I can’t say enough to recommend that you consider a trip to Romania via IVHQ and their local partner at least once in your lifetime (although it is possible that the experience will be so lovely that, like me, you will long to return).
The preparation and attention to detail provided by the partner team mean that your comfort, safety and opportunity will always be foremost. The accommodation on a quaint pedestrian-only main street of the city of Csikszereda provides a place where you immediately become family with a cast of international characters. Mine were from Brazil to the Philippines, New Zealand to Malta. They included 18-year olds in search of adventure, a young couple in love, and a 68-year-old woman who returned to revisit the joys of a previous visit. I have a new “brother” from Texas, who may be one of only a few people who love Romania more than I do. New “sisters” include a bubbly obstetrician and a woman from nearby New Jersey who shared my own sense of belonging.
I chose to do the extra orientation week which gave me not only a chance to climb ladders 72 feet into the crown of a Jesus statue for incredible mountain views and to go 2700 meters below the earth into the Praid salt mines which host a bar, a cinema and an adventure park, but to also avail myself of extra Hungarian lessons, learning phrases specifically suited to my upcoming teaching project.
When Murphy’s Law reared its head and the teacher I was to work with in Bankfalva became suddenly ill, Peter, the director of the program quickly adapted the program to include me in the afterschool program in another village for that week. I was seamlessly included in a project that allowed me to spend longer hours and more play time with kids than the teaching offered, and I made lots of new friends.
Teaching resumed the following week at Bankfalva school with Peter himself standing in as a substitute, and my translator for classes. T think we made a great teaching team. Even though I had no formal teaching experience, I was able to interact with kids in grades 4 -8 by asking and answering questions and playing word games. The high point in my teaching experience came on my last day when I volunteered to participate in a service-learning project, helping the students pick up trash throughout the village. The kids delighted in teaching me new words, including the one for horse poop, and even pointing out their own houses. I delighted in setting an example as a 66-year-old American woman reaching into streams and gutters to retrieve garbage right alongside the students. We collected about 30 full bags of trash that morning.
When asked how much value the communities receive from short term volunteers like me, Peter answered that even one chance for a student to be successful in a conversation with an English speaker can foster enthusiasm for the whole class to understand the benefits of learning English. His explanation gave me comfort in understanding my role and value here.
I also had the chance to visit the animal care project when one of my flatmates generously took time on her day off from that project to walk there with me. We spent time socializing and playing with puppies. There’s nothing like some puppy time to fend off homesickness!
One last treasured opportunity this program gave me was the ability to participate in the local community. Through both quiz night and weekly English Club I met and was befriended by locals who taught me so much about the Hungarian heritage of this part of Romania. It was not unusual for me to meet one of these locals on a walk through the city and to be invited for coffee or a beer as if we were old friends. I’ve never had such a rich 3 weeks in my life.
So…. come with an open heart and an open mind to volunteer in Romania. Through this program you will share who you are and be given so much more in return, no matter your age, background, or ability. Take the first step on the journey of a lifetime. Fall in love with a place that will let you into its heart, with people who will remember you always.
I, for one, can’t wait to return.

Go Overseas...Go to Romania...Seriously do it!
This was honestly such a great experience! I applied through IVHQ to volunteer in Romania for 2 weeks but I loved it so much I extended another week and if I hadn't had any further travels I would have extended longer. The highlight of my volunteering through Care2Travel was Summer Camp! I didn't know a lot about Romania before travelling there but as a destination it has so many amazing things to offer. The people, the food, the landscapes - everything is just amazing! I can't recommend highly enough the team at Care2Travel. They were so helpful with anything at all and all the information provided before and during my stay was so comprehensive. You feel so welcomed and with the projects themselves you feel like you are contributing to a greater cause - whatever language challenges I faced with the kids on Summer Camp, the smiles and laughs really make it worth it!!

