• Quality Education

After-School Supporter

location
4 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Outstanding 5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Moderate response rate

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!

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

Services by Care2Travel Association

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

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

4 weeks (min. stay) 1,599€
8 weeks 2,928€
16 weeks 5,388€
20 weeks 6,586€
24 weeks 7,779€
50 weeks (max. stay) 14,549€
Average fees 345€/week

Program fees

345€ 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

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Care2Travel Association during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Meet your organization

Care2Travel Association

Outstanding 5 rating (14 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2011

Verified by Volunteer World

  Moderate response rate

Coordinated by

Orsolya

About the project

Working at grassroots level, everything we do is about meeting real needs, caring for the local environment and giving back to community.

Meet your organization

Who we are?
Care2Travel is an independent, non-profit association in Romania, established in March 2011 with the following staff:

Péter Kedves - Director, volunteer coordinator
Orsolya Biró (Orsi) - fundraiser, volunteer coordinator 
Kinga Kovács - ESC project manager
Niki Fehér - volunteer coordinator
Rita Takács - project assistant

C2T was formed as a result of observing numerous foreign volunteers being ineffectively placed and managed in Romania. These foreign volunteers were sent by international volunteering organizations that had no understanding of the need on the ground. In addition it was observed that volunteering by locals was still a relatively new concept. The social need therefore was to develop the effectiveness of foreign volunteers and to introduce and develop the concept of volunteering amongst the local community.


What we do?
By creating positive volunteering experiences we popularize volunteering in Romania, thus support the growth of an active civil society. We receive international volunteers from all over the world and place them within the local community on well run ethical placements in schools, after schools, summer camps, special needs placements, sustainable agriculture placements, NGO support, animal care placement, renovation, construction and community building. 

We pay attention to enriching the cultural experiences of both foreign volunteers and locals, so we organize and are involved in ongoing activities like language clubs, intercultural nights, trivia nights, board game nights, creating and managing an allotment for the volunteer accommodation with a greenhouse, a well developed composting system and raised beds that can be used by families from the local community. 

Our projects are carefully chosen, ethical and sustainable and all profits are reinvested back into the community to ensure maximum benefit.

Our vision:
A world where citizens are socially aware & motivated towards a positive change.

Our mission:

To connect volunteers from different nationalities to work together on responsible volunteer placements that support both the development of the local communities and the personal development of the volunteers. Moreover by creating positive volunteering experiences we aim to popularize volunteering in Romanian society and thus support the growth of an active civil society.

Our goals:

  1. The advancement of socially responsible, active citizenship (volunteering).
  2. The advancement of sustainable tourism and regional development.
  3. The advancement of education and personal development.
  4. The advancement of racial and cultural tolerance and harmony.
Where we work?
Miercurea Ciuc is a picturesque town nestled in the heart of Transylvania, Romania. Surrounded by the stunning Carpathian Mountains, it boasts a blend of historical charm and natural beauty. The town is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with colorful festivals and events celebrating its rich heritage. Care2Travel operates here, offering impactful volunteer programs aimed at supporting local communities through education and sustainable development initiatives. From its quaint streets to its welcoming locals, Miercurea Ciuc exudes warmth and offers volunteers a unique opportunity to make a difference while immersing themselves in the beauty of Transylvania.

Volunteer with us:
  • Experience real community life in Romania, working and living alongside local people
  • Explore beautiful Transylvania
  • Be part of an ethical volunteering experience
  • Gain practical work experience
  • Be supported every step of the way

14 reviews · rating5

Marc Nichitiu rating5

2023 at After-School Supporter

Volunteering with Care2Travel was the first time I was volunteering abroad as a young adult, alone, during my gap year between high school and university. Having done part of my schooling in France and being ethnically Romanian and Hungarian, as well as having experience as a Ski Instructor for ...
Roaia Shity rating5

2023 at After-School Supporter

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 kids learn English through fun activities (sports, crafts, music!). explore Romania's beauty: mountains, villages, and castles. Connect with international ...
Alexis Devereux rating5

2024 at Community Gardening

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 Romania. As a mature adult who also struggles with anxiety, the kindness and care of the local team helped me to overcome my nerves and flourish during my short ...
Lucinda Balcers rating5

2024 at Summer Camp Assistant

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 were melted away and I knew that I made the right decision to volunteer with care 2 travel. I was picked up from the airport and taken to the accommodation where ...
Barbara Agliano-Kimmich rating5

2024 at Community Gardening

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 and looked for good and big stones in the garden. We built stone layer by stone layer. So at the end we have a wall about 20 m lenght. It was also great that ...
Orchid Castagnera rating4.8

2024 at Community Gardening

This volunteering project felt like being apart of a community and felt like the work i did, did have a positive impact on the local community, jobs i did involved, tree replanting, after school activities and garden maintenance. I highly recommend this project to anyone seeking more practical and ...

Location

Europe > Eastern Europe > Romania > Miercurea Ciuc

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Contact Orsolya
  Moderate response rate

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