Volunteers that want to help integrate teenage and young adult refugees and migrants in Athens by engaging with them in an informal way by learning new skills and sharing hobbies.

Project details

Are you interested in using your passion for helping people to support refugee and migrant centers in Athens? Through International Volunteer HQ’s Refugee Support project, you can directly impact these centers by offering a safe environment for teenage and young adult refugees and migrants to socialize, learn new skills, and share hobbies. Your involvement will facilitate connections among young men and displaced adults, helping them express themselves, gain diverse perspectives and experiences, and improve their language skills by offering informal English tutoring classes.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

This project helps to make a difference in the lives of those who are discovering their potential in overcoming barriers to independent living.

Athens has welcomed many refugees and migrants over the last few years due to the disruption of peace in neighbouring countries. Numerous families have been separated during their movement and many organizations have created various host centres where refugees and migrants are placed until they are reunited with their families.

Volunteers on the Refugee Support project play a key role in engaging with refugees and migrants in a welcoming, relaxed, and secure environment. Volunteers help to provide outlets for expression in workshops and extra curricular activities through sports, arts, informal English classes, and games, fostering connections and building trust.

This project gives volunteers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference, helping refugees and migrants to spend their time valuably, while learning new skills themselves.

Some of the tasks involved on the Refugee Support project may include:

Sports:

Conduct daily training and play in outdoor fields
Teach healthy eating habits
Learn new sports from refugees and migrants and participate in trainings and friendly games
Helping in the operation and reception tasks of a free gym for refugees

Arts:

Engage in playing musical instruments, teaching photography, and drawing
Lead drama classes
Share any other artistic skills you excel in

Due to daily interaction with vulnerable groups, volunteers must respect and adhere to strict safety restrictions and privacy measures while participating on this project.

Experience or an educational background in anatomy, kinesiology, exercise programming, fitness and business management and nutrition, early years support, sports science, and the arts are highly valued.

Why do Refugee Support volunteering in Athens with IVHQ?

When you volunteer on the Refugee Support project in Athens, you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

Learning about how host centers for refugees operate
Directly helping young refugees learn new skills and build bonds
Developing your communication skills
Gaining experience in workshops and extra curricular activities related to sports, arts, informal English classes, and games
Immersing yourself in Greek culture
Discovering the ancient history of Athens

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers must be 18 years or older to participate in this program. If you are under 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad to explore these options

Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.

All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.

Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

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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.

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IVHQ Community Support project

Creative Technologies volunteer project in Greece with IVHQ

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IVHQ Sports & Arts With Refugees project

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IVHQ Animal Care project

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IVHQ Ethical Fashion project

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IVHQ Sports & Arts With Refugees project

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IVHQ Animal Care project

Volunteer at the sports and arts with refugee project in Anthens, Greece with IVHQ

IVHQ Sports & Arts With Refugees project

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IVHQ Homeless Support project

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IVHQ Ethical Fashion project

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IVHQ Community Support project

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IVHQ Sports & Arts With Refugees project

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IVHQ Community Support project

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Exploring Greece by boat during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring Greece during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring Greece walking during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring Greece during an IVHQ weekend

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 credit

Location

Location

The IVHQ Greece program is based in Athens, the country’s largest and capital city, as well as one of the world’s oldest cities! Famous for its art, philosophy and culture, you’ll have the chance to step back through time and witness fascinating museums, historic sculptures and ancient ruins up to 5,000 years old.

There are plenty of awesome viewpoints around Athens, from which you can admire the city’s architectural gems, labyrinthe of streets and charming taverns. Or you can soak up the sun on the city’s beaches and nearby islands. Don’t forget to treat your taste buds to the local Mediterranean cuisine - you can’t beat a Greek salad!

Arrival and orientation

The Greece volunteer program begins on the first and third Monday of each month and you will need to arrive in Athens on the Sunday before your chosen start date.

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Athens International Airport (ATH). The cost of your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee. When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the volunteer accommodation. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.

If you are traveling in Greece prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up from a meeting point in Athens on the Sunday before your program start date. You are also free to make your own way to the volunteer accommodation.

On Monday, orientation is hosted by our local team in Greece and runs for a full day. Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Athens – an introduction to Greece, culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities, and an introduction to your project and placement as well as a tour of the local area. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.

Volunteer schedule example

Weekdays

After the initial orientation, you will have a morning, afternoon or evening shift at your placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day. A typical schedule is as follows:

7:30 AM - 10:00 AM	Breakfast is available at the volunteer accommodation and is self-service.
8:30 AM	Volunteers usually begin traveling to their placement to join local placement staff and begin work on their project. Please note that start times and daily workload depends on the project that you are participating in - some placements run in the afternoon and volunteers on these placements will have the morning free to use as they wish or to attend Greek language lessons.
2:00 PM - 3.30 PM	Lunch is available at the volunteer accommodation. After lunch, you will continue your volunteer work (where applicable).
4:00 PM	Volunteers with afternoon or evening shifts travel to placement to join local staff and begin work on their project. Please note that start times and daily work load depend on the project you are participating in.
7:00 PM - 9:30 PM	Dinner is available at the volunteer accommodation. After dinner you will have the remainder of the evening free to relax and use as you wish.

Please note that the schedule may occasionally change due to weather, public or school holidays, or other unforeseen events that could affect your placement. We recommend checking in advance whether your intended travel dates coincide with any public or school holidays.

Weekends

Volunteers have the weekends free and there is no shortage of great things to see and do in Athens, wider Greece and the surrounding Greek Islands.

Accommodation and WiFi

Volunteers are accommodated in a dormitory-style hostel set in the vibrant center of Athens, located in the lively Metaxourgeio neighborhood. It is just a short walk or one metro stop from Omonia Square.

