Would you like to live in France for a while, improve your French and get to know young people from all over the world while living in the country?
Are you looking for a (new) challenge? Why not spend six months volunteering in the heart of the Cévennes National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site!
Our French partner organization Solidarités Jeunesses is looking for volunteers for long-term voluntary services through the European Solidarity Corps .
Solidarités Jeunesses welcomes international volunteers throughout the year in local projects called 'délégations'. The délégations are mainly located in rural areas and are housed in historical local places, for example a former factory, a former communal campsite, a village house or a castle. The houses have been renovated over the years by many volunteers and permanent staff who live and work there together.
Founded in 1974 in the village of Beauvoisin in the Gard department, the REV (short for ‘Réseau d’Entraide Volontaire’) became a branch of Solidarités Jeunesses in 1979. Previously, REV operated mainly in the Gard department and occasionally carried out activities in Lozère as well. Since 2020, the organisation has been undergoing a transformation and is in the process of establishing itself in Lozère and shifting the focus of its activities to this region.
When?
7 months from 31 March 2027
Where?
There is a large building in Lozère, in Finiels, which will serve as REV’s base camp over the next few years. The new site will comprise a main building, where activities will take place, and a chalet to accommodate long-term volunteers.
Five volunteers will share the volunteer house; three short-term volunteers will then join them over the course of the summer. As this is a new location, living conditions will not be ideal at first, but one of the long-term volunteers’ tasks will be to improve the accommodation to make it a pleasant place to live. Please note: you will be living in the middle of the mountains, which means the climate can be harsh.
The site is surrounded by fields and woodland. It is a very remote location; the nearest village is 7 km away and has a few shops for everyday essentials. To find REV on Google Maps, search for ‘Eagle’s Nest’, 44.407563; 3.749373
The Project
Life at REV is based on community living. If you decide to take part in this project, you are choosing to work together with a team to organise all aspects of daily life (e.g. cooking, eating, cleaning, socialising, living in peace and harmony).
In the summer, REV organises international work camps and European youth exchanges on its site or in villages in the region. These involve various projects (depending on the year), in which you help shape community life alongside another volunteer or a professional supervisor.
REV is situated in the Cévennes National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. The environment is therefore an integral part of daily life. This aspect is taken into account at every level: the renovation of the building focuses on eco-friendly building materials, and the catering prioritises organic and regional produce; waste separation and the careful use of vehicles and water are a matter of course.
An important part of your role will be raising awareness amongst visitors who wish to get to know the area.
Conditions of participation
Volunteering through the European Solidarity Corps is open to all young people aged 18-30. Of course you should be motivated for the project. A driver's license is strongly recommended in all projects as they take place in rural areas.
Apart from that, Solidarités Jeunesses works on the principle that the differences between people are an opportunity to learn, discover and grow from each other. Therefore, everyone is welcome, regardless of origin, gender, sexual orientation or world view.
What does participation cost?
Participation is free. The program is funded by the European Commission. You will be provided with lodging, meals, medical insurance, and round trip tickets (up to the maximum amount allowed by the program) for the duration of your stay. You will also receive a small amount of pocket money.
Apply now
To apply, you need the application form and a letter of motivation.
No special qualifications are required for the projects, so your text is used to assess the motivation to participate in a specific project. It's an opportunity for you to express why you want to volunteer in a rural area with people from different countries and backgrounds. Your letter of motivation must relate to the specific project you are applying for.
Lukas is at your disposal for all questions about ESC voluntary services and the application:
Send an email: outgoing@ibg-workcamps.org