Description

Although Romania joined the EU early in 2007, it is one of the poorest countries in the European Union. Widespread poverty, unemployment and corruption have made it difficult for the country to move forward and have created a real need for the kind of work done by Projects Abroad volunteers.

You can volunteer abroad in the field of international development work on a Care project in Romania as part of a gap year in your education, a career break, part of an extended vacation or during your retirement. You can be a trained professional or totally new to the field. All we ask is that you have a passion for and a commitment to the work and the people you are there to help.

The plight of Romanian orphans was well documented during the early 1990's by the international media by highlighting the need for the international community to respond to the problems of the large numbers of neglected orphans throughout the country. Although the government is now addressing the need for more funding and better homes, ten years later there remains a large number of orphans in Romania.

We have a wide variety of care work that volunteers can get involved with in Romania. In recent years, there has been a restructuring of the orphanages in the ancient city of Brasov. Volunteers can now work in smaller homes for orphans, which house about ten to twelve children aged between 4 and 16 years old.

We also have a care project based in the pediatric ward of a hospital where volunteers help with the daily care of babies and children. Opportunities are available to work with children and adults with physical and mental disabilities at day care centers and homes or you may be interested in working at a shelter caring for the elderly. Local staff, including your placement supervisor, will welcome your dedication and enthusiasm and are on hand at all times should you need any guidance.

Volunteering abroad on a care project in Romania is a chance to make a difference to the day-to-day lives of a really deserving group of children. Your assistance will also greatly support the dedicated, but overstretched staff. All of the homes are eager to have volunteers with new ideas and energy to help the permanent staff. Sometimes just talking to the children and regularly picking up the younger ones can make a significant difference in their development. Previous volunteers have also enjoyed helping teach the children basic conversational English as well as involving them in activities such as song, dance, drama and sports in their free time.

Volunteers working on the care placement in the hospital will be involved in helping to look after the babies by changing their diapers, bathing and feeding them. You will also play with the children in the hospital's playroom. The hospital is understaffed and help from the volunteers is greatly appreciated. Many of the children come from gypsy families and often stay in the hospital for several weeks after recovering from an illness.

Your accommodation will be with a local Romanian family close to your placement. This will give you a fantastic way to immerse yourself in local life and to really feel part of this Eastern European community. Our Projects Abroad Romania office, a bustling center for volunteers doing all kinds of projects, is close by and our staff are available to offer help and support at all hours - day or night - should you require their assistance.

All volunteers taking part on a Care project in Romania must now undertake a police and medical check to demonstrate they are fit to work with children. This is easily arranged at your local police station and we will provide advice on this when you apply. Please note that it can take up to 40 days to receive clearance.

Highlights

The ancient city of Brasov has many sights and museums, and a full cultural program of theater, music and puppetry performances. The town center contains a wide range of restaurants within walking distance, and it's also easy to explore more of the city with frequent buses and trolleybuses.

It's only an hour from the town to Dracula's castle, or the medieval home of Vlad the Impaler. Indeed, there are plenty of attractions in Transylvania, but it's also easy for you to visit Bucharest, the Black Sea or the Danube Delta. Other volunteers have even explored Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ukraine after finishing their volunteer placements.

Qualifications

No qualifications or experience required.

Languages

• English
• Romanian
• Russian

Cost in US$:

Please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Food, Accommodation, in-country Transportation, Travel & Medical Insurance, Constant Support of Full-Time Staff.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Open-minded with a desire to travel.

Age Range

16-70

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992