The area offers easy access to ancient landmarks, authentic street life, and the city’s dynamic cultural scene. With excellent public transport connections, you’ll find it easy to explore everything Athens has to offer, from the Acropolis to the coast.

The centrally located hostel offers a stylish, social atmosphere with plenty of communal spaces where you can relax and connect with others. Volunteers usually stay in shared rooms with up to 10–12 people. Rooms include cozy beds, individual lockers, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi throughout the building to ensure a comfortable and connected stay.

During your downtime, you can unwind in the welcoming lounge, cook a meal in the fully equipped communal kitchen, or head to the rooftop terrace to take in panoramic views of Athens, including the iconic Acropolis. The sunsets from here are especially stunning.

Private room upgrades and additional nights before or after your program can be arranged after registration, subject to availability and an extra cost. Just chat with your IVHQ Program Manager for more information.

Keep in mind that the hostel also welcomes other travelers, not just volunteers. This adds to the experience and helps create a diverse and lively environment where you will meet people from all around the world.

Meals

Volunteers in Athens are well taken care of with three meals provided daily - breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Breakfast is served buffet-style each morning, typically including eggs, yogurt, ham, cheese, breads, cereals and fresh fruit. Lunch and dinner are freshly prepared, with a weekly menu that provides options of local dishes and familiar favorites such as pasta, pizza, and salads.

Please share any dietary requirements when applying so the local team can accommodate where possible. Most needs can be met, except halal and kosher. Meals may differ from home, but the team strives to ensure volunteers are well cared for and have a positive experience.

Volunteer accommodation lookout

Volunteer accommodation common area

IVHQ Volunteer accommodation in Athens, Greece

Volunteer accommodation upgrade

Typical volunteer bedroom

Volunteer accommodation upgrade

Typical volunteer bedroom

Typical volunteer bathroom

Typical volunteer bedroom

Typical volunteer meal

Pricing

USD
- United States Dollars - $
- Australian Dollars - AU$
- Brazilian Reals - R$
- British Pound Sterling - £
- Canadian Dollars - CA$
- Chinese Yuan - CN¥
- Euros - €
- Hong Kong Dollars - HK$
- Mexican Pesos - MX$
- New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
- Singapore Dollars - SG$
- Swiss Francs - CHF
- UAE Dirhams - AED

Duration	Program Fee Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you. USD United States Dollars - $ Australian Dollars - AU$ Brazilian Reals - R$ British Pound Sterling - £ Canadian Dollars - CA$ Chinese Yuan - CN¥ Euros - € Hong Kong Dollars - HK$ Mexican Pesos - MX$ New Zealand Dollars - NZ$ Singapore Dollars - SG$ Swiss Francs - CHF UAE Dirhams - AED
4 weeks	$2,290 Equivalent to $82/day
5 weeks	$2,790 Equivalent to $80/day
6 weeks	$3,290 Equivalent to $78/day
8 weeks	$4,290 Equivalent to $77/day
10 weeks	$5,290 Equivalent to $76/day
12 weeks	$6,290 Equivalent to $75/day

All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately $329) 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 Athens generally find US$100 to be sufficient for weekly expenses including, transportation, water and miscellaneous spending.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Airport pick-up
Accommodation
24/7 in-country emergency support
In-country program orientation
Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
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.

Popular add-ons & experiences in Athens

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Athens program.

Extra Night of Accommodation in a Shared Room with Breakfast

Arriving early or departing a few days after your program has finished? Book your extra nights of accommodation.

From $47

View all add-ons & experiences

Check what's required to visit Greece

Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.

Safety and support

A smiling volunteer traveller wearing a traditional Andean poncho stands in front of the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain in Peru. The landscape features vibrant red, yellow, and green hues across the mountains, with a small lake visible in the background.

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.

Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Capital	Athens
Population	11.18 Million
Languages	Greek
Currency	Euro (EUR)
Time zone	UTC+02:00

Weather and climate

The climate in Greece is a very typical Mediterranean climate: mild and rainy winters and hot and dry summers with long periods of sunshine and no rain.

What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

Cinthy Kagawa

This was my second IVHQ experience and it was just as wonderful as the first. As a 70+ year old participant, I felt safe and worry-free. My fondest memories are the conversations shared with the people at the organization I was assigned to that feeds those in need in Athens. These Greek locals were without exception wonderful human beings. I could have stayed another week if only to develop a better friendship with the people there.

IVHQ gives travelers the opportunity to be more than a tourist, it offers a way to contribute positively to the destination, to connect to local residents in meaningful ways, and to better understand the culture of the location.

...

Ronnie Townsend

This experience was life changing! It is okay to be uncomfortable and nervous going into a new program and environment, but trust me when I tell you that you will have the experience of a lifetime. Meeting new friends, learning new skills from your placement, trying new foods and immersing yourself into a new culture. Greece was lifechanging for me and I am thankful for my time here! Trust me, you will not regret taking the leap!

...

Marina Pateras

IVHQ has changed my perspective to life as a person. Meeting up with like minded people and similar in values no matter where they come from is so refreshing. On the other hand, working with refugees and understanding a lot about them has broadened my scope of knowledge and has made me aware of the struggles one can have and how just a smile can go a long way into changing their day.

...

Maggie Schubach

I have gained so much from this experience and feel that I am a different person than I was the day I started. I built such strong connections with the people I was working with and hope I had just as much an impact on them as they did on me. If you are hesitant or nervous about volunteering, take the leap of faith and do it. It can be scary at first but you will have such a great support system to get you through it from start to finish. By the end you won’t want it to be over!

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

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