Description

Romania, in Eastern Europe, is a unique and wonderful place to complete a volunteer project or internship. The outstanding scenery, biodiversity and paradoxes of a country that is in the process of economic and cultural change will mould the experiences on any trip to Romania. This country, which is slightly smaller than the UK, occupies the heart of Eastern Europe but has a unique Latin culture.

There's plenty to see, from painted monasteries, Transylvanian castles and green mountains to vibrant Black Sea beach resorts, medieval towns and relaxing spas. Romania has activities and attractions to suit all tastes and budgets.

Romania remains influenced and scarred by its recent political history. The impact of the revolution in 1989 was huge. The dictator, Nicolae Ceacescu, who was killed in this bloody revolution, is still much talked about and remembered with a variety of emotions. To live in Romania now is to discover a capitalist society developing alongside peasant subsistence.

Our projects in Romania are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world, including those on a college summer break, gap year, career break or volunteer vacation.

Projects Abroad Romania has its office in the historic city of Brasov in the capital of Transylvania. A wide range of international volunteer work is available such as Teaching, Care, Journalism internships, Veterinary Medicine internships, Sports, Archaeology and Drama projects.

Set in the Carpathian Mountains and with a ski resort nearby, Brasov is an unusual combination of impressive historical squares and palaces, sandwiched between former-Communist tower blocks. While volunteering abroad, you'll be living with a local host family in town, and you will find that spending time with a Romanian family and their friends is an entertaining and enlightening experience in itself!

Your Romanian hosts will make sure that you eat heartily, and there will be plenty of local wines to try - it's common to find yourself sitting down to Sunday lunch at 1pm and not getting up until 5pm! They may feed you mamaliga, a corn bread which seems to come with every meal or ciorba, a spicy soup. There is also sure to be lots of good conversation during meal times.

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

Volunteers must be 16 years old and submit 1 letter of recommendation.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please go to our website for prices.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Childcare/children
• Conservation
• Journalism
• Medicine
• Teaching
• Veterinary

Typical Volunteer

Anyone with an open mind and a desire to travel

Age Range

18-80

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

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