Christmas and New Year in the House on the Hill
Reykjavik, Iceland December 23, 2019 - January 2, 2020
Volunteer project: We will live together and create a cozy atmosphere in the House on the Hill by putting up lights and Christmas decorations. The main idea of this project is to celebrate Christmas together and to promote peace and friendship among the group through intercultural learning and exchange. We will create a Christmas postcard together. Although the House on the Hill is located on the outskirts of Reykjavik, the city centre is reachable by public transport (30-minute bus ride). It is a small but cozy house, where the group will cook and live together and enjoy a snowy time in Iceland. We have chickens, so volunteers will have to take care of them during the project. We will learn Christmas songs from each other and, if weather is good enough, we will sing on the streets of Reykjavik and other public places in town as a sign of peace and multiculturalism. On New Year’s Eve, we will organize a small party for the volunteers and we will enjoy Reykjavik´s spectacular fireworks in front of the cathedral.
Language: English
Leisure time: Reasonably-priced weekend excursions can be organised to some of the most popular, beautiful areas and natural wonders that Iceland has to offer. Excursions include unique Icelandic sights such as glacial lagoons, waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, geysirs, lava forests, hot-springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam-vents, or even icebergs.
Accommodation: The volunteers will be staying in a house in Sveinsstadir which is located on the outskirts of Reykjavik. This place is like a farm in the city so you can enjoy pure nature and the city life of the capital at the same time. Volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bag, but beds/mattresses and bed sheets are provided. Wireless internet access is provided free of charge.
Location: Reykjavik is a city full of energy, just waiting for you to experience it. Powered by heat from the earth below, with ever-changing weather sweeping across the landscape, its natural features are matched by the energy of its residents. Think of the qualities of a great city - fun, culture, nature, clean air - and Reykjavik has them in spades. All the advantages of a modern, forward-looking society are complemented by the beautiful natural setting. In a country of only just over 330,000 people, the Reykjavik Capital Area has a population of about 200,000. However, since it’s the only major city in the country, Reykjavik has a lot of the amenities that you would only expect to find in a much larger center elsewhere in the world.
Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital city and is centered on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. It is framed by the majestic Mt. Esja and the blue waters of Faxafloi Bay to the north, while rugged lava-fields spread to the southeast. On a clear sunny day, the Snaefellsjokull glacier glitters on the western horizon like a crystal.
At this time of year, when conditions are favourable, you can see the Northern lights' (Aurora borealis) glowing curtain of greenish yellow lights, dancing in the distance to a spectacular, multicolored fusion stretching across the sky.
Terminal: Flights arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), just south of Reykjavik
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 400 Euro
The fee includes a minibus trip from the meeting point to the accommodation and the Golden Circle South Iceland excursion.
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project and is payable upon arrival.
Care and support for abandoned children in South Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam December 23, 2019 - January 4, 2020
Volunteer project: The volunteers will support an orphanage run by monks, which was built in the early 20th century and is quite famous in Ho Chi Minh City. The orphanage is now a place of charity for unlucky children and also helps treat diseases. Now the monks are taking care of and bringing up more than 100 children from the South of Vietnam. The children here have unfortunate backgrounds as many have been abandoned by their parents and relatives. Every few months, the monks find a new baby left in front of the pagoda gate. The head monk sometimes receives phone calls from hospitals requesting him to take in abandoned babies. At the moment, about 100 children live in the orphanage; their ages ranging from 5 days old to 20 years old. 60 of them are orphans that are suffering from cerebral palsy, blindness or Down syndrome. About 30-40 local children have the chance to study at the orphanage as some local teachers teach them Vietnamese in the morning.
Volunteers will spend time with the children and help to improve their English, organize games and other activities for them. Volunteers will also do some manual work, like cleaning and renovation, to improve the children's houses and classrooms. Volunteers will get closer to the children’s life and try to broaden their horizons and encourage them to learn better for a brighter future. Volunteers can also support children with disabilities in the disabled children's room.
Study theme: Disadvantaged children in Vietnam
Special requirements: Interest and motivation for working with children in difficult situation
Leisure activities: Self-organized city tour and excursions, etc.
