Federation is taking all necessary precautions so that your volunteering experience as well as other activities with ICYE are safe. These include activities around prevention as well as clear procedures in case someone gets ill or is exposed to the virus.

In general, all participants are encouraged to practice hand hygiene, physical distancing and wear face masks to reduce the risks of exposure to COVID-19. We would also ask you to self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (symptoms typically include fever, cough, and shortness of breath) and to contact the local ICYE office in case of potential symptoms of COVID-19.

To make sure your volunteering experience is compatible with the current recommendations of health authorities and immigration offices and as these can change very quickly, we ask you to regularly inform yourself and follow the related regulations and restrictions (e.g. regarding vaccination, quarantine, tests, lockdowns). We will gladly be of assistance if you have any questions or concerns.

Because COVID-19 is very contagious, ICYE cannot guarantee that you will not become infected with COVID-19 during your stay abroad.

Long-term Voluntary Service

Six month or one year
for youth aged 18 – 30

Short-term Voluntary Service

4 to 16 weeks
for individuals and groups

42

countries available

900

Volunteers per year

300

Short-term projects available

Hosting

Host a young volunteer in your family or volunteer project

Why ICYE

The ICYE Impact

Quotes from former ICYE Exchangees

Through the years, our organisation has gathered numerous comments from former ICYE Exchangees who shared their experiences and feelings from their participation in our volunteering programmes. At ICYE, we value our volunteers’ voices and have created this section to share them with you!

“My work and the whole experience during my exchange year were hard, difficult, funny, satisfactory, but above all it made me grow-up. It was the best experience in my life, I will never forget it.”

Mirko Medrano Bolivia to Norway

“I will be more sensitive towards foreign people in my country, I am more open to them and have a clear idea what and how in justice can be for the people.”

Marie Theres PillerSwitzerland to India

“ICYE gave me a lot interesting experiences. I thank ICYE programme. I think ICYE need to let more people know about this programme.”

Byung-Min Kang Korea to Germany

“Help someone, it doesn’t matter where, whom or when, what matters is what you’ve done.”

Mu-Jen Wang Taiwan to Germany

“It’s so good that the ICYE staff it’s not only there to help you or prepare you, it’s also there for be your friend.”

Karla BolañosCosta Rica to France

“I’ve seen how spoilt we Europeans are, but we haven’t found happiness in all these things. I have met happy people who share the little things they have. That makes life better.”

Nicole Lanz Switzerland to Kenya