Today, international organizations and charitable foundations offer volunteer programs for almost every taste: by doing a good deed, you can get an exciting experience and at the same time get to know a new country. In most cases, the rules are the same for everyone: the volunteer is asked to buy a ticket on his own and take money for personal expenses, while the organizers take care of accommodation and everything necessary for life. Some programs do not offer free placement, but this is the exception rather than the rule. We have collected 10 of the most interesting programs in Russia and abroad for those who are open to new experiences.

Help for children in Moscow

In order to do a good deed, you don’t have to travel far: the volunteer movement “Danilovtsy” organizes collective trips to orphanages and children’s clinics. A volunteer can independently choose a suitable time and location - for example, a group of volunteers goes to the Morozov Children’s Hospital every Wednesday from 18:45 to 20:30. The main task of a volunteer is not to let the child get bored, so everything is used: modeling, drawing, and the art of origami. True, before getting ready, Danilovites strongly recommend that you familiarize yourself with the important rules.

Ecological marathon “360 minutes” in the Baikal region

The All-Russian volunteer environmental marathon En+ Group “360 minutes” is a new version of a large-scale event, the goal of which is to improve the tourist environment. Now the environmental campaign is being supported by Oleg Deripaska’s Volnoye Delo Foundation. The name speaks for itself - each volunteer donates 360 minutes of their time to improve the region. In addition to cleaning up trash, volunteers will also help plant trees and clean up eco-trails and rocks. During its existence, the field of activity of volunteer groups has grown to an impressive scale: now the eco-marathon is held in Yakutia, the Irkutsk region, the Altai Territory and in several republics. By the way, this year active marathons can present their own environmental project as part of the event. The promotion will take place on September 9, and registration is already open.

Become an animator at hospice events “House with a Lighthouse”

Every week, the children's hospice "House with a Lighthouse" for children and parents: holidays for families, master classes and educational seminars. “House with a Lighthouse” is constantly in need of help - for example, for those who are interested in working with children, the organizers offer to become an animator at weekly children's parties. However, there are other options for those who are not yet confident in their own abilities. For example, you can start by registering participants, handing out refreshments to children, and helping guests with various issues. Before taking part in the charity event, the volunteer will have to undergo an interview with one of the hospice workers, as well as attend several preparatory seminars.

In French wineries

For the benefit of the women of Costa Rica

Finally, we decided to talk about the socially significant volunteer program offered by the international organization GVI. Anyone who cares about gender inequality in third world countries can work for the benefit of women in Costa Rica. Before heading to Central America, volunteers will undergo a short course in the basics of social entrepreneurship. In the foreseeable future, volunteers will pass on the acquired knowledge to the women of Costa Rica. The organizers hope that this will make it easier for women to speak openly about their ideas and start developing their own business. Everyone chooses the duration of the internship; the organization is waiting for volunteers all year round.

More and more Russians are leaving for Europe under the European Voluntary Service program (), which covers all the participant’s expenses, including air tickets and visas. This is a non-formal education program funded by the European Union. Thanks to it, any Russian under 30 years old can go (from 2 to 12 months) for a volunteer internship in any European country. Program participants work for local non-profit organizations and receive housing, food and pocket money, generous health insurance and access to a local language course. In addition, they are refunded the money spent on travel and visa processing.

Participation in the program is absolutely free; there is and cannot be any entrance fee for EVS volunteers. In Russia there are several organizations that send EVS projects, for example -. Vacancies are published in Facebook EVS.

A video that explains the rules of participation in the program

Maria Eldarova, Moscow

EVS in a volunteer organization, Spain

I was going to a cool volunteer camp with donkeys and street theater, but the organizers liked my motivation letter so much that they offered to come not as a participant, but as a coordinator. Madre mia! Of course I went.

The most memorable thing that happened to me was traveling with Spanish shepherds in central Spain. With me were 3 shepherds, my husband, one seasoned helper, 3 horses, one donkey, seven dogs and 1300 rams, goats, and sheep. This is an old Spanish tradition - driving cattle south to Andalusia for the winter. We walked 15–20 km a day. They slept in tents, cooked over fires and did not wash at all. This is a wonderful experience to test yourself, stop whining, and fall in love with the rain.

I also did Russian courses for the unemployed. I had 30 people, but there weren’t enough places for everyone who wanted to attend.

I changed myself a lot in Spain. I became more confident, turned into a vegan, started running, wearing dresses and skirts, lost 15 kg, improved my Spanish, and gained new experience in many areas. It was a good adventure, and now I'm back and busy with my family life.

