Volunteer in Germany with the European Solidarity Corps (ESC)

What is the European Solidarity Corps?

The European Solidarity Corps is a European Union initiative that empowers young people aged 18–30 to volunteer or work on projects that benefit communities across Europe. It’s a chance to make a difference, learn new skills, and create lasting memories.

Why Volunteer with ESC?

  • Contribute to Communities: Support local organizations in Stuttgart or Esslingen that directly benefit the community.
  • Learn and Grow: Gain new skills, improve your German, and immerse yourself in a new culture.
  • Unforgettable Experience: Create lifelong memories while living in Germany.

Who Can Volunteer?

  • Age: 18–30 (depending on the project).
  • Residency: Permanent resident of an EU member state.
  • Commitment: Enthusiasm, flexibility, and a desire to contribute.

What’s Covered?

  • Accommodation: Shared flat or women’s dorm with single rooms in Stuttgart or Esslingen.
  • Allowance: €557/month for personal expenses and food.
  • Travel: Round-trip travel costs up to €309.
  • Transportation: Year-long pass for local public transport in Germany.
  • Insurance: Complementary health and liability insurance.
  • Support: Language training, two week-long training sessions, and a mentor at your hosting organization.
  • Special Needs: Additional support for disabilities or specific needs (contact us in advance).
  • Work Hours: 24–38 hours/week, including volunteering and language learning, as specified per project.

Inclusive Opportunities

We encourage applications from individuals with fewer opportunities, including those facing chronic health issues, disabilities, financial constraints, or other challenges. Our projects prioritize inclusivity—apply today!

Application Process

  1. Choose Projects: Select up to three projects.
  2. Submit Application:
    • Complete the form at ich-will-efd.de.
    • Attach your CV and a tailored motivation statement for each project.
    • Note: Applications via email are not accepted.
  3. Selection:
    • Applications are reviewed and forwarded to hosting organizations.
    • Shortlisted candidates are invited for an online interview or phone call.
    • If selected, a contract is signed.
    • Processing may take up to four weeks after the deadline to ensure fairness.

Your New Home: Stuttgart

Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg, blends cultural diversity, historic charm, and modern innovation. From castles and museums to festivals like the Stuttgart Spring Festival and Cannstatter Volksfest, there’s always something to explore. Enjoy theatres, concerts, markets, and a vibrant international community.

Support During Your ESC

  • Sending Organization: Based in your home country, they prepare you and stay in touch. Find an accredited organization at youth.europa.eu.
  • Hosting Organization: Located in Stuttgart or Esslingen, they provide mentorship and guidance.
  • Training: Includes language support and networking with other volunteers.

Available Volunteering Opportunities

1. Europa Zentrum: Political Education About the EU

  • Mission: Promote European integration through political education.
  • Location: Stuttgart.
  • Dates: September 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026.
  • Application Deadline: May 31, 2025.
  • Positions: 1 volunteer, age 18–30, EU resident.
  • Tasks:
    • Organize workshops, seminars, and study trips.
    • Create social media content.
    • Conduct research and assist with project management.
    • Optional: Develop multilingual EU-related projects.
  • Requirements:
    • B2 German proficiency.
    • Interest in EU politics and education.
    • Flexible, curious, and team-oriented.
  • Key Facts:
    • 35 hours/week, Monday–Friday (occasional evenings/weekends, compensated with time off).
    • 22 days of annual leave.
  • Benefits:
    • Training courses.
    • Insights into project management.
    • Opportunity to join study trips to Strasbourg and Brussels.
    • Build a network in political education.

2. Kulturzentrum Merlin: Café for Culture, Music, and Literature

  • Mission: Support young artists and cultural programs outside the mainstream.
  • Location: Stuttgart.
  • Dates: September 15, 2025 – August 31, 2026.
  • Application Deadline: May 31, 2025.
  • Positions: 1 volunteer, age 18–30, EU resident.
  • Tasks:
    • Manage cultural events and festivals.
    • Operate sound and lighting technology.
    • Serve at the café/bar during events.
    • Support back-office tasks and social media.
  • Requirements:
    • Basic German knowledge.
    • Strong communication and digital skills (MS Office, social media).
    • Proactive and creative.
  • Key Facts:
    • 35 hours/week, Monday–Sunday (varying shifts, including evenings/weekends).
    • 25 days of annual leave.
    • Free dinner during evening shifts, free drinks all day.
  • Social Media: instagram.com/cafe.merlinstuttgart.

3. YMCA Esslingen: Youth Clubs for Kids and Teenagers

  • Mission: Engage children and youth in cultural, creative, and sportive activities.
  • Location: Esslingen.
  • Dates: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026.
  • Application Deadline: May 15, 2025.
  • Positions: 2 volunteers, age 18–30, EU residents.
  • Tasks:
    • Support youth club activities (games, crafts, events).
    • Assist with program planning and implementation.
    • Perform minor administrative and housekeeping tasks.
  • Requirements:
    • Basic German or willingness to learn.
    • Enjoy working with kids and teens.
  • Key Facts:
    • 36 hours/week, Monday–Friday.
    • 25 days of annual leave.
  • Accommodation: Shared flat (3–7 people) in Esslingen’s city center on YMCA premises.

4. Heidehof-Gymnasium: Support Middle and High School Students

  • Mission: Foster intercultural learning and democratic values at a private Protestant school.
  • Location: Stuttgart.
  • Dates: September 14, 2025 – July 31, 2026.
  • Application Deadline: May 31, 2025.
  • Positions: 1 volunteer, age 18–30, EU resident.
  • Tasks:
    • Assist in foreign language classes (conversation exercises).
    • Support Erasmus+ exchange programs and school events.
    • Help with afternoon daycare and extracurricular activities.
  • Requirements:
    • Intermediate–advanced French.
    • Optional: Basic–intermediate Spanish.
  • Key Facts:
    • 32 hours/week, flexible schedule (occasional weekend events, max 1/month).
    • 24 days of annual leave (during school breaks).

