European Solidarity Corps: what is it?

A lot of young people finish their studies - high school or even university - without knowing what they really want to do in the future. Or even if they do, the search for new experiences and the desire to travel is always present.

This is what happened to me and this is why I found the ESC, a programme managed by the European Commission that supports projects for young people (18-30/35 years old) - abroad or in their own countries (not only EU countries, but even other countries with agreements to participate). 

We can find projects in the most varied fields, such as democratic participation, environment and natural practices, migration, disaster prevention, arts and creativity, etc. That allows us to explore and develop competences and skills that otherwise wouldn't  be developed year after year.

There are many opportunities and types of programmes: short-term, long-term or local solidarity projects that can suits to your needs. 

Beyond that, one of the many advantages is that you don't have to pay anything! The programme gives financial support to cover travels, basic needs - pocket money - and gives access to health insurance. 

This year I came to the Associación AL Hamam for a short-term project ("Life, Earth, Water - Vita") and it was the right choice! I had just finished a law degree and I felt I needed to see and live other lifestyles. So I decided to look for a project about nature and environmental protection (yes, you don't have to have a background in the field you are going to work on during the project). Here I learned how to live in a community and new work techniques, knowledge of various animals and plants, agriculture and bio construction and It has given even more awareness to current environmental problems. 

This opportunity makes me realize that we don't need to run all the time.