Individual departures all year round with group departures in September, January, April and July for 1 month. Longer durations are available subject to availability.
For more information call Anne on 01892 770771. Alternatively email anne@oysterworldwide.com

1 Pound Sterling
= 5.23 Romanian Leu
This information should be used as a guide only as currency data has been provided by a third party bank source.

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 hospitals, 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.


CHILDCARE VOLUNTEER REVIEWS- click here

Romania

What will I do in Romania?

  • Childcare: Work in 'Family Homes' - dedicated small orphanages which house up to twelve children, some of which are especially for physically and mentally disabled children. Read our blog for more information.

  • Medical: Gain healthcare experience in a central children's hospital or in Romania's first ever hospice.

  • Teaching: Teach your passions from English to art to young children in kindergarten and primary schools.

    Getting there

    Your placements have been arranged by Razvan, who will meet you at Bucharest airport (or arrange suitable transport for you) 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 have a very interesting tour around Brasov with Razvan.

    • Representative

    Razvan 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 over 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.

    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 week costs £100.

    What is Provided?

    • Phone or face-to-face interview & informal briefing
    • Placement information 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) flights from London 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’
    • Thorough orientation and basic Romanian tuition
    • Donation to projects
    • EU VAT at 17.5% on UK cost elements
    • Tour of Brasov

    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 home country travel costs (to airport and interview if face-to-face)
    • 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)
    • Cost of getting back to Bucharest at the end of your placement (minibus is approx. £10)

    One more thing...

    Brasov is home to the first Romanian School and to what is said to be the narrowest street in Europe!

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