Volunteer in Greece

Almost all Greek volunteer projects offered on the platform are focused on the conservation and support of its biodiversity and unique wildlife. Volunteers with a little time on their hands who also love nature and animals are in for a real treat. While climate change has a huge global impact, there are so many places worldwide that need help on a global scale. Contributing on a smaller scale can have a global impact. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect during your Greek volunteer project. Volunteers can count on this being a new international experience bringing together people from all over the world to help the local Greek community.

Contribute as an eco-conservation volunteer in Greece and work to support endangered marine species like dolphins, whales, sea turtles. If you prefer a more landlocked experience, you can help with conserving jackals or chameleons.

Volunteers interested in research can take this opportunity to dig a little deeper into the ecosystem of the Aegean sea. Discover the importance of seagrass, the impact of microplastic on Mediterranean sea life or investigate which invasive species are affecting the local ones. Here are some of the responsibilities you may have while volunteering for a local conservation program in Greece:

• Habitat restoration
• Spreading environmental awareness
• Sustainable ecosystem management
• Monitoring of species
• Photo identification
• Fieldwork involving snorkeling, kayaking or diving
• Data collection
• Creating GIS maps
• Labwork
• Office work
• Literature research

Nature lover volunteers with a creative streak can also volunteer as graphic designers for one of the organizations. The options seem endless because volunteers can also support the conservation of the Greek archipelago by volunteering for media and public relations. Attract international support for the project through global media.

Everyone will find something they can contribute to, it’s simply a matter of taking a look at the different volunteering options available in this Mediterranean paradise.

Before embarking on this once and a lifetime trip, there are a few items you may want to take into account. Traveling always holds some adventure but your safety is imperative to enjoy it to the fullest:

• A very common gesture you will definitely see in Greece is moutza: hand extended, five fingers open. This is a very rude gesture to show disapproval and frequently used by local drivers. Don’t use it, Greek people consider it very offensive.
• Although most Greek people are polite, you may encounter some rude ones. Don’t take it personally. It’s possible waiters will not serve you with a smile.
• Local Greek people will not offer help unless you ask for it. Their philosophy is to keep to themselves and they expect tourists to do this as well.

• Credit cards will be accepted in most big stores but local taverns will most likely only accept cash.
• ATM’s are widely available on the mainland and larger islands. Remote places may lack a bank and an ATM so be sure to check whether your destination has one and whether you need to bring more cash.

Before embarking on an international volunteer experience, there are a few items you may want to take into account. International travel always holds some adventure but your safety is imperative to enjoy it to the fullest:

• Make sure you have international travel insurance for the time you are away. This is easy to come by and will ensure you are covered when anything happens to you while you travel.
• Take copies of your passport and credit cards and store them separately just in case.
• Although the crime rate has been increasing over the last years, Greece is still a very safe country. Except for some neighborhoods in Athens, like Omonoia, where it would be preferable not to walk alone at night, the whole country is safe. Crime in smaller cities and villages is almost nonexistent.
• The only crime you might experience (mostly in large cities) is theft in crowded places or on public transport. Pay attention to your wallet, especially in the buses or trains, and do not leave it exposed.
• Using or selling drugs is strictly prohibited in Greece. The country has some of the strictest drug laws in Europe. You are prohibited to use even light drugs, like marijuana. Tourists do not form exceptions in the application of these drug laws.
• Pay attention when you cross a street because car drivers seem to totally ignore pedestrian signs. Do not expect them to slow down when you cross the street.
• In case of emergencies, dial 100 for police and 166 for hospital care.
• Avoid hitchhiking and accepting rides from strangers.
• Carry a basic first aid kit in case of emergencies.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry.
• Don’t leave your luggage or other personal belongings unattended.
• The weather can be extreme so be sure to pack the right gear for all weather types. Sunblock for sunny weather but proper rain gear and shoes in case you will be out hiking.
• When you go hiking, always inform someone about your whereabouts before leaving.
• Very few beaches in Greece have lifeguards, so pay attention when you swim. The Greek sea is not dangerous but you never know. Better go where the locals go, just to avoid any water wells, urchins or jellyfish.

Greece is a developed country with excellent facilities, so health is less of a concern here than when traveling to developing countries. Nevertheless, to make your stay at the volunteer program enjoyable, take into account the following:

• There are three types of hospitals in Greece: large hospitals with all the proper equipment, small hospitals in the country towns and some islands and medical centers for even smaller or remote areas. If a patient needs special care on an island where there is no hospital, then he is transferred by helicopter to the nearest hospital. There are, of course, private doctors in Greece who offer high-quality services and speak excellent English, so it is very easy to communicate. Private doctors usually work only in the afternoon.
• Definitely protect yourself against the strong sun when you go, as most of your volunteer work in Greece will be outdoors!
• Make sure you bring suitable rain gear and a windproof jacket if you are volunteering in autumn or early spring.
• If you have any health problems or take medication, be sure to bring the medication along with the prescription with you. The prescription can be important when passing through customs.

After reading all of the above, we’re sure you’re ready to pack your bags to volunteer abroad for an international program in Greece. Before you stuff your backpack with swimwear, shorts, and sunglasses, we’d like to help you by providing some useful tips you may not have thought of before you travel:

• Travel Insurance
• Money, cards, credit cards
• Passport
• Power adapter suitable for Greece (220V) (perhaps more than 1 if you’re heavy on electronics)
• Waterproof phone case to protect against dust, scratches, and water
• Water shoes for spending time at or around the beach
• Personal medication, first-aid kit
• Sun hat
• Raincoat
• Scarf
• Quick-dry towels
• Suitable footwear for hiking etc

There are some general requirements volunteers should comply upon their arrival in Greece:

• Please check the current validity of your passport. The passport should remain valid for at least 3 months after your expected return date. However, we strongly recommend traveling with 6 months validity on your passport at all times. If you’re from the EU, the same applies for you ID.
• Make sure your passport has at least two blank Visa pages. Greece requires you to have adequate unused pages in your passport, allowing for any necessary stamps upon arrival and departure.
• Please check if a transit visa is required for any connections.
• Make sure to have of a valid return ticket for your travel home.

People from visa waiver countries that want to volunteer abroad in Greece can visit the country for periods up till 3 months without applying for a visa beforehand. You will need to prove you are visitor by having a return ticket and also prove that you have sufficient money for your stay.

Citizens from countries that are not on the visa waiver list can apply for a visitor visa and will need to arrange this before leaving for Greece. You can easily check if you come from a visa waiver country on Greece's immigration website.

If you have plans to stay longer than 3 months if you are from a non-Schengen country, it is best to look into the visa options together with your volunteer organization. This website about Greek visa requirements may prove to be helpful.