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After-School Support Volunteer Project in Romania - Miercurea Ciuc

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
Apply for free
On this page:
  • Overview
  • Requirements
  • Gallery
  • Arrival & Orientation
  • Volunteer Schedule
  • Accommodation & Meals
  • Pricing
  • Tours & Experiences
  • Entry & Visa Requirements
  • Reviews
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    'Who is going' users image
    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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    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

    Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

    Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

    More than half of all children and teens do not meet minimum proficiency standards in reading and mathematics. Quality education provides an opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment and is key to preventing poverty, securing long-term employment and improving quality of life.

    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 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.

    Apply for free

    Not sure which program to join?

    Get personalized recommendations >

    'Who is going' users image
    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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    Academic course credit

    Academic course credit through International Volunteer HQ and Intern Abroad HQ.

    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

    Volunteer Abroad in Romania with IVHQ

    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 getting started in Romania: a One-Day Orientation or a 5-day Culture 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.

    5-day Culture Week: This takes place during the first week of your program. This Culture Week has an extra cost of US$542 (approximately £423) 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 Culture Week begins on your selected start date, and your volunteer work will begin the following week. If you wish to take part in Culture Week, you’ll need to inform your IVHQ Program Manager in advance. A spot must be booked and paid for before your volunteer program begins.

    Please keep in mind that this is only available in June, July and August.

    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.

    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 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 in Miercurea Ciuc are accommodated in a shared volunteer house located in a quiet residential neighborhood on the suburban outskirts of the city. The house is within walking distance of Miercurea Ciuc’s city center and even closer by bicycle, making it easy to access shops, cafes, public transport and local attractions.

    What is the volunteer house like?

    The volunteer house is simple, safe and comfortable, designed specifically for international volunteers. Facilities include:

    • Nine shared bedrooms
    • Three shared bathrooms
    • Two fully equipped communal kitchens
    • Two large communal lounge areas
    • An upper-floor outdoor patio
    • A spacious garden area

    Bedrooms are shared with up to four volunteers of the same gender.

    What is included?

    To help you settle in comfortably, the following are provided:

    • Bedding and towels
    • Access to a washing machine
    • WiFi at the volunteer house

    Volunteers are encouraged to bring an additional towel for personal convenience.

    Internet and connectivity

    Free WiFi is available at the volunteer house, at the local team’s office, and in many nearby cafes and restaurants. For reliable mobile data during your stay in Romania, purchasing a local SIM card for your unlocked phone is recommended.

    What is the location like?

    Staying in the volunteer house allows you to experience authentic Romanian daily life while enjoying a secure and private accommodation setting. The peaceful neighborhood offers a local community atmosphere while still being close to the heart of Miercurea Ciuc.

    Meals

    As a volunteer, you’ll enjoy one delicious cooked meal each day, provided either at a local restaurant or at your placement. For breakfast, dinner, and weekend meals, you’ll have the fun and flexibility of preparing your own food using the supplies in the volunteer accommodation. Our accommodation manager regularly stocks up on fresh groceries, and you can even place specific food requests to suit your tastes.

    When dining out, you can look forward to a hearty lunch, typically featuring two courses. Start with a traditional soup, followed by a second course that might include potato or rice dishes, chicken, pork, goulash, stews, or pasta. Freshly baked bread, often made with potatoes, accompanies all meals.

    Vegetarians will find delicious options like cheese or mushroom dishes readily available at local restaurants

    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

    Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately £257) 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 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
    1 week $514 Equivalent to $73/day
    2 weeks $877 Equivalent to $63/day
    3 weeks $1,144 Equivalent to $54/day
    4 weeks $1,411 Equivalent to $50/day
    5 weeks $1,674 Equivalent to $48/day
    6 weeks $1,937 Equivalent to $46/day
    8 weeks $2,463 Equivalent to $44/day
    10 weeks $2,989 Equivalent to $43/day
    12 weeks $3,501 Equivalent to $42/day
    16 weeks $4,525 Equivalent to $40/day
    20 weeks $5,531 Equivalent to $40/day
    24 weeks $6,531 Equivalent to $39/day
    • All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately £257) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
    • A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
    • 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
    • Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
    • Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
    • Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
    • 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.

    Popular tours & experiences in Miercurea Ciuc

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

    Airport Pick-up
    Airport Pick-up

    Arriving outside the airport pick-up times? Book this add on now!

    £118

    Airport Pick-up

    Airport Pick-up
    Airport pickup is included in your Program Fee if you arrive on the Sunday previous to your start date between 9:00AM - 10:00PM. 