I’m a first-time volunteer to a foreign country and naturally, I was very anxious and nervous to do something that I don’t know. But, from the time I decided to go through with the program, to the requirements and all preparations given, to meeting the local Romanian team, to experiencing the work I had to do for my placement and up until the time I had to leave...I was only made to feel cared for and safe the entire time, by every single person involved with IVHQ and the Care2Travel (local IVHQ team). I only had a week even, but it felt like a month because there was always something to do and there was never a boring time. We even had the chance to meet and interact with the locals, which was such a nice experience, specially getting to know their history and culture. Plus, I had the opportunity to see one of the highest points in Romania in it’s beautiful autumn weather! I was certainly able to do two things I like all at the same time and in such an affordable price. With the fee I paid for, I had absolutely no problem with the accommodations, the supply of food and had so much more extra pocket money left for mini-tours and souvenirs to bring back home. All worth the decision to go and all worth the time spent each day being there. I did not expect how organized and professional the whole process was from start to finish and I have no doubts at all in recommending to volunteer thru IVHQ to anyone—specially choosing Romania. It is not a country that most people would even think of visiting but it surely was worth looking into the first time I saw it on the list of available programs I wanted. (ie, agriculture). Personally, it is the perfect place and the best team to take on a first-time volunteer. I can’t say that my short stay has allowed me to change the world with the help I did. But...it has given me a good taste of volunteering and it is why I am considering on doing this often—maybe then, I’ll get a chance to change the world a little bit more each time.

I wanted a change this summer. This year was about giving back, doing something for someone else. To be a part of something bigger than myself. So next thing I know I am booking a sustainable agriculture volunteer program in Romania for a week, through IVHQ and Care2Travel. This was just a taster, I didn’t want to get ahead of myself as it was the first time I was completely travelling alone.

Getting ready for this I was nervous and anxious, questioning if I’d made the right decision and it wasn’t too late to back down. All I could think about was; I am about to go to a country I have never been to before, live with people I have never met before. Am I going to get along with the people there? is this program the right fit for me? will I make a difference in such a short period of time?

The moment I stepped into the airport I was welcomed by Inu our driver and three other volunteers arriving on the same day as me. By the end of a five-hour drive most of my anxieties had melted off by the conversation flow and nestled in the mountains was Miercurea Ciuc. We dropped our bags at the accommodation made quick introductions and joined some other volunteers in discovering the town, it was the ‘potato festival’. There were food stalls, lights and live music, we even ended up dancing with a local gypsy.

The first day was orientation day, it was time to properly introduce ourselves to one another and go over the details of the town and work schedule. Awkwardness, the first fifteen minutes then someone cracks a joke, then tension from that moment melts away.

When I reached my placement and I first laid eyes at the community garden I was daunted it was huge project there was so much to do. Our volunteer leaders Peter and Jackie were full of reassurance and help telling us that they were open to our ideas and that our input no matter how small was significant. So sleeves were rolled up and days were spent in the community garden getting everything back into shape, ploughing, digging and weeding under the sun, with a cup of tea here and there. After work the day was mine. I managed to experience aerial yoga for the first time, chimney cake, family style dinner with my fellow volunteers and also my first tattoo.

At the end of my stay I could already see a difference in the garden it looked as if it were up and running. There was that enormous sense of achievement. The last night of my program was the icing on the cake. All of us had huddled up near a fire making smores underneath the stars, talking about our journeys, dreams and goals.

All of those fear and worries were uncalled for because at the end of the volunteer program I honestly came out of it getting more than I expected. It truly changed me. I came out with friends and an appreciation towards finding a common goal even though we all came from different back grounds. The only regret I have is, I wish I had stayed a little longer…

Our group was younger than most volunteers, 7 girls aged 13-15 and their 3 leaders.
The volunteer programme had been well thought out to ensure that the girls were able to fully participate as indeed they did!
I hope that the trip has made memories that the girls will carry with them always and that they have left a positive impression on the local community we worked with.
They also gained a lot from meeting and interacting with the other volunteers on the programme - both local and international and with volunteers on different programmes that were staying in the accommodation. Transylvania is a beautiful part of the world with good weather and some fantastic scenery.
Your comments minimum limit is too long - I'm sure you don't get as many comments as you might when an essay is required before you can post!

My trip to Romania was a very last minute one having only applied 2 weeks before my placement at the animal shelter was due to start. The reason for my late application was that i had been deliberating over whether to apply or not due to a mix of nervousness and not knowing what the experience would entail. Inspite of this, i decided to go ahead and apply to the animal shelter project in Romania with IVHQ in partnership with care2travel and having just finished my time there, my only regret would be not spending longer at this incredible place and program.

