As someone who has had a lifelong struggle with anxiety and a lack of confidence, I felt the time had come (late in life at age 61) to challenge myself to get truly out of my comfort zone. It was so heartwarming to have the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the work of the local team, learn about a different culture and the different challenges facing the local community, as well as push myself to achieve things I didn’t realise I was capable of. Even though I only worked with the project for two weeks, I have come away with some amazing friendships, a clearer sense of what really matters in life, greater confidence and a real sense of pride in all that we achieved together. My heart is happy!
After-School Support Volunteer Project in Romania - Miercurea Ciuc
Purpose
Provide a safe space for children to learn
Start dates
Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
Duration
Choose from 1-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+
Accommodation
Dormitory-style volunteer apartments
Program fees
From $504 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:
Creative, energetic volunteers who are interested in education and helping children from low-income families.
Project details
Inspired to be an After-School Support volunteer in Romania? International Volunteer HQ’s After-School Support project is a great way for volunteers to assist with programs that help disadvantaged children. Volunteers gain childcare experience while giving students time and attention after their school day ends, helping with homework and enhancing their self-esteem, confidence and motivation to better their lives.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Every day, countless Romanian children from disadvantaged backgrounds face immense challenges that extend far beyond the classroom. After the final school bell rings, many of these young minds return to homes lacking the care and attention they need to thrive. Struggling to keep up with their peers academically, these children urgently need extra support. Enter our passionate volunteers, who transform afternoons into a vibrant, safe haven where learning continues beyond textbooks. Through engaging educational games and activities, they ignite a love for learning and play, nurturing these children and helping them reach their full potential.
As an After School Support volunteer, you’ll work with programs designed to uplift students once their school day has ended. By engaging with the children, you’ll not only assist with their academic studies but also boost their self-esteem, confidence, and motivation to improve their lives. Your volunteer duties may vary but typically include:
- Assisting with homework
- Conducting informal English lessons
- Organizing games and activities
- Promoting teamwork and collaboration
As an After School Support volunteer, you may be asked to join some of the Teaching English project activities too.
This project offers a flexible environment with minimal structure, encouraging volunteers to introduce new games and activity ideas once the children have finished their homework. If you are creative, patient, and proactive, this project is perfect for you.
The After School Support project is not available during the summer holidays. Those who are interested in summer opportunities will be placed on the Summer Camp project. During other holidays, volunteer activities will take place during the day rather than after school. In both cases, the nature of the volunteer work remains consistent
Why do After School Support volunteering in Miercurea Ciuc with IVHQ?
When you volunteer with children in Romania you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving educational outcomes for disadvantaged children
- Helping students develop life skills in a safe place
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining childcare experience
- Immersing yourself in Romanian culture
- Exploring Romania’s historic cities
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate in this program. If you are under the age of 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad page to learn more.
- All volunteers are required to speak fluent English, have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
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
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ After School Support project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ NGO Support project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Special Needs project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Special Needs project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ After School Support project
IVHQ Teaching project
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
AD
Alexis Devereux
22 Mar 2024
...
AE
Adair Ernst
14 Dec 2022
The people you stay with/ work with will make it a positive experience. You also get to see how similar life can be in different parts of the world, despite all the differences.
...
TM
Tony Mangia
14 Jul 2022
I had done 11 volunteer programs around the world (9 with IVHQ) and Romania was one of the last places I was interested in. But I'm glad I went. It's a beautiful country and IVHQ offers a wide variety of programs suitable to almost anyone's interests or talents.
...
JS
Jessica Stephens
14 Jul 2022
My time in Romania can't be summed up by a few words. I felt like I did something good! I may not have done much in the big picture but when I saw those kids smiles I knew that I had made that part of their day better! Romania was sort of a cultural shocker but in the most beautiful way! Is it too soon to book another trip?!
...
NK
Noritaka Kobayakawa
06 Jun 2022
My experience in Miercurea Ciuc was very memorable. The local team was fantastic as they were very attentive and welcoming. The orientation week was very helpful as it informed me a lot about Transylvania history and the Hungarian language. The English camps were a lot of fun and the kids in Romania were great to work with.
...
HR
Homero Ramos
05 Feb 2021
I can only think of two words to describe my volunteering experience in Romania. Amazing and great. The people I met there were incredible. From the local team members, to my other fellow volunteers, and even the waiter at the local bar. We became very close in no time and made numerous memories that will last a lifetime. Furthermore, in my placement the kids helped me develop patience and spontaneity. I was there to help them with their homework and assignments and teach them English, but in the end, I think it was them who helped me develop these abilities and taught me some Hungarian.
Overall I can say that my experience in Romania taught me to be grateful for what I have at home, to not take it for granted anymore, as it also opened my eyes to the fact that there are countries struggling even in the richest of continents, and it brought me together with people who think and act in a very similar way to how I do. If you are thinking of volunteering, don't hesitate and apply now. You will never ever regret 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 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. 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 socializing.
Introduction Week: This takes place during the first week of your program. This introduction week has an extra cost of $540 (approximately $540) 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 $329), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately $329) 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 $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 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
- Personalized 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 $15
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 $30
Romania Introduction Week
Learn more about the Romanian culture and tick off some must-do experiences.
$540
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 organized 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!