Alexandra Khazipova, Perm

EVS at an animal shelter in Portugal

I lived in St. Petersburg, studied to become an economist. But I didn’t want to increase company profits, but to do something that I could see meaning in. According to EVS, I work at a shelter for abandoned animals. There are only four permanent employees - three volunteers and the 77-year-old founder of the shelter. So there is a lot of work - all the tails need to be fed, watered, made sure they are healthy, nails trimmed, cleaned up.

My organization also carries out castration and sterilization of stray cats - they are caught, operated on and released. So one week we work in the veterinary clinic - my colleague Agnese does the operations (she is a veterinarian), and I help prepare the instruments and animals. Now I am designing leaflets encouraging people to take a dog from our shelter to their home.

I live by the ocean, enjoy the sun, and travel a lot. Previously, I didn’t have a single dog, but now I have 150. The downsides are monotonous, dirty work and the language barrier. Sometimes you feel disconnected from life. Like the Little Mermaid from a fairy tale, she found legs to get to new places, but in return she lost her tongue. And of course, like a normal emigrant, I miss buckwheat and cottage cheese.

Nikita Savostikov, Nizhny Novgorod

EVS at a youth center in Italy

After university, I worked as a manager and photography teacher, but it wasn’t interesting. But there was a vacancy for EVS in Italy. Within a month, I stepped into the dimness of a spacious apartment in the city of Altamura in southern Italy - and so began my 9 months of project. I still remember the first breakfast, the embarrassed smiles of new friends from France, the square near the house, flooded with sun.

At first, the language barrier got in the way; I quickly learned Italian. And I learned it! Language helped realize some of my ideas: a Russian language course, several photographic exhibitions, learning English and German through photography. I want to come up with international cultural and educational projects that will change other people's lives, just like EVS in Italy changed mine.

Valeria Kolotenko, Omsk

EVS in a nursing home in Germany

I am a social worker at a nursing home. My task is to help with food, talk with residents who are rarely or not visited at all. I also organize meetings with kindergartens and invite children from other organizations to make crafts in our house with the old people.

The best thing about my job is getting to know dozens of destinies, the worst thing is watching how these lives fade away, how slowly the mind leaves them and how the people you are already attached to die. I met an incredible number of young people who, like me, came to Germany as volunteers. Previously, I could not even imagine that one day I would wake up and my Italian neighbor would grumble about the weather while preparing risotto.

Alina Krivopalova, Altai Territory

EVS on radio in Hungary

Volunteers from other countries and I recorded programs in English for the youth station. The program grid was quite diverse: politics, culture, rumors, travel, point of view and one block in the native language. We edited all the programs ourselves on a computer, cut them into audio files, and broadcast them. Over time, we were entrusted with interviewing local celebrities. I also started learning Hungarian. EVS year remains in my heart forever as a year filled with crazy adventures, stories and people.

Zhenya Pankova, St. Petersburg

EVS in a youth organization in France

We are six volunteers, we all live together in a camp 45 minutes from Paris. We were invited here by a center that works with young people with social difficulties. They come, and we work together on different tasks: in September we were preparing for the city festival - we were decorating one of the bridges. We also made trash bins with local schoolchildren with mental disorders, and now we are building a toilet for people in wheelchairs. We also have a vegetable garden in which we grow vegetables and herbs for ourselves.

Sometimes volunteering is a chore, and then the “This is our job and we have to do it” kicks in. But more often it’s pleasure: you work, chatting, singing songs, joking. And of course, you travel a lot.

For example, become a volunteer. And this does not mean that you will have to work until exhaustion in the mines for food. The programs can be very pleasant, and we will help you not to miss them!

Illustrator Residence

IN Prague We are looking for talented animators and illustrators to create a 6-week artist residency! So what ifyou have already worked with commercial orders, and your soul asks you to create something not only beautiful, but also socially important, you will be given such an opportunity.Project topics can be very different - from environmental problems and women's rights, to migration and the life of political prisoners.

Application form and more information - .
Participation period: April 26 - June 6.

Volunteering for authors in the Balkans

There is an offer for novice travelers from World Nomads- go to Balkans to write notes about your adventures on the peninsula under the guidance of the author The New York Times by Tim Neville.
An unusual journey will begin in Montenegro where will you spend 3 days with Tim. And then - 10 days of adventure. You will taste delicacies in Bosnia, look after the brown bears in Macedonia and study the musical preferences of young people in Serbia. Travelers can expect hospitable natives and get acquainted with local traditions.
To be among them, you need to write an inspiring story on one of the given topics in English, as well as a motivation letter.