With regard to the support surrounding the placement, i was picked up from the airport as soon as i arrived by one of the care2travel staff named Orsi who was incredibly welcoming and made me feel at ease straight away. Then, having arrived at the accommodation, which was situated in the centre of Miercurea Ciuc. I was impressed by a large courtyard surrounded by rustic buildings with generously sized rooms. In terms of my expenses, there were very little as not only was i able to request groceries for the house which was included in the program fee for breakfast and dinner, but lunch was also provided at a local restaurant. The restaurant offered a large variety of food for all different requirements including a range of local delicacies. As a result the only expenses that you will experience will be either for drinks at one of the local bars or cafés such as grund which was my personal favourite, or if you decide to do one of many afternoon experiences such as horse riding, adventure activities, cookery along with a host of other options which care2travel offer in partnership with locals in order to facilitate their ideals of sustainable tourism.

In terms of my time at the Pro Animalia animal shelter, i could not do the experience justice. Prior to applying, one of my main concerns was, being a huge dog person, whether i would be able to cope with the experience emotionally. As i thought i would, i became very close with several of the dogs, particularly one of the puppies named jeremiah. However, i quicky realised during my placement that they were receiving a very high standard of care which indeed is made possible with the help of volunteers such as yourselves. Therefore i understood that the best way to further help the dogs is to give them lots of affection and to encourage others who are on the fence about joining to further help the dogs at the shelter.

One of the things that i most enjoyed about the experience was that the staff were very flexible in terms of how i helped at the shelter. For instance i have a passion for photography and the staff encouraged me to use this skill set to take photos of the dogs for their website. My main role however was to socialise the puppies and young dogs. Although the majority of the puppies were very playful, there were several more timid dogs which can limit the likelihood of their adoption thus socialising these dogs early on their development is key. The importance of early socialisation is furthered by the fact that once a dog has found a new home, not only is it amazing for the dog but it also opens up space for the shelter to help other dogs who are in difficult situations. I am pleased to say that by the end of my week, i noticed several of the more timid dogs feeling more comfortable to interact with myself and the other volunteers. Better still i’ve heard from the volunteers who have stayed on that the dogs are making even more progress.

Overall, i had an incredible experience throughout my time in Romania both in terms of my experience at the shelter itself as well as meeting so many amazing volunteers from across the world. Therefore i would highly recommend this IVHQ program to anybody as not only will you he helping a very worthy project but i’m sure that you will also have an amazing personal experience in Romania.

My experience with IVHQ and Care2travel Romania was absolutely incredible!
I was lucky enough to join the animal care program in Romania for 2 weeks, it was absolutely unreal, every day I was with these adorable puppies and dogs, I had to pinch myself because it felt too good to be true. In addition to my new fur friends, I also met some truly amazing people and have made lifelong friends. Romania is a real hidden gem of Europe, the country is so beautiful and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to visit, I will definitely be back! I cannot fault IVHQ or Care2travel Romania, everyone made the experience so easy and enjoyable for all of us volunteers. My only regret is not being able to stay longer, I did not want to leave! You will not regret joining this program.

This is my first time trying volunteering overseas, really wasn't sure what to expect and basically decided to keep my mind open for an one-week short try.

The IVHQ program is very well organized from beginning to end. Before I completed the registration for the program in Romania, I had fair amount of questions (as you can imagine), there has always been quick responses to my questions and the website actually provides almost all details I needed to know, only wish I read things more carefully.

The local team welcomed me at the airport with a pleasant ride to Miercurea Cuic as a great start. Once the program started, I got to help with the back office activities as part of the NGO assignment and visited a couple of schools with the team. I felt the local team work together like a family, everyone does have the passion for what they do, and there's a lot of care for the volunteers from overseas.

Overall, I have to say I am impressed even with just one week of staying, wish I had signed up for something longer to get to know the local culture more and work with the local team a bit more too. Big THANK YOU to Peter, Orsi, Jackie, Norbi and other folks from the Care2Travel team, you guys make all good things happen, I will miss you guys so much! :)

Garry