Moldova: Volunteering in Eastern Europe

Volunteering Projects and Internships in Eastern Europe - Moldova

In the small, beautiful country of Moldova, Romanian and Russian influences and cultures meet. Moldova has always been a border state and was part of the Soviet Union before gaining independence in 1991.

Moldova takes you back in time. The pace of life is slower, the food is organic, the unspoilt countryside is beautiful and there is much for the culture-lover to appreciate in its strong heritage of arts and culture. You'll find villages with whitewashed homes and friendly people. The countryside is full of sunflowers, large caves and beautiful lakes. It's a fertile place that benefits from being close to the Black Sea, having a mild and sunny climate.

Although Moldova went into economic crisis following the collapse of the Soviet Union, it is slowly growing in prosperity, especially in its capital city, Chisinau. But in its rural areas people still live a peasant existence, and the country still has the unwanted honour of being the poorest in Europe. Moldova has always relied on its neighbours - Romania in the West, and The Ukraine in the East - but Moldovans are optimistic about their country's economic future.

Projects are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world; whether you are on a gap year, a summer placement, or a career break.

Volunteer work opportunities for you in Moldova

Projects Abroad Moldova is based in the capital of Moldova, Chisinau, a pleasant city based around the main street Stefan cel Mare. Overseas voluntary work placements are available in Teaching, Care, Medicine, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Journalism, Business, Sports and Russian Lanaguage.

Volunteers tend to live with host families in the Soviet-style tower blocks that fill the suburbs of Chisinau. They will be keen for you to sample their homemade wine, which is generally excellent. Your hosts will want you to go home full, whether it is with borsch or jellied meats; there are plenty of different things to sample. You will soon discover why Moldovans are particularly famous for their hospitality. Don't be surprised to be invited to dinner by someone you meet on the bus or on a train ride!

Families are welcoming and keen to improve their English, but you can learn Russian or Romanian, both of which are spoken widely in Chisinau.

Travel and Tourism in Moldova

Chisnau, your base while volunteering abroad, is an enchanting old city, with tree-lined boulevards, vibrant markets, picturesque parks, and plenty of other activities and attractions for the visitor. From the suburbs it is a short trolley-bus ride into the city centre, where you will find a wide range of restaurants and bars to suit all tastes and budgets. Moldova has many surprisingly good attractions, especially its museums and art galleries. If you like the performing arts, you will love the opportunity to see some spectacular ballet and opera performances.

From this region it's also easy to explore the vineyards around Chisinau or the monasteries in Orhei. You might want to see the Trans Dniester region, which is still run unofficially as a self-styled republic. You can also travel further into the former Soviet Union and visit the Ukraine, which is only a few hours train-ride away.