Country Spotlight: Romania

At United Planet, we offer volunteer abroad trips to over 40 countries – but we know it can be difficult to decide where you want to travel! The following article provides some handy information about Romania, our only short-term destination in Eastern Europe. You can learn about other United Planet destination countries by viewing more of our country spotlights!

Are you interested in Eastern European culture? Then a volunteer abroad trip to Romania may be just the thing for you! Romania is situated in Eastern Europe and is bordered by a host of European countries, as well as the Black Sea. Romania’s political history is an interesting one: following World War II, the country was forcibly transitioned to a communist state. After many years of governance under Nicolae Ceausescu, Romania became the only member of the Warsaw Pact to violently overthrow its communist regime, in the 1989 Revolution. Today, Romania is a democratic nation, and has enjoyed rapid economic growth in the 2000’s. However, the country has recently suffered a recession, and many people in Romania still live in poverty.

Romania is a country rich in natural resources as well as history and culture. Its most striking geographical feature is the Carpathian Mountains, which run through the center of the country. Romania also contains beautiful plateaus and diverse woodland ecosystems, and is home to one of the largest areas of pristine forest in Europe. In Romania, you will get the chance to experience some spectacular architecture, as well! Excursions include trips to the medieval town of Bran to tour Dracula’s Castle, and a visit to the beautiful Neo-Renaissance Peles Castle, pictured below.

As a volunteer in Romania, you will be traveling to the rural village of Valea Screzii, which is located in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. Be prepared for a blast from the past – the local way of life has not changed drastically over the past 100 years!  But don’t let this deter you – United Planet volunteers describe the residents of the village as some of the most joyful and genuine people they have ever met. Says volunteer Becky Jackson about her time in Romania, “life is simple, but so very beautiful. I felt loved by every single person…the kids had such warm hearts and open arms. They’d yell my name any time they saw me and come right up to hug me. They were always eager to spend time together. It didn’t matter what we did.”

Though all of our volunteers travel to the same village in Romania, there are a variety of volunteer projects available to work on depending on your interests and skills. Romania is also a great destination for high school students and individuals looking to bond with their fellow do-gooders, as volunteers live together in a volunteer house for the duration of their stay. Below, we’ve highlighted two of the many ways you can get involved in the village of Valea Screzii.

Orphanage and Community Development Quest: The orphanage in Valea Screzii is part of a larger community which also includes abused mothers, adults who grew up in state institutions, and pregnant women who have nowhere else to go.  Volunteers are needed to play with the children, give them care and attention, teach English, do arts and crafts, and more. If you have your own ideas for activities and games, all the better! This extremely rewarding Quest is great for volunteers who love children and are interested in working with underprivileged individuals.

Construction Quest: Volunteers are always needed to help with ongoing construction at the orphanage in Valea Screzii. Many new houses are being built to accommodate the children and provide them more living space. Additionally, multiple community center buildings were recently destroyed in a fire, so volunteers with construction experience are especially valuable right now! The specific demand for construction work varies by time of year, so please ask us. If physical labor is your thing, consider volunteering in Romania. You’ll make unforgettable memories and challenge yourself along the way!

Volunteering in Romania is truly an opportunity to connect with inspiring people and immerse yourself in a fascinating culture. In the words of Romania alumnus Jessie Ling, “family is anyone and everyone that loves you.” We are sure that you will agree with her after a volunteer trip to Romania.

Traveling to Romania is an extraordinary experience that you won’t soon forget! If you are interested, visit our Romania homepage to read more about our volunteer opportunities. If you would like to volunteer in another country, check out our interactive map to see where we offer volunteer trips!