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Outstanding 4.96rating (15)

After-School Supporter

location
4 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Help provide children from disadvantaged backgrounds with a safe environment to continue learning and playing fun educational games.
  • Provide support to a community in need, whilst gaining a life changing experience.
  • Immerse yourself in the Transylvanian culture, experience the festivities and everyday life alongside the locals.

Highlights

  • Help provide children from disadvantaged backgrounds with a safe environment to continue learning and playing fun educational games.
  • Provide support to a community in need, whilst gaining a life changing experience.
  • Immerse yourself in the Transylvanian culture, experience the festivities and everyday life alongside the locals.
  • Live and work together with like-minded volunteers from all around the world from various backgrounds and experiences and gain a unique perspective that will enrich your learning experience.
  • Explore beautiful Transylvania, castles and churches, medieval cities, rolling hills and visit the birth place of Vlad the Impaler, alias Dracula!

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Join us in rural Transylvania as we offer students from disadvantaged backgrounds the support and attention they need after school hours.

    In the villages surrounding the town of Miercurea Ciuc children have educational, emotional, and social needs and challenges, they lack essential life skills and underperform in school. Volunteers will support these kids by mentoring and facilitating various non-formal and informal learning ...

    About the program

    In the villages surrounding the town of Miercurea Ciuc children have educational, emotional, and social needs and challenges, they lack essential life skills and underperform in school. Volunteers will support these kids by mentoring and facilitating various non-formal and informal learning activities in six different after school clubs. There are usually 10-30 kids attending these clubs, from the most vulnerable and disadvantaged families of the local community. Kids attending these clubs can enjoy a cooked lunch, often the only proper meal they would have all day. The goal is to keep the children safe in these secure learning environments, some run by the Saint Francis Foundation and some by the village schools. 

    The volunteers are working with around 150 kids weekly and the activities last between 3 and 4 hours. Preparation is vital to the success of the project. There is always an on-site carer taking care of the kids and also a trained staff member accompanying the volunteers. Additionally, depending on availability, a local volunteer will join the volunteers acting as a translator. This is an open project with little structure, volunteers are encouraged to bring new games and activity ideas, so if you are creative, patient and proactive, this project is for you. Care2Travel supports volunteers in all aspects of their volunteering from the planning, organization and facilitation of their projects. Numerous helpful activities can be facilitated by the volunteers, like helping with homework, English teaching through non-formal activities, teaching through indoor and outdoor games in teams, emotional support, social competence improvement. All necessary equipment is provided by Care2Travel. The aim is to teach these children how to bear responsibilities, take on roles, deal with losing, work in a team, and other necessary skills in order to find their place in the social aspects of society and to be a valued member of the community.   . 

    Those looking to volunteer during summer holiday dates can expect to be placed on the Summer Camp project. Care2Travel is involved in numerous summer camps from mid June to mid September. All camps are for children from disadvantaged backgrounds and usually last from Monday to Friday. You don’t need to have any experience in teaching or working with children to participate on this project, as you’ll be working with the support of a local camp facilitator who will provide direction and guidance. Additionally, there will be local volunteers also helping with the facilitation of the camps and translating between the children and the international volunteers. Volunteers construct the daily activities schedule with the support of the local volunteers and the Care2Travel coordinator. Care2Travel supports volunteers in all aspects of their volunteering from the planning, organization and facilitation of their projects. The activities are similar to the After-School activities but include more outdoorsy and casual games. 



    Typical day

    Start times and daily workload depends on the project that you are volunteering on, with some beginning in the morning and some in the afternoon. A typical after school volunteer schedule is as follows:

    8:00 - 10:00 AM Volunteers prepare their own breakfast at the accommodation and prepare for the ...

    Typical day

    Start times and daily workload depends on the project that you are volunteering on, with some beginning in the morning and some in the afternoon. A typical after school volunteer schedule is as follows:

    8:00 - 10:00 AM Volunteers prepare their own breakfast at the accommodation and prepare for the day

    10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Volunteers prepare the games and activities in the office and have lunch 

    12:30 PM Travel to placement

    13:00 - 16:00 PM After school placement

    16:30 PM Volunteers return to the accommodation and use their free time as they wish



    Free-time activities

    Our organization is based in the center of Miercurea Ciuc, a small town with a population of about 34,000 inhabitants, famous for its enthusiasm for hockey and for being one of the coldest cities in Romania. It lies in the Székely Land, a mainly Hungarian-speaking ethnocultural region in eastern ...

    Free-time activities

    Our organization is based in the center of Miercurea Ciuc, a small town with a population of about 34,000 inhabitants, famous for its enthusiasm for hockey and for being one of the coldest cities in Romania. It lies in the Székely Land, a mainly Hungarian-speaking ethnocultural region in eastern Transylvania, and is situated in the Olt River valley. Volunteers have the weekends free and there is no shortage of things to do in Miercurea Ciuc or further afield in Romania. Surrounded by mountains, forests and traditional villages, volunteers can fill their free time hiking, visiting local markets, adventure activities, concerts, exhibitions, sports events, diverse cultural events throughout the year, such as the Pentecost Pilgrimage on the nearby Sumuleu hill with hundreds of thousands of pilgrims coming from all around the world, the NyarON Szereda Festival in June, the International Jazz Festival, Drum Festival and City Days happening in July, or the Thousand Szekler Girls festivity on the Sumuleu hill. There are countless other events and sights worth seeing, but the town`s magic lies in the laid back and peaceful atmosphere that you can enjoy while sipping a coffee at one of the terraces. 