Language: English
Accommodation: In a dormitory in Saigon, in shared rooms with bunk beds. Free Wi-Fi is available at the volunteer house.
Location: Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City (or Sai Gon), in the southern part of Vietnam.
Terminal: Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN), 20 minutes drive from the volunteer house
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 250 USD
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival.
Help prepare meals for the poor in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam December 23 - December 30, 2019
Volunteer project: Volunteers in this project will help out at a charity restaurant that offers affordable meals to poor students, immigrants and local workers in Ho Chi Minh City. The restaurant does fundraising in order to be able to offer quality meals at a low cost of 2000 VND (less than 10 cents).
Volunteers are needed in this project to support the charity mission of the restaurant and help prepare meals for poor people. Volunteers with relevant experience can join the cooking. Most of the time, volunteers will help preparing food, washing vegetables, setting up tables.
The restaurant is located in the central part of Ho Chi Minh City. Participants in this charity project will be able to learn about life in the city which changes very quickly with a growing gap between different groups of society.
Volunteers' main duties in the charity restaurant involve preparing food, washing vegetables or setting up tables. They will also help serving meals, cleaning tables, washing dishes. Work hours are 7:30am to 1:30pm, Monday to Friday.
Study theme: Poor and disadvantaged people in Vietnam
Special requirements: Volunteers in this project are expected to be motivated, hard working, enthusiastic and attentive. Cooking experience is very welcome.
Leisure activities: Vietnamese Day, International Day, self-organized city tour and excursions, etc.
Language: English
Accommodation: In a dormitory in Saigon, in shared rooms with bunk beds. Free Wi-Fi is available at the volunteer house. The restaurant is 30 minutes by bus from the accommodation.
Location: In the central part of Ho Chi Minh city
Terminal: Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN), 20 minutes drive from the volunteer house
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 180 USD for 1 week; 250 USD for 2 weeks;
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival.
Help a village with farming and education
Ywar Ngan, Shan, Myanmar December 25, 2019 - January 7, 2020
Volunteer project: Before the beginning of the international volunteer projects in these villages, the local people had very little or no contact at all with foreigners. The local young people need to improve their knowledge on globalization, English proficiency and cultural exchange. There’s also a need to educate the communities about agriculture and environmental awareness.
The volunteers will take part in the life of a village by helping the community in their field work. There will be various farming tasks such as planting, paddy harvesting, picking fruit and coffee, digging, etc. The volunteers will also teach children and share knowledge with the local community.
Language: English
Accommodation: Homestay in a house in the village.
Location: The area is peaceful and calm, with mountains, farms and rice fields around. In Shan State, there are ancient caves, waterfalls and ancient pagodas nearby.
Terminal: Yangon
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 250 USD
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival.
New Year's photography and environment workshop
Reykjavik, Iceland December 26, 2019 - January 4, 2020
Volunteer project: Celebrate the New Year in a vibrant city with new friends from around the world! Watch the large fireworks display illuminate the sky, celebrate around a bonfire and party into the night!
In this project, participants can learn about and share their love for photography and global and local environmental issues. If you love taking photographs or want to learn/develop your photography skills and are also interested in topics such as climate change, waste management, animal protection, sustainable solutions, then this project is for you!
While developing your artistic and technical photography skills, you will also be focusing on different current environmental and sustainability issues through a selection of workshops, discussions, and visits facilitated by the project coordinators. One of our aims is to help create more environmentally aware consumers and travellers!
You will also have time to put the theory into practice, and walk around and visually explore the city. At the end of the project, a selection of the best photographs is made for an informal group exhibition at a local public venue in the city. Participants should bring with them their own digital cameras, lenses, tripods and laptops if possible. Participants should be ready to walk around the city for different activities and visits.
We may also get the chance to visit local projects focused on the environment and conservation, which can include hands-on volunteering activities or guided visits. Some examples include coastal and outdoors cleaning actions, a visit to a recycling centre, a geothermal power plant, a museum or exhibition, or a community dinner at a local NGO. These, however, are dependent on the availability of our partners and the weather conditions at the time.
Please note that this project is a learning/sharing camp and not a standard workcamp. Everybody is expected to contribute their own knowledge and experience. Participants should also take advantage of the opportunity to share something about their own culture and country, such as food, music, games or films, with the international group.