To the pandas with UN Volunteers

This is the most ambitious project, working in many directions, from caring for the ecology of the planet to helping civilians in hot spots. Not everyone can qualify for this volunteer program, but if you succeed, you can even stay abroad, receiving a grant for training, for example.

Register.
Upcoming internship- fly to China to the pandas, already in March!

Working on farms with WWOOF

The name of the organization stands for "Worldwide Opportunity on Organic Farms". Under its terms, volunteers work several hours a day on farms that grow organic products (not for vegans), for which they receive food and housing. For example, there are current programs in South America and on Caribbean.

Become a tour guide in Europe

You are an expert on Europe? So, you have the opportunity to become the best tour guide! The organization is recruiting volunteers to organize and accompany hiking trips along Europe. As a reward, you will be provided with housing and food. , unexplored cities and the strongest emotions - as a bonus.

You can apply to participate in the free volunteer program.

Work in the USA for money

Program Work and Travel designed for university students and graduates. Under its terms, the participant receives an easy job (although everything depends on you) in another country, which does not take up much time. This volunteer program works through organizations and intermediaries; the central office does not cooperate with individuals. True, you can’t go there for free, you have to pay for tickets, but here you will receive money for work, not food.

About the features of the program in USA and you can read the participants' reviews.

And to apply for the program -.

Friendship with children as an Au Pair

Participants in this volunteer program are sent overseas where they are required to help with housekeeping and childcare. The main goal is cultural exchange between different cultures. As a rule, volunteers are sought out by large families who can cope on their own, but are not at all against extra help.

There are different categories of travelers - some prefer comfortable conditions and paved tourist routes, others love hitchhiking and adventure, and some believe that getting to know the culture of another country must necessarily include selfless help and work for the benefit of society. It is for these people that such a topic as volunteering abroad is very relevant. After all, to be a voluntary participant in one of the many volunteer programs that exist today means to be a person willing to spend his time and effort to make this world a better place, without expecting financial reward.

Who are volunteers

Volunteers have long been assistants in social and many other spheres of social life in different parts of the planet, who initially join one or another project not for the sake of receiving material benefits, but solely to provide assistance and perform work duties on a voluntary and selfless basis.

People become volunteers for various reasons, often the moral factor that matters is charity and helping those in need. But for many, volunteering abroad is also a good opportunity:

  • Cheap and targeted visits to countries of interest.
  • Immerse yourself in a new cultural environment.
  • Learn the language.
  • Get the experience you need.
  • Make friends from all over the world.
  • Show yourself as a person who benefits society.
  • Pass the strength test.
  • Break out of your comfort zone.

The most popular areas of volunteering abroad

There are several basic activities where extra hands are always needed. Volunteer programs abroad in 2019 are divided into the following areas:

  1. Social programs to combat dangerous diseases.
  2. Restoration projects.
  3. Activities related to environmental protection.
  4. Organizing cultural events to highlight and draw attention to a particular issue.
  5. Archaeological excavations.
  6. Work with children.

Stages before starting volunteering

Those who have decided to become a volunteer and are ready to work for free for a certain time need to go through several important stages before they begin to realize their intention and go abroad.

  • The most important point is the selection of a program and a volunteer organization, through which the whole process will take place in the future.
  • Register on the official website of the center.
  • Visit the volunteer center of the selected organization in your country at the address indicated on the website.
  • Submit an application and resume for a project in which the applicant is interested in volunteering.
  • Fill out a form indicating the required information and confirming compliance with the criteria for participants in this project.
  • Go through an interview with a representative of the organization to confirm your goal of working as a free volunteer abroad.

Gift: 2100 rubles for housing!

  1. The average age for most programs is 18-32 years.
  2. Knowledge of languages ​​increases the chances of a positive decision from the host organization; a basic level of English is required.
  3. Lack of severe addictions and bad habits.
  4. No criminal record.
  5. Stress resistance.
  6. No psychological disorders.
  7. Good personal qualities:
    1. Goodwill.
    2. Friendliness.
    3. Positive thinking.
    4. Composure in critical situations.
    5. Organized.
    6. Adequacy.
    7. Activity and initiative.
    8. Communication skills.
    9. Understanding the meaning and main idea of ​​volunteering.

Depending on the program, the physical qualities of volunteers, health status, and basic knowledge of first aid may be important.

Documents for participation in the volunteer program

The main list of documents includes:

  1. A future volunteer must have an international passport.
  2. Absence of serious ones, this could be deportation in the past or a serious infectious disease. The list of required visa documents for a particular country must be clarified directly at the consulate.
  3. You will also need medical insurance with a policy that covers the entire period of stay in the territory of another state.
  4. A well-designed and well-written resume.
  5. Questionnaire.

