Romania: Volunteering in Eastern Europe

Volunteering Projects and Internships in Eastern Europe - Romania

The outstanding scenery, biodiversity and paradoxes of a country that is in the process of economic and cultural change will mould the experiences on any trip to Romania. This country, which is slightly smaller than the UK, occupies the heart of Eastern Europe but has a unique Latin culture.

There's plenty to see, from painted monasteries, Transylvanian castles and green mountains to vibrant Black Sea beach resorts, Medieval towns and relaxing spas. Romania has activities and attractions to suit all tastes and pockets.

Romania remains influenced and scarred by its recent political history. The impact of the revolution in 1989 was huge. The dictator, Nicolae Ceacescu, who was killed in this bloody revolution, is still much talked about and remembered with a variety of emotions.

To live in Romania now is to discover a capitalist society developing alongside peasant subsistence. It's a place of contrasts, indeed.

Projects in Romania 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 in Romania

Projects Abroad Romania has its office in the historic city of Brasov, capital of Transylvania. A wide range of overseas voluntary work placements are available; in Teaching, Care, Medicine, Physiotherapy, Journalism, Veterinary Medicine, Animal Care, Archaeology and Drama projects.

Set in the Carpathian Mountains and with a ski resort nearby, Brasov is an unusual combination of impressive historical squares and palaces, sandwiched between former-Communist tower blocks. While volunteering abroad, you'll be living with a local host family in the town, and to be with or around a Romanian family and their friends is an entertaining and enlightening experience in itself!

Your Romanian hosts will make sure that you eat heartily, and there will be plenty of local wines to try - it's common to find yourself sitting down to Sunday lunch at 1pm and not getting up until 5pm! They may feed you mamaliga, a corn bread which seems to come with every meal or ciorba, a spicy soup. There is also sure to be lots of good conversation during meal times.

Travel and Tourism in Romania

The ancient city of Brasov has many sights and museums, and a full cultural programme of theatre, music and puppetry performances. The town centre contains a wide range of restaurants and bars within walking distance, and it's also easy to explore more of the city, with frequent buses and trolleybuses.

It's only an hour from the town to Dracula's castle, or the medieval home of Vlad the Impaler. Indeed, there are plenty of attractions in Transylvania, but it's also easy for you to visit Bucharest, the Black Sea or the Danube Delta. Other volunteers have even explored Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ukraine after finishing their volunteer placements.