Volunteer Programs in Eastern Europe & Russia

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

This program brings a tangible impact on the lives of local youth in the town of Causeni by inspiring and challenging them positively. All initiatives are designed to create awareness and to encourage and empower them to continue making a positive change in their community for years to come. Volunteers support the local community by working closely with a local youth group. The role involves organizing and facilitating events, seminars, and workshops on cultural diversity, human rights, healthy lifestyles, social inclusion, and active community involvement. They may also help raise funds for activities. Involvement in community projects can start with a new idea, and there is a lot of flexibility and scope for volunteers to put forward their ideas and work with the local team to make them a reality. Some past events have included cultural evenings, action groups, a children’s fair, youth talent festivals, sports events, and fun runs.

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.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

Adventure, Culture, and Purpose: Grow, Connect, and Explore the Mediterranean Sail the Aegean, wander ancient cobblestone streets, and awaken your sense of purpose on this six-week journey through Greece and Croatia. Island-hop among sun-soaked shores, explore ruins that tell the stories of ancient civilizations, kayak hidden coves, and immerse yourself in vibrant local cultures. Learn traditional crafts and cuisine alongside locals, practice teamwork while sailing between islands, and reflect on your growth with a close-knit group of like-minded peers. This program blends adventure, cultural immersion, and hands-on learning to build confidence, resilience, and clarity about your path forward. Whether you’re taking a gap year, seeking an alternative to study abroad, prioritizing ethical travel, building skills and leadership, or craving authentic cultural experiences, this journey meets you where you are—helping you grow, connect, and discover meaning. This isn’t just travel—it’s a transformative experience that shapes your story.

Join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Volunteers For Peace (a Vermont-based nonprofit) can place you on a team of international volunteers who contribute to a meaningful community service project designed, planned, and hosted by local partners. We offer the most affordable projects and the best way to meet people from all over the world. Work project types vary by country but may include environmental and wildlife conservation, historic preservation, educational and language learning, archaeology, organic farming, and arts and festivals. We also have social services projects, which could involve working with children, the elderly, or refugees. Projects are designed to combine service with recreational activities and cultural exchange – whether by visiting local beaches, learning local dances, meeting local officials, or volunteering with residents at the place you’re visiting. Each project is unique, but all bring people together for the most meaningful travel experience imaginable. Please note that VFP can only place US Citizens. This is due to our agreements with our international partners.

Operation Wallacea is a research and environmental organisation, working alongside university and college academics to build long-term datasets to put towards various conservation management goals. We recruit volunteers to help out with the data collection and train them in the skills and background that are needed to help effectively. There's also the option to complete dissertations or senior theses at our sites. The Romania project is based in the Târnava Mare region in Transylvania, in a series of remote Saxon villages focused on traditional farming methods. The Opwall teams are completing surveys of the region to assess the effectiveness of maintaining these practices in protecting this outstanding area, as well as conducting surveys on the biodiversity of the region. The project's focus is on everything from plant and butterfly life to large mammals, including boar and deer, as well as looking at livestock levels and more agriculture-based impacts.

Learn, serve, and lead with Bright Light Volunteers in a country of your choice. Our Global Service Learning (GSL) program is designed for passionate middle and high school students, exposing them to various aspects, including cultural and social, of their host community. Participants not only broaden their knowledge but also develop a deeper understanding of local, national, and global issues. They gain insight into the interdependency and interconnectedness of people and communities, becoming equipped to act responsibly and effectively toward a more just and peaceful world. Additionally, they develop a range of skills outside a conventional classroom environment. If you’re interested in joining our movement and becoming a global citizen, get in touch with us today for more information.

Help care for over 90 bears in Eastern Europe's largest bear sanctuary located in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. The bears are rehabilitated after years of misery in circuses or as tourist attractions in tiny cages. It is fantastic to see these beautiful animals living happier lives, and you will help achieve this by working alongside a very dedicated team of Romanian workers. You have to be happy to try your hand in all tasks involved with the sanctuary's day-to-day running. The main volunteer task is food preparation, which takes quite a lot of time considering how many bears there are! See through the feeding and spend your free time at the sanctuary, watching the bears from the underground viewing tunnel, from the treetop walkway, or simply on the ground right next to the bears. Volunteers need to enjoy being outdoors, be passionate about bears, and able to do moderately physical work as part of a team. The nature of the work means that volunteers wanting to stay for 1 - 4 weeks are all equally welcome and valued. Volunteers live in medieval Brasov and have plenty of time to explore when not at the sanctuary.

Romania is prepared for volunteers and eagerly looks forward to individuals of all ages contributing their assistance to a unique project in the country. Globe Aware works closely with a local grassroots organization assisting children and adults with special needs such as Down syndrome, Asperger’s, and on the Autism spectrum. Unfortunately for these children, regardless of their condition, the Romanian state does not have a public oriented toward recovering and integrating the children into mainstream education, developing their potential, and preparing them for an inclusive labor market. Due to this approach, the majority reach adulthood as socially assisted individuals.