Some programs may require additional information about past experience or special skills.

Where are volunteers needed?

In 2019, volunteer programs exist in almost 193 countries around the world. The largest centers operate throughout Europe and America and their main areas are ecology and environmental protection; a fairly powerful volunteer movement to save children and adults with cancer exists in Russia and other CIS countries.

Volunteer programs

Today, there are various paid and free volunteer programs, so those who believe that being a volunteer is their path just need to choose the one that suits them and leave an application. This is a small list of popular projects in 2019:

  • Turtle Teams is a great destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. The project aims to save sea turtles and other endangered species that live in the depths of the water. Groups of volunteers work all over the world in countries where there are seas or oceans.


  • Conservation Volunteers is an Australian environmental volunteer program. Project participants work in the country's national reserves and coastal areas of Australia. Help develop ecotourism.


  • Help Exchange is an online exchange for people who want to find volunteer helpers for guest houses, farms, rural areas or for the construction of social facilities. appointments.


  • Sudan Volunteer Program is a popular international program aimed at helping Sudanese children get an education, learn the language and establish interethnic and cultural interaction between the residents of the country.


  • UN Volunteers are groups of people ready to help in emergency situations, natural or environmental disasters, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods. Those who have basic first aid skills and good physical fitness can get into the program.

Expenses

When the decision to choose volunteering has been made and all stages have been completed, you need to prepare for the fact that if the answer is positive about acceptance into the program, you will need to take care of the costs of air tickets and visas on your own. Volunteers typically pay for their own food, airfare, and other personal expenses. The host organization provides housing and work facilities.

Payment options are different, sometimes the host organization compensates for all expenses after the end of the project, sometimes volunteers, on the contrary, pay additional membership fees for participation in the programs.

The average cost to join a volunteer organization is around 400 euros. For this amount, the organization helps in collecting and preparing the necessary package of documents and assists in finding a project suitable for housing and other conditions.

Any person who strives to care for the good of society can become a volunteer. Finding something you like is not difficult, because every business requires proactive and purposeful enthusiasts who understand that happiness does not lie in earning as much money as possible, but in making life meaningful and influencing the improvement of the world around us.

If the program description does not indicate a cost, then the program is completely free. In any case, the basic requirement is knowledge of the English language; it is also necessary to attach a resume (CV) or motivation letter to the application for participation in the program (what exactly will be indicated in the response letter to the application request).

Photo Marathon In Reykjavik (Iceland)

Dates: 06/7/2016 - 06/16/2016.

Volunteers will attend seminars and lectures on the art of photography, explore the sights of Reykjavik, take photographs and ultimately take part in a social photo exhibition. The main goal of the program is to attract the attention of the local population to social problems through photographs of participants. Volunteers will be accommodated in a local hotel, food costs are included, but they will have to cook themselves. Participation fee - 220 euros.

Talking Walls/Creative Arts (India)

Dates: 07/18/2016 - 07/31/2016.

Volunteers will be required to paint walls on the RUCHI campus. The main themes of the drawings are love and peace, global warming, intercultural communication and learning. Volunteers will live in the village of Bandh, in a volunteer camp. Meals are included, but program participants will be required to assist the chef in preparing food from time to time. Participation fee - 200 euros.

Muktuk Adventures (Canada)

Dates: 05/15/2016 - 07/15/2016; 07/15/2016 - 10/15/2016.

The Muktuk organization in Canada is looking for volunteers for dog shelters and offers many different jobs: caring for animals, cooking, security, cleaning rooms, serving shelter visitors. A mandatory requirement is a love of dogs. Accommodation and travel are paid for by the organization, the working day is from 8 to 12 hours. If you love dogs and dream of visiting Canada, then this offer is just for you!

Youth for Youth Project (Nepal)

Dates: 08/13/2016 - 08/25/2016.

Volunteers will be required to help organize events in certain sports and social events aimed at attracting the attention of young people to entrepreneurship. It will be possible to engage in leadership and direct organization or presentation of material to the youth of Nepal. Accommodation - in local families or hostels in Kathmandu, meals included. Participation fee - 230 euros.

Archeology and Culture (USA)

Dates: 07/09/2016 - 07/23/2016.

Volunteers will be located in the city of Allegany, in rural New York State. The area of ​​work includes small towns, forests and farms. No experience is required as volunteers will be trained on site by experienced archaeologists. This is an archaeological field school where volunteers learn about excavation techniques, soil sampling and artifact processing. The working day starts at 8:00 and ends at 17:00 (Monday to Friday). Volunteers will be housed in apartments within walking distance of the excavation site. Power included.

