Volunteering in Transylvania, Romania

  Romania

Miercurea Ciuc

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Various

Description: MondoChallenge is working with local partners in central Romania for the benefit of traditional Hungarian and Czango ethnic groups.

Several small scale projects exist in villages scattered in and around Miercurea Ciuc in the Transylvanian region. Here, volunteers can work in small primary schools and homes for vulnerable children and orphans in a variety of locations. Tasks include informal teaching, organising activities and providing fun, support and general human contact.

Accommodation for volunteers is provided free on site.

Highlights: Romania is one of the last reserves of Europe's traditional, rustic lifestyle. Its scenic and isolated villages are nestled into green valleys amongst breathtaking mountains. The communities are friendly and many of the people are shepherds relying for transport on horse-drawn carts. At the heart of the country is Transylvania, bordered on three sides by the spectacular Carpathian Mountains, and famed for its fabled vampires and haunted castles.

The Hungarian and Czango ethnic groups with whom we work have preserved their unique traditions from medieval ages. Volunteers have an opportunity to experience life in small communities, and to help with teaching and care work for orphans, children living with HIV and other disadvantaged children from rural areas.

Qualifications: A good level of general education; A good knowledge of the English language; flexibility; cultural interest; ability to cope in a rural environment; This placement is ideal for career breakers or post-university volunteers.

Cost in US$: $1500+

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: The average age of a Mondo volunteer is 35. Couples and families are welcome and receive a 15% discount (this also applies to friends travelling together). Approximately 50% of our volunteers are non-UK based, with a large number of volunteers from North America, Europe and Australia. Our volunteers have a good level of general education and are enthusiastic, culturally aware, adaptable and highly motivated.

Age Range: 18-69

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Romania Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

MondoChallenge's Mission Statement: MondoChallenge welcomes recent scrutiny in the press on the value of volunteer programmes abroad. Like VSO, we urge prospective volunteers to examine the sustainability and cost of projects before getting involved. MondoChallenge is the only volunteering organisation of its kind to sponsor the Ethical Volunteering Guide, encouraging good practice and maximum benefits for volunteers and host communities.

Year Founded: 2001