I gained insight into how other people from all parts of the world are similar and different to myself. I would tell the person who is hesitant to give himself/herself a push and try even if only for a week.
Summer Camp Volunteer Project in Romania - Miercurea Ciuc
Purpose
Improve access to quality education
Start dates
Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
Duration
Choose from 1-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 8 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 16+, or 12+ accompanied
Accommodation
Dormitory-style volunteer apartments
Program fees
From AU$808 for 1 week
What's included
Find out here
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Energetic, fun-loving volunteers who are interested in finding creative ways to teach English and entertain children over the summer holidays from mid-June to mid-September. 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.
Project details
Ready to slather on your sunscreen and be a Summer Camp volunteer in Romania? International Volunteer HQ’s Summer Camp project is a fantastic opportunity for volunteers to gain experience teaching and working with children while having a whole lot of fun. Volunteers assist with the planning and running of English-themed summer camps for children and young teenagers during Romania’s three-month school holidays. Volunteers can help create activities involving music, art, sport and drama which help engage and motivate those on the camp to learn English and have a great time doing it.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Summer camps offer young people unforgettable adventures, blending a variety of exciting activities and social interactions in a unique setting. In Romania, where summer breaks extend for three months and young people, especially those from the villages, have little to keep themselves occupied, these camps serve as an oasis of engagement and enjoyment during the holiday season.
As a Summer Camp volunteer, you’ll collaborate with the camp team to orchestrate English-themed summer experiences for young people aged 6 to 15. Channel your passion for music, art, sports, and drama to craft dynamic and inspiring programs, igniting enthusiasm and fostering English language acquisition among those around you.
This is a hugely rewarding project, and you can expect plenty of laughter, fun, new friendships and the satisfaction of creating truly memorable summers for local young people.
Please note that this project is open from mid-June to mid-September each year.
Why do Summer Camp volunteering in Miercurea Ciuc with IVHQ?
When you volunteer at Summer Camps in Romania you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Encouraging students to learn English in a fun way
- Helping students spend their holidays in a constructive way
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining childcare and teaching experience
- Immersing yourself in Romanian culture
- Exploring Romania’s historic cities
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program and may be asked to provide additional documentation to the local team
- Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
- All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
- Fluency in Romanian or Hungarian is not a prerequisite for the IVHQ Romania volunteer program. However we recommend that volunteers take advantage of the very affordable language lessons offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers by our partner staff in Romania. Volunteers find that taking these lessons help immensely with day-to-day volunteer work and communicating with local people. Volunteers interested in taking Romanian or Hungarian lessons can arrange these directly with the local staff once in Romania.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Romania photo gallery
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IVHQ volunteer orientation
IVHQ volunteer orientation
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
NK
Nicholas Kinsey
22 Jul 2024
...
AH
Ashley Hunt
11 Aug 2023
I gained so much knowledge and appreciation for the lives of the people I touched. I absolutely loved getting to interact with the kids, learning how to play their games, and talking to them about my home country. This has been one of the greatest highlights of my life and I hope I can return!
...
KH
Kate Highton
14 Sep 2022
Don’t hesitate - just do it! You will come home with a wealth of knowledge and a new mindset!
...
JH
James Highton
14 Sep 2022
It's a great experience that not only brings you together with like minded people but also teaches you a lot about yourself.
...
TT
Tiffany Tawil
04 May 2022
This volunteering experience was amazing! I will never forget the amazing team of local and international volunteers and the kids at the Summer Camp.
...
AP
Alexander Popa
15 Aug 2021
Everyone in Romania was very friendly and welcoming, especially the local staff, other volunteers and children. The highlight of my program was organizing the activities for the kids at the camp and being part of it.
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditRecommended online TEFL course
Recommended online TEFL course
We encourage volunteers on IVHQ’s Teaching and Childcare projects to come prepared by completing some relevant training, such as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. Although formal teaching qualifications are not required on these projects as volunteers are supported by local staff, taking a TEFL course enables you to gain more from the experience. Visit our Online TEFL Course page to learn how to gain an internationally recognized TEFL certification at a discounted rate.
