Volunteer in Romania

Take a step back in time as a volunteer in Romania, the sunniest place in Europe. Romania is nestled in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains and has a coast along the Black Sea. Romania’s beautiful terrain, castles, medieval towns, and friendly, welcoming locals make volunteering here an exciting, one-of-a-kind experience. As a volunteer in Romania, you’ll enjoy the temperate climate and sightseeing opportunities. Because of heavy forestation, Romania has one of the richest populations of fauna in all of Europe, including wolves, bears and lynxes.

As a volunteer in Romania, you have the chance to help at a child care center located in Valea Screzii, a small village near the Carpathian Mountains. Life has changed little there over the last hundred years, and you can expect to see horses and carts on a daily basis. Try your hand at agriculture by helping on the center’s small farm or be inspired by working with the children as they learn and play.

United Planet volunteer, Bridget Manning, discusses what is it like to intern with United Planet in Romania

In Romania, Bridget was a volunteer coordinator. She had a few responsibilities during her internship. One of them was to help volunteers to adjust, when they came to Romania, and to show them around. She also assisted volunteers with their daily activities with children. Bridget mentions that sometimes it is hard to see the immediate impact on volunteering with children but she believes working with children is a very important job.

Volunteers work in a close-knit independent community, which includes a child care center, safe homes for women who have been victims of abuse, and individuals with mental or physical disabilities. Volunteers will live on-site and may tend to the basic needs of the children, teach English, organize games and activities, and more. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their special skills and interests or come with ideas for activities and games to engage in with the children.

Available Dates: Quests start the first and third Monday of each month, year-round
Minimum Stay: 2 weeks
Requirements: At least 18 years old

Licensed doctors may volunteer at a small clinic at the child care center in Romania. The clinic treats small injuries and dispenses medicines and inoculations. Due to high costs and the distance of local hospitals, doctors are needed to treat patients at this on-site location.

Available Dates: Quests start the first and third Monday of each month, year-round
Minimum Stay: 2 weeks
Requirements: Licensed doctors only

Romania Country Coordinators: Melanie and Mihail Tanase. Melanie Tanase and her husband Mihail coordinate United Planet Romania volunteers. The two of them and their family manage the child care center where United Planet volunteers live and work. They have been accepting United Planet volunteers for their organization since 2005.

All United Planet Romania volunteers take an excursion to Dracula’s castle in the medieval town of Bran and to the historic city of Brasov in the Transylvania region. You’ll learn about Romania’s rich history and see some beautiful architecture in the process.

Volunteers in Romania live on-site at their project in a shared volunteer house. You’ll share a kitchen, dining space, and possibly bedroom with other volunteers – a great way to get to know each other better.

Explore the beautiful scenery: While volunteering in Romania, you’ll be living in the striking foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. In your free time, be sure to explore the beauty that surrounds you. Gather together a group of friends and go for a hike!

If you’re staying in Romania for two weeks or more, you’ll receive one hour of Romanian language lessons per week. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you start to pick up the language!

Try sarmale: Sarmale are a stuffed cabbage roll dish popular in Romania. Try this unique food with mămăligă, a Romanian cornmeal porridge, and saurkraut.

While volunteering in Romania, you’ll have the opportunity to attend Eastern Orthodox Church services on Sundays. These services are led by Father Tanase, one of your country coordinators in Romania.

Check out the experiences of previous United Planet volunteers in Romania .

How to Be a GREAT Volunteer in Romania

Marian, the Volunteer Coordinator from our child care center project in Romania, visited our office and took some time to speak with us today. Marian grew up in the center and now works with volunteers to teach them about Romania and ensure a fulfilling volunteer experience. Here are his best tips on being a great volunteer during your time in Romania. Read more on United Planet’s blog