Working with orphans
Teach English in local schools
Historic region
Great potential for arts and crafts

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Volunteer Projects in Romania

Volunteer in Romania

Volunteer projects in Romania offer very interesting development opportunities for a career break. Volunteer programmes include working with care homes, teaching English or running summer camps, using your career break to help children in one of the most underdeveloped parts of Europe.

Romania as a Career Break Destination

Voluntary teaching in Romania Romania is made up of three main geographical regions: the Carpathian Mountains in the centre; large plateaus with villages among hills and valleys to the west; fertile low-lying plains which end at the Black Sea to the east.
The majority of the people are Romanian (79%), with other major groups including Gipsy (10%), Hungarian (8%), German (0.3%) and other (2.7%). Generally, this multi-cultural population live peacefully side by side, with occasional minor tensions due to their history of conflict.
Since the revolution in 1989, when the communist regime collapsed, attempts have been made to build a democratic state and to improve the economy. However, most people today are still struggling to make a decent living. The villagers in the Transylvania are predominantly from Hungarian ethnic groups and refer to themselves as Székely. They are warm and welcoming, and enjoy a straightforward, rustic lifestyle.
Local transport to the main town is available, but volunteers should be prepared for a low standard of English in the villages.

Volunteer Work in Romania

Teach English abroad in Romania We have set up range of voluntary programmes for career break volunteers to work mainly with traditional Hungarian and Csango ethnic groups, teaching English and looking after orphans and disadvantaged women and children.
Our voluntary projects are based in the Transylvanian region, in villages scattered in and around Miercurea Ciuc, the capital of Harghita. Career break volunteers can work in homes for vulnerable children in a variety of locations, with tasks including teaching, organising activities and providing fun, support and general human contact. Accommodation for volunteers is provided with local families or in local guest houses depending on the volunteer’s preference.

Career Break Travel Opportunities in Romania

Teach in Romania Romania is steeped with interesting history, and has lots of fabulous areas to visit, including:

Around Miercurea-Ciuc: The Miko Fortress; stands in the southern part of Miercurea-Ciuc and is the most well known landmark of the town. The original castle stood on the same site and was built by Hungarian King Saint Ladislaus I (1077-1095). The nearby Franciscan monastery of Csiksomlyo; was founded in 1442 by János Hunyadi, governor of Hungary (1446-1452).
Festivals: The famous Whitsun pilgrimage of Ciksomlyo; is one of the major Festivals, held in May. The Day of a Thousand Szekely Girls is another local cultural festival and is held in July in Ciksomlyo.
Trekking: Lake St Anna, Killer Lake and Bicas Gorge (Bekas Szoros) are the major attractions in the area. Ask your country manager for more information.
Bathing: There are a number of natural bathing spots with purportedly curative waters in the area, as well as a salt mine used for medical purposes in Praid.
Skiing: The biggest ski resort in the area is at Harghita furdo, with 5 courses ranging from red to black.

Volunteers Travelling to Romania

Volunteer abroad in Romania We are not aware of any particular issues in Harghita but you should keep an eye on the Foreign Office website www.fco.gov.uk and the press for information. There is nowhere in the world where all danger can be avoided but Harghita is considered to be a relatively safe place.

Visas are not necessary for most nationals (including citizens of EU countries, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) for stays of up to 90 days. A valid passport (not due to expire for at least six months after your visit) is required for all visitors except those from the EU who can use their Identity Cards.