Get TEFL certified onlineLocation
Location
IVHQ’s Romanian projects are based in and around Miercurea Ciuc - a town in the Harghita county of Romania. It lies in the Székely Land, an Hungarian-speaking region in eastern Transylvania. It has an interesting history, pretty European architecture spanning centuries, an annual music festival, a Catholic pilgrimage, and winter temperatures that reach -30°C or −22 °F, which makes it the perfect place for cold season sports like ice hockey and speed skating.
Arrival and orientation
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).
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.
We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation.
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 travelling 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. There are two options for orientation in Romania, a One-Day Orientation and an Orientation Week.
One-Day 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 socialising.
Introduction Week: This takes place during the first week of your program. This introduction week has an extra cost of US$540 (approximately AU$866) and is very popular among IVHQ volunteers. It includes everything on the One-Day Orientation as well as Hungarian lessons, trips to a castle, a Franciscan monastery, local villages, salt mines, a giant statue of Jesus Christ, museums, mountains and mineral springs. You’ll have the weekend free to do as you please before your specific placement orientation the following Monday. We recommend all volunteers take advantage of this week as it’s a great way to help settle the culture shock you can face when arriving in Romania.
The Introduction Week begins on your selected start date and your volunteer work will start the following week. If you wish to participate in the One-week Introduction, you’ll need to tell your IVHQ Program Manager in advance. You need to book a place and pay for this week before your volunteer program starts.
Volunteer schedule example
Weekdays
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 schedule is as follows:
| 8:00 AM | Volunteers prepare their own breakfast at the accommodation. |
| 9:00 AM | Travel to placement to join local placement staff and begin work on your project. |
| 1:00 - 2:00 PM | Lunch. Volunteers either eat lunch at a local restaurant or, in some cases, at their placement. |
| 3:00 - 5:00 PM | Afternoon placements usually end. Volunteers are free to return to the volunteer accommodation, plan for the following day’s activities or use their free time as they wish. |
| 7:00 PM | Volunteers prepare their dinner at the volunteer accommodation and have the remainder of the evening free. |
Weekends
Volunteers have the weekends free and there is no shortage of things to do in Harghita or further afield in Romania. Volunteers can fill their free time with local markets, adventure activities or simply exploring parts of Harghita. Romania is a popular tourist destination, offering beautiful nature and scenery, with great trekking, climbing, biking, rafting and kayaking opportunities. Volunteers who wish to take a long weekend to travel can enjoy beautiful limestone mountains and explore Old World Europe.
Volunteers staying for longer durations, or who wish to travel before or after their program, can visit areas further afield in Romania and neighboring countries such as Hungary and Bulgaria. Volunteers can make travel arrangements once in Miercurea Ciuc, with the advice and guidance of our local staff.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers are housed primarily in one of two adjacent volunteer apartments or in a cozy volunteer house, adding a sense of camaraderie and community to your stay. The smaller apartment comfortably hosts up to 8 volunteers of the same gender in one room, while the larger apartment, boasting three bedrooms, can accommodate up to 19 volunteers.
During the vibrant summer months, anticipate sharing your living space with 7 to 17 fellow volunteers in the female apartment and 4 to 8 in the male apartment. Throughout the rest of the year, the numbers usually range from 3-6 occupants per apartment.
The volunteer house is made up of four rooms, with each individual sharing a room with a same-gender roommate.
Conveniently situated within a 10 to 15-minute stroll from the local team’s office, your accommodation is set in a lively neighborhood filled with charming cafes and delicious restaurants. This prime location allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy all the community has to offer. Bedding is thoughtfully provided, and towels are readily available upon request. For your convenience, a washing machine is at your disposal to keep your clothing and bedding fresh throughout your stay.