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of those in need? Do you want to be part of a team dedicated to creating a better world? Look no further! Volunteer with us at the Redemptoris Missio Foundation to join our mission of compassion and change. As a volunteer, you can contribute to our cause in various ways. Assist at our Volunteer Center in Poznań by helping assemble humanitarian aid packages for our patients, creating materials to spread awareness about our foundation, and raising funds for essential missionary projects in hospitals and clinics. We also have remote opportunities where you can support us by promoting our foundation's activities in your local area or by coordinating exhibitions, lectures, and conferences to generate support and awareness. Join us in Poznań or support us remotely—whichever suits you best. Together, we can make a difference and be a part of something bigger than ourselves!

Intern or volunteer in the Montenegro Dolphin Research (MDR), conducted in partnership with the Marine Mammals Research Association. This is the first long-term study of marine mammals in Montenegrin coastal waters. We aim to address questions about marine mammal abundance, distribution, and behavior as well as define critical habitats and investigate the impacts of major threats, ranging from tourism to seismic practices. Our wider attention focuses on promoting and implementing awareness initiatives targeted at the local community. This program is open to interns and volunteers. Joining our team allows individuals to gain both scientific and outreach skills they can practice in marine mammal research.

Volunteer in the sunniest destination of Europe, Romania, where you’ll choose between educational and health projects. The Carpathian Mountains and the Black Sea offer Romania a diverse natural landscape blended with medieval towns, castles, and picturesque terrain. Plus, the locals are friendly, making your entire experience truly rewarding and meaningful. As a volunteer in Romania, you’ll have the opportunity to support kids at an orphanage in Valea Screzii, a village near the Carpathian Mountains. Expect to see carts and horses, as life in the village hasn’t changed much over the last hundred years. If you’re a licensed doctor, you can volunteer at a small clinic at the orphanage. Help with the treatment of small injuries as well as with inoculations and dispensing of medicines. United Planet also offers virtual volunteering and virtual internships in Romania.

Join the “Russian Project!” Learn the language and apply your skills while volunteering. This project is aimed at people interested in studying the language and experiencing life in St. Petersburg. We offer the unique opportunity to take a highly intensive Russian course, with 20 weekly lessons in a mini-group. After lunchtime, you engage in practical work at a local charity organization or as a foreign language teacher at our school. Volunteering enables more intensive language practice and life experiences with the local people. The program lasts from 4–12 weeks and includes study visa support.

Apply now to our Volunteer and Internship Program! Whether you're seeking opportunities for study, work, career development, skill enhancement, or simply looking to contribute through volunteering, we have placements tailored to your needs. Join us and embark on a journey of growth and positive impact. Eligibility criteria: • Passionate about social work and children's welfare • Strong communication skills • Ability to work in a team environment • Proficient in Microsoft Office • Excellent research and analytical skills • Fluent in written and spoken English • Currently enrolled in or recently graduated as an intern • All ages are welcome for volunteers • Availability for 20-25+ hours weekly Individual responsibilities depend on each participant’s role and position. However, general tasks involve promoting engagement on social networks through sharing and encouraging comments. Other duties include developing mobilization, fundraising, crowdsourcing, and marketing ideas. We have placements in various areas: leadership (manager), writing, web development and design, IT, web 3.0, media, charity, social enterprise, and education, among others.

Join a vibrant community at the foot of a mountain in rural Croatia to support a wildlife sanctuary and engage in conservation and cultural heritage initiatives. Work closely with locals to care for rescued bears and other animals, protect the environment, and contribute to sustainable practices, all while immersing yourself in Croatian culture. What to expect: • Immerse yourself in Croatian traditions, build relationships with locals, and learn the language while helping both people and animals. • Assist in feeding and caring for bears and their habitat and other animals, • Help maintain the sanctuary and surrounding forest, preserving wild food sources and ensuring the animals stay out of urban areas. Daily tasks: • Maintain the forest and surrounding environment. • Ensure the well-being of all animals at the center. • Learn and apply techniques for collecting and preserving wild herbs and fruits. • Perform simple handiwork tasks with guidance from experienced individuals. Stay with other volunteers in a traditional local home. Volunteers are responsible for preparing meals, cleaning, and performing other daily tasks. 6 hours per day, 6 days per week.

Since 2020, we have been organizing the Caretta Caretta Monitoring and Conservation Project every summer in Demre, Antalya. This project focuses on protecting the nesting habitats of endangered sea turtles and ensuring their population sustainability. Activities include identifying and safeguarding nesting sites, monitoring populations, collecting scientific data, and providing education and awareness programs for local communities and volunteers. The project aims to develop long-term strategies to address threats and secure the species' ecological and biological future.

The city of Cluj-Napoca, with a metro population of just a little more than 400,000, is considered the unofficial “capital” of the historic region of Transylvania. While no famous vampires haunt the region, it's a relatively short drive to towering, Dracula-esque castles. The typical family partnering with Fuller Center Romania has a working mother and father earning minimum wage, an obstacle to obtaining decent housing through traditional mortgage opportunities in an expensive market. Most of these families have 1-5 children and come to us from situations where they live in crowded conditions with relatives. Others approach us from small rented spaces lacking basic utilities such as potable water, flushable toilets, and adequate heat. Some come from unsound shacks and shelters. The families partner in the process, helping in the construction work done on their homes and repaying the costs on a no-profit, no-interest basis. Their repayments remain in Romania and are recycled to help the next families get this much-needed hand-up, turning the partner families into not just recipients, but givers themselves.