To register for the program, you need to follow this link, add the program to your “Cart” and register. More information about the program can be obtained.

Center of the World (Türkiye)

Dates: 07/21/2016 - 07/31/2016.

Volunteers will mainly communicate with local youth in order to help them learn English. From time to time you will need to help with painting schools or landscaping local streets and parks. Volunteers will live in a hostel in the city of Aksehir, meals are included.

Since the organizing country is Türkiye, the official website of the program is in Turkish. But don't be sad! To participate in the program, you need to register online (in English) and choose one of 50 programs offered by Genctur. In this case, we are interested in the Center of the World program with code GEN -22. More information about the volunteer camp can be obtained by sending a letter to: [email protected].

Maki Farm (Japan)

Dates: 06/15/2016 - 06/26/2016.

Volunteers will help Japanese farmers in rice fields and vegetable fields with weeding, planting various crops, as well as caring for animals and doing housework at Kyodo Gakusha Maki Farm in Nagano Prefecture. Be prepared to work for quite a long time - from 5:30 to 18:00 with breaks.

Marburg (Germany)

Dates: 06/18/2016 - 07/2/2016.

Participants will engage in manual work to prepare Marburg's squares for the holidays. This includes cleaning the area, gardening, decorating, setting up tents. Working hours: 4 to 5 hours a day, four days a week. Volunteers will live in the camp. Each group is separately engaged in purchasing groceries and preparing food. There are lectures and/or excursions almost every day. Basic knowledge of German is required. Participation fee - 160 euros.

Sustainable Development Camp (Thailand)

Dates: 06/13/2016 - 06/25/2016.

Volunteers will teach residents of local villages (Klongla district) English using a creative approach. Help will also be needed in building houses for the volunteer camp. But still the main goal is to communicate with Thais. Accommodation - in a local hostel, meals included. Additional participation fee - THB 9,000.

Teaching With Volunteer (Uganda)

Dates depend on the chosen program.

This organization supports communities in rural areas in southwestern Uganda. The main goal is to help achieve constant, sustainable development of infrastructure, increase the level of education, create new jobs, and improve public health. Volunteers can choose activities based on their interests. There are opportunities to educate both children and adults, become a researcher into the causes of poverty in Uganda and look for ways to solve this problem, or even try yourself as a football coach.

Cultural Heritage Preservation and Promotion (China)

Dates: 07/05/2016 - 07/14/2016.

The history of the city of Fuzhou has had a profound impact on Chinese culture as a whole, but currently the authorities are worried about the loss of interest in folk art. The organizers of the summer camp invite volunteers to study Chinese, calligraphy, traditional wood carving, organize charity fairs where folk art items will be put up for sale, and also participate in discussions on the topic of preserving cultural heritage.

International Humanity Foundation

The dates depend on the choice of priorities when filling out the questionnaire.

The company offers many opportunities for volunteers not only in the summer, but also at other times of the year. The IHF strives to provide volunteers with an overall picture of poverty around the world. If you become a volunteer at one of the IHF centers, you will undergo practical training and help the poor, as well as learn administration and general management of the organization.

There is an opportunity to work either from home or while traveling. The organization needs volunteers in centers in Thailand, Indonesia and Kenya, and IHF can take you on an amazing journey to begin volunteering in one of the suggested countries. If you're interested in volunteering from home, you'll be able to perform tasks that require 1 to 4 hours per week and range from paperwork to website maintenance. You will be able to choose for yourself what kind of work you would like to do.

Blue Mahal - Art of Living (India)

Dates: 08/1/2016 - 08/14/2016.

The main goal of this project is to attract attention to environmental problems in India from local residents. The work involves teaching children from poor families and marginalized communities in English mathematics, hygiene and health, and how to interact with the environment. The basis of learning is creative, includes games, singing, and so on. Accommodation - in a rented house with shared rooms in the city of Jodhpur, meals - Indian cuisine three times a day. Please note there is an additional charge of INR 14,000.

Maya Universe Academy

Volunteers can try themselves in any role in the fields of education, construction, agriculture and management. The organization helps select jobs for volunteers by matching their interests, experiences and desires with the needs and resources of the camps while volunteering. This summer, volunteers are sent to either a school in India or an agricultural camp in Kathmandu. The company covers all food and lodging expenses for long-term volunteers, but short-term volunteers must contribute $10 per day.

YMCA Fairthorne Group

Dates depend on the choice of program.

The YMCA is looking for volunteers to work with children and youth as instructors and group leaders. Volunteers will be trained to conduct various active games and activities such as water games, rope games, and forest survival skills training. You can also start teaching English classes for other volunteers.