About the European Solidarity Corps programme

The European Solidarity Corps (formally known as European Voluntary Service) is a European Union initiative which creates opportunities for young people to volunteer or work in projects in their own country or abroad that benefit communities and people around Europe.

The European Solidarity Corps brings together young people and organisations to:

  • Build a more inclusive society
  • Support vulnerable people
  • Respond to societal and humanitarian challenges.

You have to be 18-30 years old to take part (you can apply when you’re 17).

European Solidarity Corps is a partnership between a sending organisation in the volunteer’s home country, a receiving organisation in the destination country, and the volunteer. Both organisations have to be approved (known as ‘accredited’) by the Erasmus+ National Agency in their country. Leargas is the Irish National Agency.

Thanks to Erasmus+ funding, we have been hosting European volunteers at Galway Community Circus since 2013. We have so far hosted 20 ESC volunteers from Romania, France, Hungary, Spain, Palestine, Italy, Belgium, Germany, UK and Czech Republic.

Now accepting applications for European Solidarity Corps volunteers for 2023-2024!

We are currently seeking four motivated European Solidarity Corps (ESC) volunteers to join us at Galway Community Circus from September 2023-July 2024. Volunteers will work in youth, social and adaptive circus with children and young people aged 1-17 and adults 18+. There is also the opportunity to work in and learn arts administration.

The deadline to apply is 15th April 2023 23.59pm/11.59pm Irish time. Click the link below for full details and how to apply.

2020 GCC ESC Documentary