The program combines learning, sharing, getting to know Iceland and its culture, having fun while exploring the capital city and some stunning nature attractions in the Golden Circle excursion or other visits which are part of the project.
In this project, we will organize a Night photography and Aurora hunting (Northern lights) workshop in the countryside in the close vicinity of Reykjavík. This will take place during late evening and possibly into the night. We cannot guarantee you will see northern lights as solar activity is irregular and it depends on weather and meteorological conditions but we will in any case organize the Night photography workshop.
Language: English
Leisure time: Other excursions (e.g. South shore or Reykjanes Peninsula) can be arranged at discount fares.
Accommodation: The group will stay in a house in Reykjavík. The facilities are basic with showers, kitchen, washing machine, and everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. Participants will sleep in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag.
Location: Reykjavik is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources. The world’s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic between Europe and North America. Reykjavík is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean on almost all sides. It is an international city with a lively cosmopolitan cultural scene surrounded by beautiful nature.
Terminal: Closest international Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ).
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 400 Euro
The fee includes transportation from the meeting point to the project site on the first day, the Golden Circle excursion with a visit to a Geothermal Power plant, as well as the Night photography and Aurora hunting (Northern lights) workshop.
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project and is payable upon arrival.
New Year in the Desert
Zagora, Morocco December 26, 2019 - January 2, 2020
Volunteer project: The program is an opportunity for the participants to explore Moroccan culture, especially the one from the south of Morocco and the Sahara Desert, which fascinates everyone who comes to visit. The volunteers will have the opportunity not only to visit the Desert, but also to enjoy the local culture and to get immersed into it, participating in different activities. The main aim of the project is to promote interculturality. Cultural visits will be organised to places in South Morocco (excursion to the oasis of Zagora and to the mountain, visiting an old kasbah, a historical library and a museum). An excursion to the Sahara Desert will be also organised in the end of December for the volunteers to celebrate the New Year in the Desert.
The group will take part in some voluntary activities and a pottery course. The volunteer tasks include painting and gardening in a local school.
The participants will learn about the Moroccan artisan techniques of making pottery. They will get knowledge about how to make pottery articles, from working and preparing the earth to decorating the articles. This activity doesn't require individual skills but it demands your motivation to overcome the difficulties. All the materials needed for this activity will be provided.
The volunteers will learn how to cook some delicious Moroccan food. They will also spend time and organize activities for 400 local children in Zagora.
Language: English or French
Accommodation: The volunteers will be hosted in a youth center or in a family house, depending on availability.
Location: Zagora is a beautiful town in the south of Morocco, near the Algerian border. Zagora is about 750 km from Rabat and about 250 km in the south of Ouarzazate.
The town of Zagora sits at the foot of Anti-Atlas Mountains and on the shore of the Draa Valley in South Eastern Morocco. Zagora’s allure is mainly attributed to the great Draa Valley, which is still a home for several of Morocco’s tribes. The name Zagora is derived from “Tazagort,” a mountain by the shore of Draa Valley overlooking the city.
Zagora gathers a number of minority groups, including numerous Amazigh tribes from Ait Atta clan, and black African groups who emigrated from Sub-Saharan Africa, along with the Caravans. Arabs have also settled in Zagora, coming from Marrakech since the medieval times.
Zagora’s historical monuments and natural features are what enchants foreign guests the most. The region still preserves numerous Kasbahs and old fortresses that mark bygone era. In addition, the Sahara desert landscapes of sand dunes and “Hamadas” is also worth discovering.
The artistic characteristics of Zagora lay in crafts, as well as folklore. Zagora is home of old pottery factories. Clay dishes are exclusively made in Tamegroute, featuring green colored productions and displayed in local and national exhibitions. Reed is also used to make crafts.
Folklore in Zagora reflects the cultural identity of the joint communities. Both Amazighs and Arabs of the area, perform different artistic shows, varying from Ahidous to Regba and Hassani rhythms.
Terminal: Marrakech, Ouarzazate or Casablanca airport, Zagora Bus Station
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 220 Euro
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival.
