Volunteer in Croatia: Youth Support & Education
Empower the next generation—volunteer in Croatia and support youth education, creativity, and confidence in underserved communities!
Volunteer in Croatia and assist local organisations offering after-school care and youth development programs. As an Oyster volunteer, you’ll support creative learning, cultural exchange, and informal education for children and teens from underserved communities. Encourage personal growth, support their learning, and help create a safe and inspiring space for development.
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Duration: 2 – 12 weeks – not available during summer holiday: July to mid September
Arrival day: Sunday
Return day: Saturday
Eligibility: General level of fitness required.
Age: 18+
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Highlights
- Engage with Local Youth: Support after-school clubs and creative programmes that provide structure and support to underserved children.
- Support Child Development: Help with homework, teach English informally, and lead fun, educational activities.
- Promote Inclusion: Work with local NGOs to reduce inequality and provide opportunities for at-risk youth.
- Inspire Through Culture: Share your background to encourage cultural curiosity and broaden children’s worldviews.
- Experience Croatia with Purpose: Stay in welcoming volunteer accommodation and explore the country while supporting real community needs.
Many children and teenagers in Croatia face social and educational exclusion due to poverty, unstable home environments, or generational challenges following the country’s recent history. Limited access to resources, high unemployment, and underfunded education systems make after-school support and safe spaces more important than ever.
This youth support project places volunteers in nonprofit centres that offer homework help, informal education, and creative activities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Whether during the school year or summer holidays, these programs offer fun, structure, and guidance in a nurturing, inclusive environment.
As a volunteer, you’ll help lead games, workshops, and cultural exchange sessions, support English learning, and encourage children to express themselves and stay engaged with school. Your presence can offer a new perspective, inspire confidence, and help bridge social and cultural divides in communities that need connection.
In areas where many children are at risk of being left behind, your role brings fresh energy, positive role modelling, and hands-on support to dedicated local teams. Whether you’re helping with art classes, assisting with homework, or simply listening, your contribution helps kids feel seen, valued, and supported.
No teaching experience or Croatian language skills are required — only patience, empathy, and enthusiasm for working with children. You’ll be supported by local staff and encouraged to share your own cultural background as a way of enriching the learning experience.
By joining this project, you’ll empower young people in Croatia to believe in their potential and help create stronger, more inclusive communities from the inside out.
- Shared volunteer hostel in central Split 15 minutes walk from the historical old town and marina
- Share a room and bathroom with 1 – 7 other volunteers
- Single use plastics are kept to a minimum, food waste is composted or shared with those in need, furniture is built from recycled goods
- Meals included but additional kitchen, breakfast room
- TV and laundry facilities
- WiFi available throughout the house
Upgrade:
Private room: £200 / week / room
Double bed, city centre, air con, en-suite, TV, Kettle, Fridge and sink
- You will receive three meals per day
- Breakfast consists of fruit, breads and spreads, cereals, toast, tea and coffee
- Lunch and dinner served at restaurant 2minute’s walk
- Typical Croatian food – meat, vegetables, risottos, pasta
- Food can be boxed up and taken when volunteering
- Provision can be made for vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free diets and lactose-free diets
Travel arrangements
Airport: Split SPU
Arrival day: Sunday. You will be collected from the airport and transferred to the accommodation
Departure day: Saturday
Included
- Access to your own personal ‘My Oyster’ account – our online portal where you can find out much more about the program and manage your booking
- Dedicated contact time with an experienced destination manager to discuss the project, answer any of your questions and for us to find out more about you
- Help and advice from our UK office before arrival and whilst you are away
- Pre-departure information covering medical, safety and project advice
- Gold level, 24/7 Pharos crisis management and incident support cover
- Financial protection: ATOL (if we book your flights).
- Thorough orientation on arrival
- In-country support
- Accommodation (see the ‘accommodation’ section above for details)
- Advice on visa requirements
- Oyster plants a tree in Africa with TreeAid to help reduce the impact of global carbon emissions
- Airport collection and transfer to your accommodation
- Three meals per day
- 2 hour guided tour of Split
- Linen and towels
On your return:
- Welcome home pack
- Certificate of Recognition (on request)
- References (on request)
Not Included
- Flights – as an ATOL bonded company, Oyster can book flights for you
- You need a valid passport that meets the requirements of the country you will be travelling to
- Insurance (covering your time with Oyster and any planned independent travel)
- Any costs associated with changing your return flight date if you need to
- Independent travel costs
- Home country travel costs
- Spending money for additional trips, food and entertainment
- Transport to your project – sometimes cheap fare by bus or walking
- Return costs to the airport
More Information
As a volunteer, you’ll work in after-school centres, serving as a positive role model. Your responsibilities will include assisting with homework, organizing activities, teaching English informally, and leading sports like Dance! The primary goal is to create a safe environment where young people can receive educational support, engage socially, and develop a sense of belonging.
What to Expect:
- Homework Support: Help students with their assignments to ensure understanding.
- Activity Organization: Plan and lead engaging sports and activities to promote teamwork.
- Informal English Teaching: Enhance their English skills through casual teaching sessions.
