Volunteering in Europe - Meaningful volunteer projects
Volunteering in Europe or a FSJ in Europe is a great opportunity for you to experience and explore “your own” continent more intensively.
The originally named West offers you an interesting history and many opportunities to get to know different cultures and traditions. From Mediterranean flair under the Mediterranean sun to Nordic fascination with magical winter romance, everything a traveler's heart desires is there.
In contrast to overseas destinations, such as Africa, Asia, Oceania and South America, as a volunteer you will probably not be hit by culture shock quite as badly on your trip to Europe because you are already familiar with most of the customs. Getting there is also easier and you can do something for climate protection, for example by taking the train to your project in your desired European country.
Open borders and an almost perfect transport infrastructure make this possible Volunteering abroad particularly easy and safe.
Popular projects
Romania | People with disabilities
from 4 - 48 weeks
from 16 years
Hungary | wildlife
from 2 - 52 weeks
from 16 years
Spain | childcare
from 4 - 12 weeks
from 16 years
Spain | Seniors
from 4 - 48 weeks
from 16 years
Spain | Marine protection
from 2 - 48 weeks
from 16 years
Spain | Community work
from 2 - 48 weeks
from 16 years
Spain | Community work
from 2 - 48 weeks
from 16 years
Spain | horses
from 2 - 52 weeks
from 16 years
Spain | horses
from 2 - 52 weeks
from 18 years
Frequently asked questions about volunteering in Europe
Do I need a visa for volunteering in another European country?
For all citizens with citizenship within the EU, there is normally no obligation to apply for a visa for completing a voluntary service in another European country.
Can I get credit for volunteering in other European countries for my studies?
Yes, that is possible. The prerequisite for this, however, is that the internship requirements of your university or college are observed.
Can I have my European voluntary service credited as FSJ?
The Voluntary Social Year (FSJ) is usually completed between leaving school and starting a course of study. According to the common definition, your voluntary work should benefit a social or non-profit organization. At the FSJ, it is important to ensure that a minimum period of participation is adhered to. This is between six and twelve months. Your commitment is appreciated all over the world!
In which countries in Europe can I take part in volunteer projects?
You can get involved in a meaningful way not only in Africa, Asia and South America - there are also a number of projects in Europe that are looking for volunteers. Rainbow Garden Village offers volunteering projects in Europe in the following countries:
You can get involved as a volunteer in Europe in these areas
Volunteering with animals
You have a heart for animals and always wanted to work with them?
As part of our wildlife & animal protection projects in Europe, you can campaign for better living conditions for animals and the protection of endangered species. Different tasks such as animal care, cleaning enclosures and stables, observing stocks and occasional insights into veterinary care allow you to gain knowledge about the keeping and special features of the respective species.
Our Wildlife & Animal Welfare Projects in Europe include some dog projects, where you can take care of the four-legged friends in animal shelters, clinics or even on a husky farm. Or do you dream of working with horses one day? Then join one of our exciting horse projects with! But you can not only get involved in animal welfare on land - we also offer you projects on and in the water in which you can campaign for the survival of sea ​​creatures can use.
No matter which project you choose - the animals are certainly looking forward to seeing you!
Animal protection projects in Europe
Volunteer work for the environment & climate
Due to global warming, overtourism and environmental pollution, sensitive ecosystems in many places around the world are out of balance. If you want to counteract this, then sit in ours environmental protection projects in Europe!
Our various projects include activities such as beach clean-ups, reforestation efforts, creating community gardens, seagrass mapping and much more! You can learn an incredible amount about sustainability and environmental protection and at the same time experience a country in Europe intensively.
If you want to get involved and love working outdoors, then these projects are for you!
Environmental and nature conservation in Europe
Volunteering for social work & teaching
Do you enjoy working with people and would you like to social area engage? Then you will definitely find the right project for you in Europe!
Be it in a school, a kindergarten, in a facility for people with disabilities or in NGO support - here you can help to improve the situation of the local people! You will benefit greatly from the social exchange and can develop enormously personally!
If you have a sense of responsibility, empathy and independence, then get involved in a social project in Europe!
Volunteering in Europe brings benefits
You don't have to travel to distant continents to have unique experiences abroad. If you choose a volunteer destination within the European region, you will benefit from various advantages:
- Environmentally friendly and low-CO2 travel routes by land
- Little to no culture shock
- No visa requirements
- Suitable for all volunteers, even without travel experience
- Lower participation costs due to cheaper travel routes