     

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Education Requirements

    at High school level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    The program fee includes:
    • Airport pick-up
    • Accommodation
    • Meals 
    • 24/7 direct support from our team
    • Program orientation
    • A 1 hour introduction to Hungarian language 
    • City tour of Miercurea Ciuc with a local guide
    • Volunteer placement introduction on the first work day
    • Contribution to the long term goals of the volunteer placement

    Airport Pickup at Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport

    Volunteers need to arrive one day prior to the orientation on Monday. Pick up from Bucharest Henri Coanda Airport (OTP) is included in the program fee if you arrive on Sunday between 9:00 AM and 10:00 PM. If you arrive outside of these hours, your pick-up will incur an extra cost of US $150.

    Volunteers will be greeted by one of the Care2Travel staff members just outside the arrival hall, as soon as they come out. We will reach out a few days before the arrival on WhatsApp and we will communicate all details in an email a week before the arrival. 

    The driving to the project site will take around 4-5 hours depending on the traffic. Miercurea Ciuc is 250 km from Bucharest. 

    Accommodation

    Volunteers are housed primarily in one of two adjacent volunteer apartment complexes or in a designated volunteer residence. The smaller apartment can accommodate up to 8 volunteers of the same gender in a single room, while the larger apartment, featuring 3 bedrooms, can house up to 19 volunteers. During the summer months, occupancy in the female apartment typically ranges from 7 to 17 individuals across 3 connecting rooms, while the male apartment hosts between 4 to 8 occupants. In other seasons, the number typically falls between 3 to 6 individuals. The volunteer residence consists of 4 rooms, each shared by two individuals of the same gender. Volunteers have the opportunity to relax in the outdoor spaces provided at both volunteer residences, featuring expansive gardens equipped with fire pits for grilling and enjoying leisurely moments.

    The accommodations are conveniently located within a central area, with the local team’s office reachable within a 10 to 15-minute walk, and surrounded by numerous cafes and restaurants. Bedding is provided, and towels are available upon request. A washing machine is accessible for volunteers to maintain their clothing and bedding. If you have specific accommodation preferences, please communicate them to your IVHQ Program Manager, and our local team will strive to accommodate your needs.

    WiFi is accessible at both the volunteer apartments and the volunteer residence, as well as in many nearby cafes and restaurants. For continuous connectivity, volunteers can also opt to purchase a local SIM card with data for use in an unlocked mobile phone.

    Food & Beverages

    Volunteers receive one cooked meal daily, either served at a local restaurant or provided at their placement site. Breakfast, dinner, and weekend meals are self-prepared using supplies available at the volunteer accommodation. The accommodation manager regularly purchases food supplies, and volunteers are welcome to make specific food requests to him if desired.

    When dining outside the accommodation, the main meal typically consists of lunch with two courses. The first course invariably includes a traditional soup, followed by a second course featuring potato or rice dishes, along with options like chicken, pork, goulash, stews, and pasta. Bread is a staple accompanying all meals, often dense due to its potato content. Vegetarians can expect offerings of cheese or mushroom dishes as commonly provided alternatives at restaurants.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) in Bucharest. We assist you to find cheap flights to Romania. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Romania provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Romania you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Romania. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month, and volunteers need to arrive in Miercurea Ciuc the day before orientation. After you have registered for the program, please book your flight to arrive at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) on the Sunday before your start date.

    Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee, however, if you arrive outside of Sunday between 9:00AM - 10:00PM, your pick-up will incur an extra cost of US$150.

    When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night prior to your start date. If you are traveling in Romania prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up from a pre-arranged location in Miercurea Ciuc the day before your program orientation.

    Orientation: This is a standard full-day induction on your selected start date that covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Romania. You’ll be provided with an introduction to Romania, meet the program staff and get an overview of procedures. You’ll learn about the history of Romania and Hungary, religion, festivals, customs and traditions, dress/clothing, safety issues, food, transportation and travel opportunities and go through details about your volunteer project and accommodation​.​ The afternoon includes an introduction to the Hungarian language and a city tour of Miercurea Ciuc​ which is​ provided by local volunteers.​ ​The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.

    The last day of your volunteering program is on Friday, and Friday night is included in your program fee. While airport drop-off is not covered by the program fee, we provide all the necessary assistance to ensure you arrive at the airport safely and on time for your flight. This can be arranged through either public transportation or a private drop-off service.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $347 per week 4 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 50 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    4.96
    15 reviews

    2023
    I worked in the after school support program in the summer, It was a summer camp for kids between the age of 5 and 12, I was able to help ...
    2023
    Volunteering with Care2Travel was the first time I was volunteering abroad as a young adult, alone, during my gap year between high school ...
    Marc Nichitiu

    After-School Supporter

    2024
    This experience was my first as a volunteer abroad and I was delighted with the way that I was supported by Care 2 Travel during my time in ...
    Alexis Devereux

    Community Gardening

    2024
    Another volunteer and I built in nearly 4 weeks a great wall in the community garden. We started with obtain small stones for the drainage ...
    Barbara Agliano-Kimmich

    Community Gardening

    2024
    I volunteered with care to travel. This was my first time going abroad alone and I was beyond nervous. From the moment I arrived my nerves ...
    Lucinda Balcers

    Summer Camp Assistant

    2024
    The Care2Travel staff were brilliant at making me feel at home for a second time this year. I never felt unsafe or alone. The accommodation ...
    Maisie Kimber

    Dog Shelter Support

    Location

    Europe > Eastern Europe > Romania > Miercurea Ciuc

    Meet your project coordinator

    Orsolya
    15
    reviews
    4.96
    Outstanding
    2011
    Founded

    Verified

      Below average response rate
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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