Give children the chance to smile
We've all seen the publicity about Romanian orphanages and there's no question that far more work needs to be done: but slowly things are improving and our placements in schools, orphanages and children's homes really do make a difference. One of the most important things is stimulation - there are often few toys and hard-pressed staff don't have enough time to play with the children as they'd like - but there are also many practical jobs that demand an open, willing attitude.
What will I do in Romania?
Childcare project location:
We have placements in the centre of Brasov which you can walk to from your accommodation. We also have ‘Family Homes’ (orphanages) in a rural community setting which can be reached easily by local bus.
For five years we have been working successfully with a number of childcare placements that we can offer you. ‘Family Homes’ are dedicated small orphanages which house up to 12 children, some of which are especially for physically and mentally disabled children. Additionally we have places for volunteers in a central children’s hospital, Romania’s first ever Hospice and placements in state nurseries and primary schools.
Volunteers need to have a passion for working with children; our best volunteers are caring and not afraid to give and receive plenty of hugs. Your enthusiasm and attention will enable these children to develop, play and enjoy their childhood. Many of our volunteers choose to combine several different projects; working in more than one location adds variety and can be more productive.
Brasov, the capital of Transylvania in the Carpathians, is a beautiful little walled city surrounded by modern suburbs. You will stay in the centre of the town in a flat, shared with other volunteers, and may share a room. Read our blog for more information.
Getting there
Your placements have been arranged by Razvan, who will meet you at Bucharest airport and drive the 2-3 hours up to Brasov to settle you into your flat. This will be shared with other volunteers and you may be sharing a room. You will have a couple of days to visit the various projects and find your way around Brasov.
Representative
Razvan
A perfect English speaker and probably the most dynamic person you will ever meet, Razvan has run our Romania programme since 2003. A veteran rep - he has dealt with almost 200 volunteers so far - he always goes way beyond his Oyster job description, organising wonderful trips (to Dracula’s castle and the Black Sea among others) for participants. He was personally involved in the fundraising and subsequent building of one local orphanage and champions both the bear sanctuary and children’s homes.
Supporting you
It doesn't matter if you're a short- or long-term volunteer, you still get full support from Razvan, who is there to steer you through any difficulties. You will see him regularly at work and informal outings and his aim is to ensure that you have a happy and productive time in Romania.
(The programme as a whole was) 'Excellent, very reliable. Flexible enough to keep volunteers using the best of their abilities. The representative is brilliant. It's no surprise so many people return to Romania and with Oyster. I definitely will.' Tamsin Clube 2007
Accommodation
You will be based in Brasov living in a comfortable, central flat that Oyster will rent for you and your fellow volunteers. Please expect to share a room. You can go out or cook for yourself in the evening.
We believe that living in relative comfort is important and should help you unwind when you are working hard.
Short term volunteers for the bear sanctuary can be placed in very central comfortable hotel or self catering accommodation.
Cost And What Is Provided
The cost of a 1 month placement in Romania is: £1495, excluding flights
Extensions are possible subject to availaibility. Each additional month costs £375
What is Provided?
- Interview & informal briefing
- Placement briefing day covering care work issues and placement advice
- Help and advice from our UK office before and after departure
- Finding you a suitable volunteer placement, organizing your accommodation, liaising with our contacts in Romania
- (Optional) flight with flexible return date (modest fee levied by airline for date changes). Total cost including flight £1770
- Transportation to your accommodation from the airport.
- Accommodation costs in a shared central apartment.
- Assistance and support from your representative whilst on your placement including regular social ‘meet ups’
- Basic Romanian tuition
- Donation to projects
- EU VAT at 17.5% on UK cost elements
- Excludes food (approx. £1.50 per day)
What do I need?
- A passport valid for 6 months after your planned return
- Insurance (we can recommend a specific policy)
- Cost of changing your return flight date if you need to (approx £30)
- Independent travel costs and cost of journey to airport at end of placement
- All UK travel costs (to the interview, pre-departure course and the airport – usually a London airport)
- Medical tests before departure (expect to pay a fee to your doctor)
- Criminal Record Bureau check (approx £30)
- Cost of food and going out (£25-£50 per week dependent on lifestyle)
One more thing...
It's worth remembering that Romanians are ambivalent, to say the least, about our version of Count Dracula; most laugh about it but some feel it is an insulting depiction of their country.
