Volunteer in Iceland

Iceland is a place of amazement for volunteers of all backgrounds. Iceland has a diverse landscape that includes both magnificent glaciers and active volcanos. The volcanic activity helps create hot springs and geothermal pools for residents and visitors to enjoy. Bright summer nights, and the mystic and beautiful Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) in winter grace volunteers with wonder. 11% of the country is covered by glaciers, including Vatnajökull, the largest in Europe. Icelandic sagas from the 13th century provide a rich historical record for the country. Iceland is one of the smallest countries in terms of population with only 376,000 inhabitants (2022). As a volunteer in Iceland, you may be surprised to find somewhat mild temperatures throughout the year, thanks to the ocean gulfstream.

United Planet is the US and Canadian partner of the International Cultural Youth Exchange, or ICYE. As a volunteer in Iceland, you will be hosted by AUS, ICYE’s Icelandic partner organization. AUS has been organizing home stays and volunteer projects in Iceland for more than fifty years in an effort to promote experiential learning.

Volunteers can help with farm work in Iceland, including feeding, cleaning, milking, and brushing various animals such as horses, sheep, cows, hens, goats, and dogs.  In addition, volunteers will be asked to assist with general farming and maintenance, as well as gardening.

Volunteers work at a local clinic, which emphasizes the learning of preventive measures in order to avoid various illnesses and to adopt a healthier lifestyle. The main role for volunteers is in assisting at the clinic, and tasks can range from work in the greenhouse and assisting in the kitchen to helping patients directly and working in the youth center.

Volunteers work with people living with physical and mental disabilities and work to give each person the opportunity for personal growth in a creative working environment. Volunteers assist elderly citizens in a local organization. Volunteers work closely with local community members as well as with other participants in the project from different cultures and nationalities. It is a great chance to learn more about different ways of life while being a part of local life.

Iceland’s winter takes place between September and April and it is a very there is little to no sunlight during that time. It is during their winter when visitors are able to experience the phenomenon of the aurora borealis, or the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights are one of the Several Natural Wonders of the World and are sight that should not be missed while you are in Iceland.

Akureyri is a town in northern fishing port in Iceland and it is Iceland’s second largest urban area. During the last weekend of August, The town of Akureyri celebrates the town’s birthday with annual celebrations. There are multiple events that make up the celebration including skating, movies, concerts with traditional Icelandic songs, and dance performances.

The festival emphasizes the beauty of Reykjavik by illuminating the city during the annual winter lights festival. Because Iceland’s winter is so long and dark, the festival showcases beautiful light shows to add a bit of brightness to a normally dark time. This is a beautiful time to visit Reykjavik and witness the beauty and happiness the Winter Lights Festival can bring. This is an annual festival that typically takes place during mid February.

Caves have a long history in Iceland as being shelters for both people and animals during the harsh times of winter. However, now caves are typically explored by many people in Iceland. Caving tours allow you to explore some of the deep and cavernous caves of Iceland like Vatnshellir cave or Buri cave. Go and explore one of the numerous caves in Iceland and see the beautiful mysteries that lie within them.

• 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.