Internship on Community Beautification

location
2 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Live and intern in a beautiful Greek Island, the birthplace of Homer!
  • Have direct impact on the local community of Chios Island by beautifying and decorating public institutions to create a pleasant environment for children and people of all ages!
  • Get the chance to explore unique medieval villages and visit crystal water beaches on your free time!
  • Experience the Greek Culture of an Island of the Aegean Sea!
  • Receive a Certificate of participation upon successfully completing your program!


Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

This community-based project covers a variety of tasks focusing on beautifying local community institutions in different areas of Chios Island.

After facing long years of economic crisis in tandem to the newer refugee crisis and the Covid19 pandemic, Chios Island’s public institutions' infrastructure became poor.
These institutions struggle to find the funding and manpower to undertake important development work. 
Interns use their energy ...

About the program

After facing long years of economic crisis in tandem to the newer refugee crisis and the Covid19 pandemic, Chios Island’s public institutions' infrastructure became poor.
These institutions struggle to find the funding and manpower to undertake important development work. 
Interns use their energy to help improve the facilities of local public institutions such as schools and elderly homes for the local community. Day care centers, elderly homes and schools provide valuable services in the local community and manage to run on minimal resources. 
However at the end of the year there is little money left to maintain the structures themselves, which makes regular maintenance and renovation work an ever more pressing need.
Classrooms and play areas should aid and encourage learning and this is exactly what “Mobility”, aims to achieve through internship programs.
With your help, we can further support Chios’s community and you can do your bit to leave a lasting impact!

Please keep in mind that applicants must hold:
  • a valid VISA or European citizenship in order to apply for this program as we are not able to send an invitation for a VISA application.

Goal
This project’s target is to assist the local community in a variety of tasks by assisting in restorations, seasonal activities, to general maintenance work within schools and public places, this project gives to the interns the opportunity to help in offering assistance to the local community.
Interns do not need to be qualified or experienced in order to participate to this project, but they need to be active and energetic, interested in physical work and not being afraid to work under the hot sunny summer and get their hands dirty!

Interns Activities
Interns participating in this project will work alone or in groups and their tasks will be taking place in an outdoor or indoor environment depending of the time of the year as well as the needs of the local community. Interns’ tasks on this project can be different activities in public institutions like carrying out general maintenance work, painting different areas, doing graffiti, watering the garden, etc.  in schools, parks and other public places.

Interns need to be equipped with:
Interns participating in this program must be equipped with work gloves (suitable for painting and working with the garden), protective mask for dust, trainers, casual and comfortable clothing such as jeans and workout trousers and t-shirts, hats, a bottle of water as well as with the willingness to get involved with a variety of tasks.

Typical day

Interns will have a morning or afternoon shift and will work for approximately 3 to 6 hours per day.
A typical morning working schedule is as follows:
  • 8.00 AM  Arrival at the placement, and begin work on the project.
    Please note that start times and daily workload depends on the project placement.
  • 1.30 ...

Typical day

Interns will have a morning or afternoon shift and will work for approximately 3 to 6 hours per day.
A typical morning working schedule is as follows:
  • 8.00 AM  Arrival at the placement, and begin work on the project.
    Please note that start times and daily workload depends on the project placement.
  • 1.30 PM  Work at the placement usually ends and the intern will be free to get lunch and plan for the following day’s activities or use the free time as he/she wishes. This could include sightseeing, entertainment or some shopping.

Our Organization holds accreditations certifying its ability to realize high quality projects. As such we must follow the guidelines for the proper functioning of the program, as all programs that aim to do professional work and offer the best experience to their interns.

Since the interns are role models and their coexistence with the local community is essential for a healthy environment of cooperation and enjoying the experience, interns must be aware of and adhere to the following rules.

  • Respect the work schedule
  • Do not come to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs or do so during work hours
  • Respect the silent hours of the accommodation
  • Respect the staff and the other volunteers
  • Sexual harassment is totally prohibited
  • Use or possession of any kind of drugs is considered illegal and considered as a criminal action in Greece. 

