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Commit full-time to an international solidarity, development or humanitarian mission abroad through the Volontariat de Solidarité Internationale (VSI), a French legal framework established by the Law of 23 February 2005.
VSI is open to adults aged 18 and over of any nationality, including EU citizens, with no statutory upper age limit. Each mission has its own skills, experience and language requirements.
Africa and Asia are key destinations, with examples including Madagascar, Togo, Senegal, Benin, Cambodia, the Philippines and India. Opportunities also exist in North Africa and Latin America, including Ecuador. Available destinations depend on current vacancies.
For EU citizens, missions must take place outside the EU and European Economic Area, and outside their countries of citizenship and habitual residence.
Missions normally last 12–24 months, with a maximum cumulative commitment of six years over your lifetime. You must be available full-time and cannot remain under a standard active employment contract, except through permitted sabbatical or international-solidarity leave arrangements.
Volunteers receive a monthly living allowance, with international travel, accommodation and food covered under the mission contract. Support also includes preparation, health and medical cover, repatriation insurance and pension protection. French retirement credits are subject to the applicable conditions.
You must be recruited by a state-approved sending organisation for a specific mission. Explore current opportunities through France Volontaires or a sending NGO such as La Guilde.
Confirm the vacancy’s eligibility requirements, destination, contract and visa arrangements with the sending organisation before committing to travel.