Volunteer in Finland

Come volunteer in Finland, one of the most picturesque countries in Europe. Volunteers here find meaning through learning from Finland’s complex culture and sharing ideas. Finland is a unique volunteer abroad destination. While the country is one of the most-developed economic countries in the world (estimated as ranking 42nd overall in GDP in 2022), there are still important areas where volunteers are needed.

Volunteering in Finland is a unique opportunity to experience a new culture, gain a global perspective, and build life-long relationships. United Planet Quest participants here find meaning through learning from Finland’s complex culture and sharing ideas.

Programs in Finland are available for either six months or one year, in the areas of education and social work.

United Planet is the US and Canadian member of the International Cultural Youth Exchange, or ICYE. As a volunteer in Finland, you will be hosted by ICYE Maailmanvaihto, ICYE’s partner organization there. Maailmanvaihto is the Finnish word for “the world exchange,” and was created in 1958 with exactly that goal: for youth from all over the world to exchange places in an effort to learn from each other.

Volunteers will work in a kindergarten or elementary school, which is a great opportunity for cultural learning and practicing their Finnish! Volunteers work with the classroom teachers and also help the school staff in other tasks when needed.

Volunteer in a municipally-owned youth center in Finland where young people learn about environmental issues while taking part in practical work with livestock. Work with youth aged 9–17 to help learn about working with the environment as they participate in agricultural activities like tending to sheep, pigs, goats, cows, hens, ducks, rabbits and horses, as well as engaging in other environmental learning activities.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to volunteer with an organization that works with people with disabilities. These projects aim to provide their inhabitants with family-like surroundings, close contacts, as well as advance their development and sense of security. Volunteers normally learn about and assist in various types of therapy, art classes, handicrafts, workshops, agriculture, garden work, animal care, and more.

If you need some peace and quiet, then look no further. The chapel is a place for people who are looking to reflect on their thoughts in a calm and serene environment.

This is one of the very-well-preserved medieval castles in Finland. In the summertime, guided tours are offered daily.

Visit the Lapland region of Finland and go on a dogsled ride through the snowy terrain.

The Kuopio Dance Festival takes place in the town of Kuopio in Finland, and the festival is one of the largest celebrations of the art of dance in all of the Nordic countries. The festival gives you a look into the types of dance that make up the culture of not just Finland, but the rest of the Nordic countries.

• Extensive pre-departure preparation, including a training weekend in New Hampshire with United Planet staff or online
• Food and lodging in your host country
• Airport transfers
• Emergency medical insurance
• In-country orientation upon arrival and ongoing support and supervision throughout your Quest
• Language training
• Mid-year camp (for 1 year volunteers) and final camp
• Monthly stipend for incidental expenses

• 18 – 30 years old
• Citizen or resident of the United States or Canada

• Volunteers are responsible for booking and covering the cost of their own flights (including pre-departure training).
• Volunteers will obtain the necessary visas with support from our Long-Term staff to volunteer in their host country.