- Cultural Exchange: Share your background to broaden their perspectives.
- Role Modelling: Serve as a positive influence, demonstrating hard work and kindness.
Why Join?
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of underprivileged youth, gain valuable experience in education and youth work, and immerse yourself in Croatian culture while making a difference.
Project runs Monday – Friday. Your first day is spent on an induction in Split, and you will join the project on the Tuesday to meet the staff and receive your project orientation.
Days can vary depending on the project requirements. An example itinerary is:
8:00 – 10:00: Breakfast
10:00 – 13:00: Morning shift **
13:00 – 14:30: Lunch
14:30 – 18:00: Relaxing and travel time. Usually your afternoons will be free to relax, take some trips, do some exploring in and around the city.
18:00 – 21:00 Dinner time
- Strong work ethic: Ready to put in the effort.
- Optimistic mindset: Maintain a positive attitude.
- Proactive and adaptable: Take initiative and offer help, as tasks may not be assigned.
- No experience needed: Training will be provided on-site.
- English proficiency: Must be able to speak and understand English.
- Eager to learn: Open to picking up some basic Croatian.
Whilst late-availability is possible, we would advise booking as soon as you can to guarantee your ideal dates. Our projects are very popular and spaces can fill up several months in advance, especially for the months of June to September.
- Summer (June to August): Experience warm temperatures, vibrant beach life, and numerous festivals. This is the peak tourist season, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and outdoor activities.
- Late Spring (May): Enjoy pleasant weather with fewer crowds, making it perfect for exploring historical sites, hiking, and enjoying outdoor adventures.
- Early Fall (September to October): Experience mild temperatures and a relaxing atmosphere as summer crowds disperse. This is a great time for water sports, local events, and enjoying the stunning autumn scenery.
- Spring (April): Witness blooming nature and mild weather, which is great for hiking and outdoor exploration, with fewer tourists compared to the summer months.
- Winter (November to March): For those who prefer a quiet retreat, winter offers a peaceful atmosphere, lower accommodation prices, and the chance to enjoy local culture without the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season.
We would recommend budgeting approximately £50 a week for free time activities.
There are cash machines located all over Split and you can pay by card for almost everything. You should take at least two cards with you, and let your bank know that you will be going away.
Typically you won’t need a visa for stays up to 3 months. You should make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.
Most of our volunteers are independent travellers and you will become part of a group of people from around the world here. It is fine to travel with friends or as part of a small group too however- more the merrier!
The simple answer to this question is, yes absolutely!
It is important to bear in mind however that this may not be like other holidays that you have taken. Remember that you are volunteering in Portugal, and this means that you will be put to work! This sort of holiday is a world away from sun loungers and cocktails, with our volunteers often heading home tired but immensely satisfied. If you think that you will need a bit of relaxing time on your trip too, do make sure to factor this in when your time on the project is complete.
You should visit your doctor or travel nurse to find out what vaccinations you will need. Your routine vaccinations will need to be up to date. You should follow your doctor’s advice.
Please see the Fit for Travel website.
Doctors, pharmacies and hospitals are located within 5 – 20 minutes of the accommodation.
Split is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. Here are some key points regarding safety in Split:
- Low Crime Rate: Split has a relatively low crime rate compared to other European cities. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots, so it’s essential to stay vigilant.
- Safe Transportation: Public transportation, including buses and ferries, is safe and reliable. Taxis and rideshare services are also available, and they operate under strict regulations.
- Emergency Services: The city has well-established emergency services, including police and medical facilities. Emergency numbers, such as 112 for general emergencies, are easily accessible.
- Tourist-Friendly Environment: Local residents are generally friendly and helpful towards tourists. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, making it easier to communicate and seek assistance if needed.
- Health Precautions: While Split is safe, it’s always good practice to be aware of health guidelines, especially regarding food and water safety. It’s advisable to drink bottled water and be cautious with street food.
Overall, with standard safety precautions—such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and securing personal belongings—visitors can enjoy a pleasant and safe experience in Split.
There is free wifi provided at the volunteer house. You will receive a free local SIM card on arrival. Make sure that your phone is unlocked before arrival so that you can use the local SIM card.
We would suggest that you download the App Whatsapp prior to arrival so that you can be added into the volunteer group once you are in Split.
There is excellent phone reception in Split
You will need a European plug.
Croatia is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is UTC+1. During Daylight Saving Time (DST), from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, Croatia observes Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2.
Supervision will be fairly intensive during the first few days, when you will receive a thorough induction and work-related training. Once you are comfortable with things, you might not always have a supervisor working alongside you, but there will always be staff and other volunteers around to help, and you will always be accompanied for any high risk activities.
Staff at Oyster’s head office and in-country will be responsible for your safety and welfare while you are at the project. This will start from the moment you are picked up from the airport until the end of your project. Before and after these times, you will be outside Oyster’s responsibility and should make sure that you act safely and avoid risk. This is also true if you choose to leave the project during your time off. We will give you plenty of guidance and advice about this.
Got a question or want to chat to Project Manager Kate who has first-hand experience of the project? Call +44 (0) 1892 771 973 or email: – [email protected].
