This seminar is aimed at organisations interested in individual volunteer exchanges within the framework of short-term group formats.

Whether you already have (initial) experience in organising, for example, ESC volunteering teams, or are looking to explore this field for the first time - join us in this contact making seminar!
We are keen to expand our network to include youth work organisations, to engage in professional dialogue, and hopefully to both share and learn from one another regarding expertise in the field of international volunteering.

IBG has been organising international volunteering projects in Germany for more than 60 years. We are hosting 300 to 400 international volunteers per year and are supporting up to 200 German volunteers going to projects worldwide. We are part of a big and active network of like minded organisations and we intend to work actively to expand our network in countries and regions that are currently not yet represented or are under-represented.

When?

12th-15th September 2026 (including travel days)

Where?

Mainz - Jugendhaus Don Bosco

What is this seminar about?

We look forward to getting to know new organisations and exploring opportunities for future collaboration through direct dialogue.

We are happy to provide an insight into our established approaches, structures and processes, and to explain how we seek to harness the significant potential offered by international volunteer exchanges for the benefit of volunteers, local communities and our organisations.
We are equally keen to learn from the your experiences and to exchange ideas on innovative approaches.

On the second day we are going to have a field visit to one of our ESC volunteering team projects, which is taking place close by. There, you will have the opportunity to engage with volunteers, group leaders and local partners.

Who can participate?

Youth workers, coordinators, mentors, staff / board members or volunteers of organisations interested in starting or expanding volunteer exchanges in- and outside the ESC framework. Organisations need to be eligible for the Erasmus+ program.
Participants with fewer opportunities are encouraged to apply. The accommodation is wheelchair-friendly

Language

The seminar will be held in English. If you would like to participate, but would need some kind of support regarding the language, please reach out to us.

Costs and travel expenses reimbursement

The seminar is funded through Erasmus+.
Your travel costs can be reimbursed according to a distance band:
10-99km: 56€ for Green Travel (not green 28€)
100-499 km: 285€ for Green Travel (not green 211€)
500-1999 km: 417 € for Green Travel (not green 309€)

Please do not book any tickets until your participation in the seminar has been confirmed!

If you are interested in the seminar in Mainz or have any questions about it, please do not hesitate to contact us:

Contact: Lukas Wurtinger
Email: projekte@ibg-workcamps.org
Phone: +49 711 649 02 63