5. Königin-Katharina-Stift: Bilingual (Italian) Secondary School

  • Mission: Support students in a bilingual Italian-German secondary school.
  • Location: Stuttgart.
  • Dates: September 7, 2025 – July 31, 2026.
  • Application Deadline: May 31, 2025.
  • Positions: 1 Italian-speaking volunteer, age 18–30, EU resident.
  • Tasks:
    • Supervise students during study hours and in the Italian club.
    • Support individual students and office tasks.
    • Propose after-school club ideas.
  • Requirements:
    • Intermediate–advanced (ideally native) Italian.
  • Key Facts:
    • 35 hours/week.
    • 24 days of annual leave (during school breaks).

6. Ecole Maternelle Georges Cuvier: French Preschool

  • Mission: Care for children aged 2–5 in a French preschool.
  • Location: Stuttgart.
  • Dates: September 11, 2025 – August 31, 2026.
  • Application Deadline: May 31, 2025.
  • Positions: 1 French-speaking volunteer, age 18–30, EU resident.
  • Tasks:
    • Support staff in supervising children.
    • Assist with meals, caregiving, and housekeeping.
    • Help during vacation programs.
  • Requirements:
    • Fluent French (advanced–native).
  • Key Facts:
    • 36 hours/week.
    • 30 days of annual leave.
    • Lunch included.

7. Early Bird Club: Bilingual Daycare

  • Mission: Support children in a German/English bilingual daycare.
  • Location: Stuttgart.
  • Dates: September 8, 2025 – August 31, 2026.
  • Application Deadline: May 31, 2025.
  • Positions: 1 volunteer, age 18–30, EU resident.
  • Tasks:
    • Care for children (8 weeks–6 years).
    • Plan creative activities.
    • Assist with housekeeping tasks.
  • Requirements:
    • B2 English or German.
    • Passion for working with children.
  • Key Facts:
    • 35 hours/week, 7:30am–5:30pm.
    • 24 days of annual leave.

8. Urban Kids Academy Killesberg: Bilingual Nursery

  • Mission: Support bilingual (German/English) childcare for infants and toddlers.
  • Location: Stuttgart.
  • Dates: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026.
  • Application Deadline: May 31, 2025.
  • Positions: 3 volunteers, age 18–30, EU residents.
  • Tasks:
    • Care for children (8 weeks–3 years).
    • Engage in creative and play-based activities.
    • Assist with housekeeping (e.g., preparing breakfast).
  • Requirements:
    • Intermediate English or German.
    • Enthusiasm for child development.
  • Key Facts:
    • 35 hours/week, Monday–Friday (7:30–8:30am start).
    • 25 days of annual leave.

9. Kinderhaus Don Bosco: Daycare for Kids

  • Mission: Support children in a Catholic daycare with a focus on religious education.
  • Location: Esslingen.
  • Dates: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026.
  • Application Deadline: May 31, 2025.
  • Positions: 2 volunteers, age 18–30, EU residents.
  • Tasks:
    • Support educational activities and contribute ideas.
    • Assist with housekeeping (e.g., preparing snacks).
    • Support daily routines.
  • Requirements:
    • Basic German.
  • Key Facts:
    • 35 hours/week (morning or late shifts).
    • 30 days of annual leave.

10. Margarete-Steiff-Schule: Support Disabled Children

  • Mission: Assist children with disabilities in a specialized school.
  • Location: Stuttgart.
  • Dates: September 7, 2025 – July 31, 2026.
  • Application Deadline: May 31, 2025.
  • Positions: 2 volunteers, age 18–30, EU residents.
  • Tasks:
    • Support mobility and personal care (e.g., wheelchair assistance).
    • Assist in classrooms and leisure activities.
    • Optional: Focus on leisure programs during breaks/weekends.
  • Requirements:
    • Willingness to assist with personal care and work occasional weekends (1/month).
  • Key Facts:
    • 36 hours/week (varies during school breaks).
    • 26 days of annual leave (during school breaks).
    • Optional lunch in the cafeteria (not free).

11. KBV Stuttgart: Support Adults with Special Needs

  • Mission: Enable adults with disabilities to live self-determined lives.
  • Location: Stuttgart.
  • Dates: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026.
  • Application Deadline: May 31, 2025.
  • Positions: 1 volunteer, age 18–30, EU resident.
  • Tasks:
    • Organize leisure activities (games, crafts, excursions).
    • Assist with basic care and household tasks.
    • Promote social interactions.
  • Requirements:
    • Willingness to assist with personal care.
  • Key Facts:
    • 35 hours/week (includes German class), shift work, 2 weekends/month.
    • 26 days of annual leave.

12. Haus St. Elisabeth: Daycare for Adults with Disabilities

  • Mission: Provide tailored support for adults with physical and mental disabilities.
  • Location: Stuttgart.
  • Dates: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026.
  • Application Deadline: May 31, 2025.
  • Positions: 1 volunteer, age 18–30, EU resident.
  • Tasks:
    • Support daily activities (e.g., cooking, baking).
    • Engage in leisure activities (music, sports).
    • Assist with housekeeping.
  • Requirements:
    • Willingness to assist with personal care.
  • Key Facts:
    • 35 hours/week, 8:30am–4:00pm.
    • 30 days of annual leave.
    • Discounted meals available.

Ready to Apply?

Join the European Solidarity Corps and make a difference in Stuttgart or Esslingen! Visit ich-will-efd.de to start your application. For more information, check youth.europa.eu.

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