ABOUT ROMANIA
Romania is a country located in southeastern Europe with a rich history and culture as well as stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems. The preservation of flora and fauna in nature reserves and national parks is a top priority, which means you can immerse yourself in unspoilt nature, discover isolated villages and farms and enjoy peace and quiet.
Romania is actually one of the most biologically diverse countries in Europe, hosting mountainous regions, wetlands and forests. The largest population of European bison is found in Romania in the Carpathian Mountains. The Danube Delta, one of the largest and best-preserved wetlands in Europe, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Romania is home to a variety of iconic animal species including brown bears, wolves, lynx and, of course, the European bison.
Romania is famous for the region of Transylvania and the story of Dracula. “Dracula’s Castle” is supposedly based on Bran Castle, despite there being no evidence that Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula, ever actually lived there. Located in the centre of the country, Transylvania seduces with more than just this legend. It also has stunning mountainous areas, mediaeval towns and more castles.
Romania has several famous buildings, including the Palace of the Parliament, the heaviest building in the world weighing about 4.1 billion kg. This building located in Bucharest is also the second-largest administrative building in the world.
Romanian culture emphasises hospitality, generosity and respect for family, friends and strangers alike. The predominant religion in Romania is the Romanian Orthodox Church which has a significant impact on the culture, traditions, festivals, etc.
Advice before volunteering in Romania
Although English is widely spoken, especially in urban and tourist areas, learning some basic Romanian phrases will help you to converse more easily with the locals and will show respect for the local communities and culture. This will be particularly useful if you are working in a more rural area, or working with kids.
Check with your doctor and the Pasteur Institute about any medications or vaccines you may need.
Most common form of volunteering in Romania
The most popular fields in which to volunteer in Romania are community development, social services, environmental conservation and animal welfare. Community service projects could involve renovating buildings, organising activities, teaching children, raising awareness on various issues, etc.
Do I need a visa?
Most European nationals do not need a visa to volunteer in Romania for stays of under 90 days. If you wish to stay for longer or do not qualify to travel to Romania without a visa, check the official website for more information: https://eviza.mae.ro/home
Volunteer opportunities in Romania
Discover Romania by taking part in our projects located in the eastern part of the Transylvania region. There are educational, wildlife and nature projects in which volunteers can work with and benefit the local community while also experiencing cultural immersion. The animal projects are mostly centred around helping in an animal shelter, working with and training homeless dogs. Meanwhile, the education and community projects are focused on improving the lives of disadvantaged children in which volunteers can help teach English and organise activities. Help improve the lives of others and make memories to last a lifetime!
Join a volunteer program in Romania with Freepackers!
You do not require a visa for EU nationals. Individuals outside of the EU can stay up to 90 days without a visa.
For any international project, Freepackers Care requires the subscription of a travel insurance including the coverage of accidents, diseases, repatriation and includes civil liability in case of damage to third parties.
You can subscribe online with our partner CHAPKA, which offers 5% discount with this link. If you subscribe to another insurance, we will ask you to send us a copy of your certificate in English.
For complete protection during studies or an internship abroad, you can subscribe to Cap Student insurance online by following this link. This insurance also includes civil liability in the context of an activity abroad.