Free-time activities

There is no limit to the number of great things to see and do in Chios and wider Greece! 
The country is overflowing with history, culture, cuisine and natural beauty! 
Interns can fill their free time in Chios Island visiting the many historical sites, beautiful beaches, dining on incredible food ...

Free-time activities

There is no limit to the number of great things to see and do in Chios and wider Greece! 
The country is overflowing with history, culture, cuisine and natural beauty! 
Interns can fill their free time in Chios Island visiting the many historical sites, beautiful beaches, dining on incredible food providers, or even, as interns have the weekends free, taking a day trip to Turkey. 
Interns can discover the ancient and unique medieval villages such as Anavatos, Mesta and Pyrgi as well as many monasteries, museums and archeological sites throughout the island. Nature enthusiasts can also enjoy the many hikes, diverse flora and fauna and the amazing coastline that the island has to offer.
Interns staying for longer durations, or who wish to travel before or after their program, can visit areas further out in Greece including Athens, the many Greek Islands Oinousses, Psara, Lesvos, Samos, Ikaria and so much more! 
For interns who wish to make travel arrangements once in Chios, our local team is always happy to provide advice and guidance.

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)

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

CV, Photo and Questionnaire

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

Interns participating in this project must be equipped with trainers, casual and comfortable clothing such as jeans and workout trousers and t-shirts, hats, a bottle of water as well as with the willingness to get involved with a variety of tasks.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Mobility

The program fees are for:
  • Accommodation
  • Airport transfer to the accommodation
  • Administration fees
  • 24h support
  • Orientation

Airport Pickup at Chios Airport

We provide pickup service anytime between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM on Sunday.

Arriving by Flight
Interns will be met at the Chios Island National Airport (JKH) by a member of our team and will be taken to the accommodation. Our staff member will be standing in the arrivals area with a “MOBILITY VOLUNTEERING” sign. Depending on the designated accommodation the ride will usually take less than 30 minutes. 
It's important to note that pick up is only provided for flights arriving between 8am and 9pm. If the flight arrives outside of this timeframe, interns can wait until a suitable hour for the local team to collect them.
Accommodation is provided from Sunday through to (and including) the Friday night of their final week.

Arriving Overland
If the interns are planning to arrive via ferry from elsewhere in Greece, then a pickup in Chios city port can be arranged. It's important to note that pick up in Chios city can only be provided between 8am and 9pm. If the ferry arrives outside of this timeframe, inerns can wait until a suitable hour for the local team to collect them.
Once they are sure of their travel plans, they will need to contact the Local Pick-Up Coordinator. We will assist them with arranging a suitable time and place to meet in Chios City or provide instructions on how to make their own way to the accommodation.

Please keep in mind that interns need to bugdet and arrange on their own their transfer from the accommodation to the Airport at departure.

Accommodation

Interns are hosted in our accommodations which are dormitory-style and can accommodate up to 10-15 guests each.
Interns can expect to share a room with up to 4 other people of the same gender.
The accommodations are situated within walking distance from Supermarkets, Grocery Stores, pharmacies as well as bakeries, bars and restaurants.

Each accommodation has shared western bathrooms with shower. Wi-Fi is also available for free at the accommodation. 
It is the responsibility of the intern to ensure their room is kept tidy during their time on the program. During the hot summer months, please note that only light bedding is provided in the form of a bottom and light top sheet. Towels are not provided so volunteers do need to bring their own towels. 

Interns are also responsible for cleaning their accommodation, also the dishware, glassware, cutlery and cooking utensils that they use.
Interns are responsible for organizing their own meals since the accommodation is in walking distance they can find grocery stores, supermarkets, bakeries, restaurants, cafeterias and mini markets. It is also possible to order delivery. For the interns to prepare a meal, the accommodation is equipped with basic kitchen utensils and cutlery as well as fridge, electric plate, microwave oven and kettle.
One important thing to note is that tap water is not potable in Chios Island including at the accommodations, therefore interns need to budget for and make their own arrangements to buy bottled water from a nearby store or supermarket of their choice.
Interns need to also take into account and budget for their transportation during their program including travelling from and to the placement as well as their transfer from the accommodation to the Airport at departure.  

