EstYES Short-Term Voluntary Projects in Estonia (Workcamps)

Discover Estonia in a truly unique way.
EstYES organizes short-term international voluntary projects—known as workcamps—that support local development across Estonia. These projects bring together volunteers from around the world to live and work in diverse communities, making a real impact while experiencing Estonia beyond the usual tourist path.

 

What Are Workcamps?

Workcamps are short-term voluntary projects (usually 2–3 weeks long) held between June and September. Each year, EstYES welcomes around 300 volunteers to participate in about 40 projects across both urban and rural areas of Estonia.

Each camp typically includes 3 to 15 international volunteers, and English is the working language. To encourage diversity, we aim to include no more than two volunteers of the same nationality in any one camp.

Volunteers work 5–7 hours a day, for 5–6 days a week, contributing to meaningful community-based projects. In return, the host provides food, accommodation, and cultural activities.

 

Project Types

Workcamps generally fall into four categories:

  • Construction & Manual Work
    Examples: restoring buildings, laying out gardens, general maintenance.

  • Nature Preservation
    Examples: forest maintenance, working in hay fields, cleaning ditches.

  • Social Work
    Examples: organizing activities for children, refugees, or people with disabilities.

  • Cultural Projects
    Examples: helping at festivals, assisting in community events.

 

Why Join?

Volunteering with EstYES is about more than just work—it’s about building real connections. You’ll meet people from all over the world, make lasting friendships, and dive into Estonian culture in ways that few others get to experience. Whether it’s relaxing in a traditional sauna, exploring a national park, or stargazing by a forest lake, every moment brings something new.

 

Who Can Apply?

  • Volunteers must be 18+ years old
    (15–17 for teenage camps; 20+ for camps working with children)

  • No specific skills required (unless noted in the camp description)

  • Participants should be motivated, open to new experiences, and ready for the realities of local life

  • Some camps may require a short motivation letter

Each camp includes 1–2 group leaders, who coordinate the work and serve as a link between the volunteers and the host. Leaders live and work alongside the volunteers and support daily life in the camp.

 

How to Apply?

Explore available Estonian camps here.

Important:
If you live in a country where EstYES has a partner organization, you must apply through them.

You can find the list of partner organizations through:

No partner in your country?
Contact us at estyes@estyes.ee for help with applying.

Volunteering with EstYES is a powerful way to contribute to a meaningful cause, explore Estonia, and meet inspiring people from across the globe.