Applications are open for “Beyond the Grid,” a six-week European Solidarity Corps volunteering programme taking place at Cold-Hill Shelter in Pécsely, Hungary, from August 5 to September 16, 2026.
Young people aged 18–30 living in EU countries are invited to join an international volunteer community for a hands-on experience in ecological living, off-grid systems, regenerative land use, and community resilience.
Hosted by Hideg-hegyi Menedék, also known as Cold-Hill Shelter, the programme offers participants the chance to live and work in a natural, off-grid environment where daily life is shaped by cooperation, simplicity, and practical sustainability. For six weeks, volunteers will become part of a small international group sharing everyday tasks, learning together, and contributing to meaningful projects connected to low-impact living.
Learning sustainability through practice
Rather than focusing on classroom-style learning, “Beyond the Grid” is built around direct experience. Participants will take part in practical activities connected to ecological living and climate-conscious land stewardship.
During the programme, volunteers will help build a solar-heated garden shower and explore simple off-grid water systems. They will also support seasonal gardening and regenerative land-use practices, gaining a clearer understanding of how sustainable systems can work in everyday life.
A chance to live a community lifestyle close to nature
Life at Cold-Hill Shelter also offers a chance to experience a slower rhythm.
Evenings around the campfire, shared meals, and headlamps instead of streetlights will be part of the daily atmosphere, creating space for connection, reflection, and community.
Volunteering at Hungary’s largest Eco-Festival
One of the highlights of the project will be a week of volunteering at the Gyüttment Festival, Hungary’s largest eco-festival. This will give participants the opportunity to meet people and organisations working on sustainable, community-based alternatives, while also contributing to the running of a major ecological event.
The festival experience will add another layer to the programme, connecting the small-scale learning environment of Cold-Hill Shelter with a wider network of people exploring practical responses to environmental and social challenges.
What is provided ❓
The programme is supported through the European Solidarity Corps.
Selected participants will receive accommodation and food for the duration of the project. Travel costs will be reimbursed according to ESC rules, and participants will also receive €7 per day pocket money.
The project is open to participants aged 18–30 who are living in EU countries.
Programme details
- Project name: Beyond the Grid
- Dates: August 5 – September 16, 2026
- Location: Pécsely, Hungary
- Host: Hideg-hegyi Menedék / Cold-Hill Shelter
- Eligible participants: Young people aged 18–30 living in EU countries
- Support: Food, accommodation, travel reimbursement, and €7/day pocket money
How to apply 📧📫
Applications are now open.
Apply Now for Beyond the Grid
European Solidarity Corps opportunity · Hungary · August–September 2026
More information is available in the project infopack: https://canva.link/beyondthegrid
For young people interested in sustainability, off-grid living, community life, and practical climate action, “Beyond the Grid” offers a unique opportunity to learn by doing — while living close to nature and becoming part of an international volunteer community.