Lastly for security reasons upon arrival at the accommodation all interns are obligated to pay a 50$ (or 50€) bond which will be returned upon checkout provided no loss or damage has been incurred to the accommodation or to the property of the Organisation.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Food & Beverages

Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Chios Airport (JKH) in Chios. We assist you to find cheap flights to Greece. 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 Greece provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Greece you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Greece. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

Interns arrive on Chios Island on Sundays and depart on Saturdays.
Orientation takes place on the first Monday of their program.
The program start date of the intern has to be at least 2 weeks after the acceptance of our offer.
We provide airport pickup from Chios airport (JKH).
After you apply for our program we will get in touch with you, providing more information regarding your arrival.
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 560€
24 weeks (max. stay) 6,720€
Average fees 280€/week

Program fees

280€ per week 2 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

2 - 24 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 Mobility during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Mobility

Outstanding 4.9 rating (27 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 1998

Verified by Volunteer World

  Excellent response rate

Coordinated by

Markos

About the project

"Mobility" activities contribute in the harmonious collaboration of all humans, which serves better the idea of building a community of Global Citizenship and Solidarity.

Meet your organization

Thanks to our long history and our very successful, high-quality activities, our organization is an active member of the local community and we have a long cooperation with all the cooperating institutions through the preparation, realization and evaluation of various volunteering, cultural, environmental, educational & sports activities. 
We cooperate with local public Nursery Schools, Kindergartens, Primary and Special Education Schools in which our volunteers offer their service and actively help as assistants to the teachers in the educational procedure and realize environmental, cultural and sport activities, as well as with other institutions such as Elderly Nursing Homes, offering essential help to people in poverty, with fewer opportunities and youngsters from a marginalized community or at risk of facing discrimination.
In addition, our Organization is responsible for the realization of various community-based activities for and with our volunteers and local young people of different ages, gender and countries, with different economic, social and cultural backgrounds, whose main target is to assist the local community in a variety of tasks by cleaning and recycling, gaining an environmental awareness, as well as realizing educational activities for the local children, during the after school hours and during the summer time, when the school year is over.
The volunteers’ tasks vary depending on the needs of the cooperating Institutions and the needs of the local community.

27 reviews · rating4.9

Hugo Deguigné rating5

2023 at Internship on Community Beautification

Great times with mobility on Chios. The work we do brings real added value to the schools, and we feel proud to be able to help improve children's learning conditions. Chios is a wonderful place, and I've met some wonderful people. I'd like to thank Markos for his warm welcome and kind ...
Guillaume ROUSSEAU rating3.6

2023 at Internship on Community Beautification

With a friend we went to Chios during one month to validate our degree. During this month we draw and paint for a school on different walls. We learn things about Greek culture that's a very good experience for us. Our contact, Markos is a very helpful and pleasant person, thanks to him ! All the ...
The person in charge picked me up at the airport and I felt like I could really rely on them whenever I needed support since I had never travelled alone before, it really helped me:) They arranged the transport to the school I worked at, I made some awesome friends who we're volunteering as well, ...
Robyn Drummond rating4.8

2023 at Community Beautification of a Greek Island

I had a lovely time on Chios volunteering at a kindergarten, painting murals inside classrooms to support learning, and painting fences outside in the sunshine. Markos was a fantastic liaison - really communicative and quick to respond in great detail before I arrived, his induction was really ...
I had a great experience on the beautification programme. The project is very well organised and Markos was approachable and really helpful. Volunteers have the first day to take part in an orientation and learn about the project and city, which was great. The school I was based in were welcoming ...
Belén Palazuelos Torre rating5

2022 at Kindergarten Support

When I first read about TES-Experimental there were a few things that made them stand out from the others. First it was the idea of the project itself. I feel immediately drown to the idea of living in small community in a Greek island, and getting to do so with other volunteers from different ...

Location

Europe > Southern Europe > Greece > Vrontados

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