Forestry and gardening in the Rehabilitation and Health Clinic in Hveragerdi
Hveragerði, Iceland December 27, 2019 - January 6, 2020
Volunteer project: Hveragerði is a small town of about 1,700 inhabitants that lies 45 km east of Reykjavík. This friendly little community sits on top of a highly active geothermal field which provides heat for hundreds of greenhouses where fruit, flowers and vegetables are produced throughout the year. Even bananas grow in these greenhouses! The name Hveragerði means "hot springs garden". Geothermal energy is Hveragerði’s lifeblood and you probably won’t find such a natural wonder in the middle of a populated area anywhere else in the world. Nearby you will find an even more geothermally active site: Gufudalur, the lovely "Steam Valley" behind the town. This whole valley is full of hot springs, geysers, mud pots, fumaroles and steaming vents.
Our host is the Rehabilitation and Health Clinic, which is a part of the Natural Health Association of Iceland. Every year, approximately 2,000 patients and other guests enjoy their diverse rehabilitation programs, which are focused on an approach that builds self-confidence and personal responsibility for the patients’ own health. The Clinic has earned a solid reputation, both in Iceland and internationally, since its foundation in 1955 for personal and effective care for patients. It is one of the two most important rehabilitation clinics in Iceland.
The Natural Health Association has a horticultural and environmental department, including forestry, gardening, and greenhouses, which is where the international volunteers work most of the time. The volunteers will help with growing tomatoes, cucumbers and making tea from Icelandic herbs. They will also do some environmental work around the property. The nature of the work depends largely on weather conditions, which can change quickly. Working hours are usually from 9am to 3pm with a one-hour lunch break.
Language: English
Leisure time: The volunteers have free access to the local geothermally-heated swimming pool. Traditionally, natural pools have played an important social role in Icelandic culture. Most Icelandic pools offer indoor and outdoor swimming, as well as hot tubs and saunas or steam rooms. Hveragerði is known for having great areas for hiking, including the hot river in Reykjadalur.
Reasonably-priced weekend excursions can be organised to some of the most popular, beautiful areas and natural wonders that Iceland can offer. Excursions include unique Icelandic sights such as glacial lagoons, waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, geysers, lava forests, hot-springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam-vents, or even icebergs.
Accommodation: The volunteers will be staying in a fully equipped bungalow consisting of several single and/or double bedrooms and a living room. Beds and sheets are provided, however volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bags. Wireless internet access is provided free of charge.
Location: Hveragerði, 45 km east of Reykjavík
Terminal: Flights arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), just south of Reykjavik.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 350 Euro
The fee includes a minibus trip from the meeting point to Hveragerdi and the Golden Circle South Iceland excursion.
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project and is payable upon arrival.
Organic gardening in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam December 30, 2019 - January 6, 2020
Volunteer project: This organic farm was established in 2013 in Tan Binh District, in the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City. The aim of the program is to provide a friendly environment where volunteers can have cultural exchange with local people while learning the techniques for operating a professional organic farm. After 4 years of research, investment, and standardizing the process of growing vegetables organically, the organic garden in Tan Binh has reached a stable output of over 10 kinds of leaf vegetables and some kinds of fruits. The core members of this project have been working strenuously to achieve their dream of growing healthy produce.
The volunteers will be guided and supervised by the manager of the farm. The general tasks would be: seeding new vegetables on the farm, spraying, weeding, creating new vegetable beds, etc. Moreover, the volunteers will have the chance to communicate with Vietnamese kids and show them around the garden when they come for educational tours. Volunteers are also encouraged to try and establish new ideas for improving the product quality on the farm.
Working hours are from 8:00am to 11:00am and from 1:30pm to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Special requirements: Volunteers must be motivated, reliable, initiative and assiduous in their work on the farm. Most importantly, volunteers need to be friendly and patient, making good relationships with the local workers.
Leisure activities: Vietnamese Day, International Day, self-organized city tour and excursions, etc.
Language: English
Accommodation: In a dormitory in Saigon, in shared rooms with bunk beds. Free Wi-Fi is available at the volunteer house.
Location: Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, in the southern part of Vietnam.
Terminal: Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN), 20 minutes drive from the volunteer house
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 180 USD for 1 week; 250 USD for 2 weeks;
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival.