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From Ireland · 19+

Spend this summer working at a camp in Europe

No visa, no paperwork: you're an EU citizen. Room, board and training included, and the camp pays you every week.

See open placementsWhat does it cost?
  • No visa, no time limit as an EU citizen: you travel on your Irish passport or ID card.
  • The camp pays you €75 a week on Camp Europe placements.
  • Room, board and training included, and you're picked up when you arrive.

What an 8-week summer from Ireland costs

Straight numbers, with Camp Europe as the example. Approximate figures are our estimates from 22 October 2026; International Camps Network's fees are exact.

What you pay

  • Pre-interview fee (early bird)not refunded on Camp Europe placements€55
  • Confirmation deposit€300
  • Return flight from Irelandtypical summer fare≈ €150
  • First Aid Certificate€55

Total€560

What comes back

  • Deposit paid back by the camp, placement weeks 1–4 (€75 a week; training week unpaid)+€300
  • Extra weekly TCC, placement weeks 5–7: 3 × €75+€225
  • Transportation Cost Compensation (TCC), against your travel invoice+€150

Total+€675

Also included: training, room and all meals, pick-up on arrival and certificates.

Your summer, in the end

+€115

From Ireland the flight is short, so the camp's weekly payments cover your costs, with a little left over. Not a fortune, but a lifetime experience money can't buy.

Open placements

Each camp offers one of the two programmes: the Cultural Camp Experience or the Paid Counselor Placement.

Getting there from Ireland

  • No visa, no ETIAS as an EU citizen: an Irish passport or passport card is enough, with no 90-day limit. Bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
  • Flights from Dublin, Cork or Shannon: about €150 return, booked 2 to 4 months ahead. The camp picks you up at the nearest train or bus station.
  • Documents: a police certificate less than 1 year old, issued specifically for working with children or the vulnerable sector (online printouts are not accepted), a first aid certificate and travel insurance for your whole stay. Not sure which certificate to request? Message us before you order it.

Questions?

We help you choose a camp and tell you what a summer there is really like, including from Irish counsellors who have been.

Message us on WhatsApp

In their words

Irish counsellors who have been

David C.

Class

“I got to release my inner child for a bit, and it was grand, yeah. My six-week placement at the camp in Germany was a transformative experience. The welcoming atmosphere made me feel instantly connected, and I quickly formed bonds that felt like family. The camp's positive energy was infectious, and it was clear that everyone – from the staff to the campers – truly cared about creating a supportive and fun environment.”

David C.

Ireland

Claire Baire B.

Amazing!

“The Diplo program at Camp Europe was truly a unique and amazing experience for me. Despite the fact that Corona was shutting down other camps and businesses around the world, we were still able to live and complete our training in our little camp community tucked away in the farmland of Northern Germany. Camp really felt like home after a short time of being there, knowing we were guaranteed room and board and work even if the summer season was canceled, which thankfully it was not. The other diplos became family, and we all worked together so well. I’m so grateful for this opportunity to train and work abroad in a program where I learned so many different skills, experienced a new culture, and even learned a new language. I highly recommend the program!”

Claire Baire B.

Ireland

Holly C.

VALUABLE

“My favourite part about my camp adventure experience was the amazing people I got to meet and still love to hear from today. They make your time at camp so memorable and you’ll want to keep returning years after ☺️”

Holly C.

Ireland

Caoimhe M.

Inspiring

“I recently completed a six-week placement at the camp in Germany, and it was an experience I'll never forget. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and part of something truly special. The balance between work and fun was perfect, and I formed strong connections with both campers and fellow teamers. The camp's sense of community and support made it an unforgettable and enriching experience. I can’t wait to return.”

Caoimhe M.

Ireland

Anna M.

Brilliant!

“It’s hard to put my camp experience into words. Those weeks were some of the best of my life. I made friends from all over the world, and running activities for the kids was amazing. Camp was a place to escape reality and embrace fun. It made me feel safe, comfortable, and completely at home. I learned new things, enjoyed endless laughter, and created unforgettable memories. I can’t wait to go back!”

Anna M.

Ireland

John B.

People

“Got so close to so many people. Have too many visits planned to keep track of, a pretty unique, intense place. Directed for the first time, enjoyed the step up and the challenge. Would love to come back”

John B.

Ireland

Questions

›Do Irish citizens need a visa or permit to work at a summer camp in Europe?

No. As an EU citizen you can live, volunteer and work anywhere in the EU with no visa, no ETIAS and no 90-day limit. Bring your passport or passport card and your EHIC.

›How much does a summer in Europe cost from Ireland?

Less than from most places: the return flight is about €150 booked 2 to 4 months ahead. Room, board and training are included, and at Camp Europe the camp pays you €75 every week. Over an 8-week summer: you come home with about €115.

›Do I get paid?

Yes. On Camp Europe placements you pay a €75 pre-interview fee (€55 until 21 December), which is not refunded, and €300 to confirm. The camp pays you €75 every week: after the training week (unpaid), the first 4 weeks pay your deposit back, and from placement week 5 it is an extra weekly Transportation Cost Compensation (TCC), plus €150 TCC towards your travel.

›Is this an alternative to a J1 summer?

Yes, for many: no visa, no sponsor fees, a much shorter flight, and room and board covered, so you are not paying rent all summer. You work with children from many countries instead of in a city job.

›Do I need to speak German?

No. English is the working language at camp; Irish, German or another language is a plus, never a requirement.

›Who can apply, and when?

Anyone 19 or over (some placements ask for more). Applications are open from 1 November to 30 April.

›Which documents do I need?

A valid passport or passport card; a police certificate less than 1 year old, issued specifically for working with children or the vulnerable sector (online printouts are not accepted); a first aid certificate (a one-day course if you do not have one) and travel insurance for your whole stay. Not sure which certificate to request? Message us before you order it.

See all placementsFree info session