Romania Volunteer Programs | Most Affordable & Trusted

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.
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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

I volunteered with IVHQ in Romania 🇷🇴 from Jan 20th to Feb 1st for 2 weeks - overall it was an amazing experience that was somehow a lot more than I expected. The local organization is Care2travel with very supportive and helpful staff, which is a non-profit association that literally places the volunteers in the appropriate positions in terms of local practical needs.

The project I worked on was Agriculture, at that time we were dealing with a solar panel heating with the use of black-painted cans which encourages air exchange when it heats up, which was an idea of energy converting that could be unfolded in many ways.

We were also able to have a chance to communicate with the local volunteers via the platform of English Club, hanging out with wonderful people, thus knowing the rich culture & beauty of Csikszereda this very special place as a whole a lot better.
Plus highly recommend Csiksomlyói the skiing place with ski slopes, somewhere between elementary and intermediate, which was worth going with reasonable price and kind instructors.

I have experienced and gained a lot by volunteering in Romania with amazing scenery and friendly people that is rare to find on many other occasions.
Highly recommend to anyone who wants a fulfilling and meaningful experience.

When first landing, I was scared. This was my first time travelling and I was doing it alone, I had certainly gone all out for my first time. However, when the team picked me up I was soon completely at ease. In fact by the end of the first day I felt like I was home. My stay was amazing here. The accommodation was nice and shopping was done twice a week and volunteers could do up a list to plan meals. The Dog shelter that I was working was well maintained and there was always someone there if you needed help or didn't know what to do next.

The night after returning home, I found myself missing this place. I wanted to go back and stay longer. I highly recommend this place for new and old volunteers as it bow holds some of the best moments in my life.