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Outstanding 4.96rating (15)
  • Quality Education

Support Youth with Special Needs

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

Highlights

  • Provide care and connection for people with disabilities
  • Immerse yourself in Transylvanian culture while working alongside local staff, fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.
  • Use your expertise as a qualified volunteer to provide therapy and rehabilitation to the service users.

Highlights

  • Provide care and connection for people with disabilities
  • Immerse yourself in Transylvanian culture while working alongside local staff, fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.
  • Use your expertise as a qualified volunteer to provide therapy and rehabilitation to the service users.
  • Make lifelong friendships with fellow like-minded volunteers from all around the world.
  • Embark on adventures in "the land beyond the forest", combining service with exploration. Explore ancient castles, fortresses, rolling hills and primeval forests.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    Enrich the lives of young people with different disabilities through extra care, attention and heartfelt connections.

    In Romania, many families struggle to properly care for disabled family members due to social stigma and limited government support. Volunteers play a vital role in bridging this care gap, enriching the lives of children and adults with disabilities at a special needs facility.

    The daycare center ...

    About the program

    In Romania, many families struggle to properly care for disabled family members due to social stigma and limited government support. Volunteers play a vital role in bridging this care gap, enriching the lives of children and adults with disabilities at a special needs facility.

    The daycare center was founded in 2008 in Miercurea Ciuc for disabled persons to have the possibility for daycare, special treatment and special development. The service users are people between the ages of 10 and 50 years, children and adults with different disabilities such as intellectual disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, physical- and sensory disabilities. Clients with autism have specific autism therapy, and our specialists were chose according to the needs of the daycare’s participants. Most of the programs operate with disability specialists, psychologists, social workers, kintetotherapists, teaching assistants and volunteers. The center has music therapy which is being held by a volunteer music teacher, and we also have many free time programs where we leave the center, like camps, trips, music festivals, parties.

    As a Special Needs volunteer, you’ll assist in planning and conducting games and educational activities for individuals with various mental and physical disabilities. This specialized placement is ideal for those with experience in disability care, and offers qualified volunteers the opportunity to provide therapy and rehabilitation. You will enhance the crucial efforts of the local staff by offering additional care, attention, and connection for these young people with disabilities. This unique opportunity allows you to contribute meaningfully to the community while gaining practical experience working with disabled people.


    Volunteering with disabled individuals is a challenging yet rewarding project, perfect for patient and compassionate people. You will need strong organizational skills and the ability to improvise, as resources are limited. Despite these challenges, the service users are incredibly enthusiastic to meet you, and their smiles will be a heartwarming reward for your efforts.

    Please note, this project is closed in August due to the holidays. If your volunteering period extends into this month, you will be transferred to a different project.

    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 special  needs volunteer schedule is as follows:

    7:30 AM Volunteers prepare their own breakfast at the accommodation and get ready for the day

    8:3

    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 special  needs volunteer schedule is as follows:

    7:30 AM Volunteers prepare their own breakfast at the accommodation and get ready for the day

    8:30 AM Getting to the special needs center

    9:00 AM - 14:30 PM Volunteering at the special needs center

    15:00 PM Volunteers eat lunch at a local restaurant 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 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

    Qualification or training in Special Education or Physical Therapy or a closely related discipline, or have relevant experience. at University 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. 

    While airport drop-off at the end of your program 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 - train ($20) or shuttle bus ($30), or a private drop-off service ($150).

    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 - train ($20), direct shuttle bus ($30) or a private drop-off service ($150).

    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
    ・
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    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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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Education  >  Special Needs in Romania
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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