    If you are planning to arrive outside of this timeframe, and want to be picked up from the airport by our local team, we recommend booking this add-on to ensure you have safe, affordable transport to your volunteer accommodation. 
    ...
    £118
    • 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
    What's included
    • Airport pick-up (if you're arriving outside pick-up times)
    • Door-to-door transfer from the airport to volunteer accommodation at your chosen time
    • Affordable price at local’s rates
    • Organized for you and hassle free
    How to book?
    1. Apply and register for an IVHQ volunteer program.
    2. Once you have paid your Registration Fee to secure your place on your chosen IVHQ volunteer program, you'll be able to book tours and experiences in your MyIVHQ account.
    Apply to volunteer Log in
    Extra Night of Accommodation
    Extra Night of Accommodation

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

    From £17

    Extra Night of Accommodation

    Extra Night of Accommodation
    Arriving early or departing a few days after your program has finished? IVHQ makes it easy to be flexible with your arrival and departure dates and offers extra nights of accommodation that you can pre-arrange before you depart. 

    You will be accommodated in the same volunteer apartment that you will be staying in during your time on the program so you can settle right in with no need to be moving around. 
    ...
    From £17
    • 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
    What's included
    • Volunteer apartment
    • Shared room with volunteers of the same gender
    • WiFi
    • Bedding
    • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
    How to book?
    1. Apply and register for an IVHQ volunteer program.
    2. Once you have paid your Registration Fee to secure your place on your chosen IVHQ volunteer program, you'll be able to book tours and experiences in your MyIVHQ account.
    Apply to volunteer Log in
    Hungarian and Romanian Language Lessons (One Hour Class)
    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 £13

    Hungarian and Romanian Language Lessons (One Hour Class)

    Hungarian and Romanian Language Lessons (One Hour Class)
    To help ease potential language barriers and culture shock upon your arrival in Romania, we highly recommend Hungarian or Romanian language lessons, providing volunteers with the flexibility to supplement their program experience with these hourly classes.

    Fluency in Hungarian or Romanian is not a prerequisite for the IVHQ Romania program, but we encourage volunteers to make the most of our very affordable language lessons, exclusively available to IVHQ volunteers in Romania. These lessons are tailored to your current proficiency level and can be scheduled to suit your availability, contributing significantly to your day-to-day volunteer work and interactions with the local community.
    ...
    From £13
    • 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
    What's included
    • Hourly classes
    • Tailored to your current level of Hungarian or Romanian
    • Flexible schedule
    • Exclusively available to IVHQ volunteers
    How to book?
    1. Apply and register for an IVHQ volunteer program.
    2. Once you have paid your Registration Fee to secure your place on your chosen IVHQ volunteer program, you'll be able to book tours and experiences in your MyIVHQ account.
    Apply to volunteer Log in
    View all tours & experiences

    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

    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

    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.

    What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

    IG
    Isabel Guo

    I had a great time in Romania. Aside from learning how to work with dogs and animals in general, I found that it was a great opportunity to collaborate with people that I didn't know. It was a really good chance to work on myself and my interpersonal skills in navigating relationships with other people, whether it be roommates or just people I shared space with at the accommodation. It was challenging at times and really easy at other times, but I learned a lot both about myself and other people.

    For someone who is hesitant about this program, really just think about how bad it could possibly be. What could go wrong? What could possibly happen that could not be resolved by either you or the local team? Everybody is really kind and problems are easy to resolve. It's a great way to get to know yourself better, and hone your skills. Also, just think about how cute the dogs are. Is that not enough??

    ...
    Profile: Canadian, 17 Volunteer trip: Animal Care in Romania
    AL
    Azalee Lambert

    I was able to be a part of a new culture and try new foods, see beautiful views and make new friends all while helping kids teach English due to the well planned out schedule. As a result, the whole experience was very enjoyable. My advice would be to learn basic conversational skills before going to volunteer somewhere where you don't know the language, and if working with kids, be prepared to come up with lots of short activities that differ from normal teaching to keep them motivated and stimulated to learn. Be open to teaching at all ages, you may go from first graders one day to 8th graders the next.

    ...
    Profile: Canadian, 20 Volunteer trip: After School Support in Romania
    GG
    Gaia Giangualano

    I could really put into practice what I am studying at my university right now and I am even more sure about my abilities and what I should work on more. It was enriching and gave me a new perspective on the way of living and about priorities in life generally.

    ...
    Profile: Italian, 20 Volunteer trip: After School Support in Romania
    AE
    Adair Ernst

    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.

    ...
    Profile: American, 18 Volunteer trip: After School Support in Romania

    To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

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