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1. EU programmes

2. Other Programmes

3. Legal framework applying to foreign volunteers

EU programmes

Turkish National Agency has been responsible for the implementation of the Education and Youth programs conducted by the European Commission in Türkiye since 2004. Within this framework, it carries out the Erasmus + Program and the European Solidarity Programme.

Türkiye has been actively participating in the European Voluntary Service (EVS) program within the frame of of the Erasmus+ program since 2004 and many volunteers went abroad within the context of the program and many of them came from abroad to volunteer in Türkiye.

As of 2019, the volunteering activity, previously included in the Erasmus+program and known as the European Voluntary Service, was separated from the Erasmus+program and started to take place as one of the sub-main activities of the European Solidarity Corps-ESC, as a new program. The European Solidarity Program is an EU-created and funded program for young people wishing to participate in solidarity activities in various fields. The program supports the European Union’s policy priorities in order to be  inclusive (inclusion, including the diversity, equal opportunities), green practices (environmental protection, sustainable development, climate change and digital transformation (boosting digital skills, promoting digital literacy and understanding  the risks and opportunities of digital technology), protecting and promoting health (healthy life, physical activity) and the participation of young people in democratic processes. It brings the institutions and young people together to help to support these priorities in their projects.

With the year of 2021,  in addition to the volunteering projects, the Program also provides the opportunity for young people to volunteer in the field of humanitarian aid for the first time worldwide.

The European Solidarity Program is a program that makes it possible for young people between the ages of 18-30 to do voluntary service in their countries or in a country other than their country of residence, reinforces the solidarity among young people, and also allows the volunteer to contribute into the local community, to acquire new skills, learn new languages and discover other cultures. These young people contribute into the activities of the institutions and organizations that work in volunteering and solidarity activities for 2 to 12 months and are accredited by the Turkish National Agency and have a Quality Certificate.  The Quality Certificate is a document that formalizes that institutions and organizations can carry out qualified solidarity activities in accordance with the principles, objectives and conditions of the Program.

Young people who want to participate in volunteering activities must first register to the European Solidarity Program on the European Youth Portal. The purpose of the portal is to bring together volunteers and institutions and organizations that have Quality Certificates and to enable young people to access opportunities by publishing here the announcement of the projects that receive grants, and to include volunteers in their projects by determining the volunteers through the portal. Young people can take part in volunteering projects by sending their CVs and motivation letters to these institutions and organizations.

Travelling, accommodation, food and beverage, visa expenses of young people participating into the volunteering projects are covered and a small amount of pocket money is given daily. At the end of the Project, a youthpass certificate is given to young people completing the activity.  This certificate is a certificate that allows volunteers to directly convey their achievements during the Project process and to reflect their personal development.

Volunteering in Humanitarian Aid projects, on the other hand, offer young people aged 18-35 the opportunity to provide emergency assistance based on the core principles of impartiality, humanity and fairness and help to provide relief, recovery and protection where it is needed most. Volunteers will be trained and prepared to ensure that they have the necessary skills and competencies to effectively assist those in need. These projects are carried out by the Brussels-based Central Executive Agency.

In Türkiye, Turkish National Agency is  responsibility for monitoring and following participation in European Union programs.

Other Programmes

Apart from EU-funded programs, young people from Türkiye also engage in various international volunteering initiatives organized by global institutions and networks. Some of these include:

• United Nations Volunteers (UNV): The UNV program provides opportunities for young people to contribute to peace and development worldwide through volunteer placements in UN agencies and partner organizations.
• International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Volunteering Programs: Through IFRC’s global network, young volunteers participate in humanitarian relief efforts, disaster response, and community resilience projects.
• Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organisations: This international network promotes youth exchange and volunteering opportunities in different countries, focusing on intercultural learning and community engagement.
• Service Civil International (SCI): SCI facilitates international voluntary service projects, including short-term work camps and long-term volunteer placements in various social and environmental fields.

Legal framework applying to foreign volunteers

There is no special legal framework for foreign volunteers.