Stay connected with WiFi access available at both the volunteer apartments and house, as well as at numerous cafes and restaurants nearby. For seamless connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card with data for your unlocked mobile phone. Should you have any specific accommodation preferences, feel free to communicate them to your IVHQ Program Manager, and our dedicated local team will strive to accommodate your needs.
Join us in Romania and create unforgettable memories in a welcoming and supportive volunteer community!
Meals
Volunteers are provided with one cooked meal per day. This meal is provided either at a local restaurant or at your placement. Breakfast, dinner and weekend meals are self-prepared using supplies in the volunteer accommodation. Food is purchased on a regular basis by the accommodation manager, and volunteers can place specific food requests with him if they wish.
If you choose to eat away from the accommodation, you can typically expect the main meal of the day to be lunch with two courses. The first course is always a traditional soup which is followed by the second course of potato or rice dishes, chicken, pork, goulash or stews and pasta dishes. Bread is commonly served with all meals and as it’s often made with potatoes it can be quite heavy. Vegetarians can expect to be offered either cheese or mushroom dishes as a general norm at restaurants.
Volunteer accommodation
Typical volunteer meal selection
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
Typical volunteer kitchen
Typical volunteer kitchen
Typical volunteer kitchen
Accommodation entrance
Accommodation entrance
IVHQ Romania common area
IVHQ Romania dining area
IVHQ Romania dining drea
Garden at volunteer house
Typical volunteer arrival
Volunteer arrival airport
Typical volunteer transport
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$329 (approximately AU$527), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately AU$527) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $504 Equivalent to $72/day |
| 2 weeks | $867 Equivalent to $62/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,134 Equivalent to $54/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,401 Equivalent to $50/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,664 Equivalent to $48/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,927 Equivalent to $46/day |
| 8 weeks | $2,453 Equivalent to $44/day |
| 10 weeks | $2,979 Equivalent to $43/day |
| 12 weeks | $3,491 Equivalent to $42/day |
| 16 weeks | $4,515 Equivalent to $40/day |
| 20 weeks | $5,521 Equivalent to $39/day |
| 24 weeks | $6,521 Equivalent to $39/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately AU$527) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Romania generally find US$70 to be sufficient for weekly expenses including, transportation, water and miscellaneous spending.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Discounts on language lessons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Free-time experiences & tours in Miercurea Ciuc
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Miercurea Ciuc! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Miercurea Ciuc program.
Hungarian and Romanian Language Lessons (One Hour Class)
Eager to enhance your Hungarian or Romanian language skills while volunteering in Romania? Now is the perfect, cost-effective opportunity to boost your proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing these languages with confidence!
From AU$24
Hungarian and Romanian Language Lessons (Three Hour Class)
Eager to enhance your Hungarian or Romanian language skills while volunteering in Romania? Now is the perfect, cost-effective opportunity to boost your proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing these languages with confidence!
From AU$48
Romania Introduction Week
Learn more about the Romanian culture and tick off some must-do experiences.
AU$866
Hungarian and Romanian language lessons
We recommend that volunteers take advantage of the very affordable Hungarian and Romanian lessons offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers by local language teachers. These language courses are organised during your program orientation and are tailored to each volunteer’s current level of Hungarian or Romanian. We believe that taking these lessons can help you immensely with your day to day volunteer work and communicating with local people.
- Three hour intensive private class = US$30 (recommended for short term volunteers)
- One hour private class = US$15
These language lessons can be booked directly through IVHQ once you have registered for the Romania program.
Check what's required to visit Romania
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Bucharest |
| Population | 20 Million |
| Languages | Romanian |
| Currency | Romanian Leu (RON) |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00 |
Weather and climate
Romania has a temperate-continental climate with distinct seasons, cold winters and hot summers. Daytime temperatures in winter range from 0°C to 5°C and in the summers months 25°C to 30°C. The IVHQ Romania program is based in Transylvania where the average temperatures are a little more extreme than the average.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
