European Solidarity Corps – International Youth Houses in Pori, Finland

On this page you can find more information about our International Youth Houses project. We have tried to gather all the practical info to answer the most frequently asked questions. But if you still have something to ask, you can find our contact information on the bottom of this page.

How to apply

Before applying we kindly ask you to read the information below carefully and consider if this project is really for you.

Notice that you have to apply in two steps
1) Fill in the Google Forms application  
2) Apply also in the Youth Portal (https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/opportunity/30822_fi)

Application period ends on 23-06-2025 at 23:59

Organisation

The Youth Services Department of the City of Pori provides a wide range of services for local young people. Our goal is to positively influence their lives through youth work—by improving their living conditions, strengthening their coping skills, and empowering them to take action on social issues. We are committed to offering equal opportunities for all young people to participate in our activities.

Most of our work takes place in open youth houses. We also organize various events such as discos, youth clubs, and camps, as well as targeted youth work (including small group activities, individual support, and street outreach work), digital youth work, youth council activities, and international projects.

During school holidays, we offer camps and nature treks. Almost all our youth activities are free of charge or have only a small participation fee.

We will start our 12th volunteer project as a hosting organization. Through our previous involvement in ERASMUS+ and European Solidarity Corps (ESC) programs, we’ve gained extensive experience in both practical arrangements and the core principles and values of EU funded volunteering projects.

As a government-regulated organization responsible for youth services in Pori, we employ about 20 professional youth workers and are excited to include international volunteers in our daily operations.

About the project

The International Youth Houses project will host two volunteers for 12 months—one position is open from October 2025 and the other one from January 2026. The aim is to foster a positive international atmosphere throughout our activities. We want both our staff and local young people to approach other cultures with curiosity, respect, and open-mindedness.

Our international volunteers play a key role in this. By working and interacting with our community, they help build understanding between people of different backgrounds. We hope that volunteers also inspire young people to explore the world and engage with other cultures.

We want to provide young adults from across Europe (and beyond) a meaningful opportunity to gain work experience in Finland. Volunteers will learn about Finnish youth work and our diverse working methods. In return, they bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to our team.

We encourage our volunteers to plan and lead their own activities based on their interests and strengths.

Volunteer Profile

Eligibility

Applicants must be 18–30 years old and legally resident in one of the following:

Applications from Ukrainian, Palestinian, and Russian residents will be considered with attention to current circumstances.

EU Member States

Partner Countries: North Macedonia, Turkey, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia.

Desired Qualities

We’re looking for a people person—someone who is open-minded, motivated, and comfortable sharing an apartment with a volunteer from a different background (possibly of the opposite sex).

The ideal volunteer will enjoy working with teenagers (ages 13–19) and be proactive in engaging with them, even when language barriers exist.

We value independence, creativity, and resilience. Volunteers should be able to take initiative, organize activities, and respond constructively to feedback or disinterest from youth.

Youth houses are safe, pressure-free spaces. Our volunteers must respect this and meet young people where they are—offering support without expectations.

You will have 1–2 office days per week to plan your schedule and tasks, create social media content, and design promotional materials such as posters and flyers. Volunteers are encouraged to contribute to our social media accounts, mainly Instagram (@nuortenpori,@esc_pori) and TikTok.

Experience in any of the following is a plus:

• Graphic design
• Event planning
• Sports (indoor or outdoor)
• Social work
• Arts or music

Volunteer tasks

Volunteers assist our youth workers in planning and implementing youth activities. These include:

• Open youth house activities
• Small group sessions
• Events
• Camps
• Digital youth work
• International youth projects

Note: The open youth house concept is unique to the Nordic countries. These houses are open from Tuesday to Saturday afternoons and evenings (typically 15:00–21:00) and serve as casual spaces where young people can hang out. The number of visitors varies, and activities are mostly unstructured. Youth workers and volunteers are there to ensure the space is welcoming and supportive.

Volunteers are expected to behave respectfully both on and off duty and to stick to the work schedule agreed upon with colleagues.

They will engage with youth in group settings (ages 13–29), provide support and guidance, and co-create workshops and events. Small group themes vary: sports, cooking, crafts, games, unemployment, international topics, and more.

Volunteers are encouraged to teach local youth about their own language and culture and use personal skills—like music, art, or sport—in interactions.

Schedule

Volunteers work 30 hours per week. Schedules are flexible and may include 5 or 6 working days, depending on how volunteers structure their tasks. Volunteers receive two vacation days per month.

Youth house days: Typically 16:00–20:30, Monday–Friday or Tuesday–Saturday
 The exact schedule will vary based on the volunteer’s strengths and the needs of the organization.

Office days: 09:00–17:00

Travel

The volunteer and hosting organization will jointly agree on the best way to book travel and manage the project’s travel budget. The simplest route is to fly to Helsinki and take a train directly from the airport to Pori. We will support the volunteers with booking and instructions throughout the journey.

Monthly allowance

Volunteers receive a monthly allowance consisting of:

• Pocket money: €180
• Food allowance: €300

This amount covers basic living expenses such as food and essentials. However, it is not enough for shopping, leisure travel, or frequent social outings. Food and general costs in Finland are high, especially compared to many southern European countries, so budgeting will be essential—and a skill you’re likely to improve during your stay.

Accommodation & Practical Matters

The hosting organization rents a furnished apartment for the two volunteers. Each volunteer has a private bedroom, while the kitchen, living room, and bathroom are shared. The apartment is well-equipped, spacious, and stocked with essentials passed down by previous volunteers.

Volunteers are responsible for keeping the apartment clean and in good condition. It is located in an apartment building where Finnish quiet hours begin at 22:00. Noise after this time—such as loud music or shouting—is strictly prohibited. Violations can lead to complaints, police involvement, or even eviction from the apartment.

The apartment is located about 2.8 km from the city center. Volunteers will be provided with bicycles and public transport cards for getting around, including to more distant youth houses. In winter, travel conditions can be more difficult.

Volunteers will also receive a Finnish mobile phone number with an internet plan paid for by the host. A Wi-Fi connection is available in the apartment. Volunteers should bring their own phones. Daily communication with colleagues takes place mainly via WhatsApp and Signal.

Support and Training

Volunteers attend On-Arrival Training at Youth Centre Villa Elba (Kokkola) a few months into the project. The host organization’s contact person also serves as the volunteer’s mentor—helping set learning goals, monitor progress, and provide support with any issues.

In the first months, mentor meetings are weekly. Later, they take place every 2–3 weeks or as needed. We also aim to provide an external mentor for extra support if necessary.

Contact

If you have questions or would like more information, feel free to contact us:
 📧 esc.pori@gmail.com