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Romania - FAQTell me more about RomaniaCan you tell me more about your partner in Romania? What kind of volunteer work is available? What age do I have to be to volunteer? When will I know specific details on the placement? Do I need to speak Romanian to become a volunteer? When do I need to arrive in Romania? What are the living arrangements when volunteering? Where will I be located? How do I get to the project? How many volunteers are there in the group homes at the same time? Are we able to do any sightseeing while volunteering? What hours am I expected to take part in the program? What resources are available for the program? Is training provided? How do I pay my fees? What clothing is appropriate for the program? Are there more expenses once I arrive? Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement? Do I need travel insurance? Is there any time of the year when I can't volunteer? What is the climate like in Romania? What immunizations/vaccines will I need? Can I bring my family, including children, to this program with me? How safe is it to volunteer in Romania? What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program? Do I have to be from New Zealand to volunteer through Global Volunteer Network? Can vegetarians be catered for in this program? ------ Tell me more about Romania? Romania is one of the more progressive Eastern European countries. It is diverse with its mountains, mineral springs, Black Sea resorts, castles, history, quaint towns, and museums. It is bordered by Ukraine, Moldova, Black Sea, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary. This is the home of the famous Dracula. For more information I suggest you purchase the Lonely Planet's guide to Romania. Can you tell me more about your partner in Romania? Our partner is registered as a legal foundation in Romania and has accreditation from the Child Protection Committee. They have been operating since 1991 and run four group homes with a total of 34 children and young adults aged between 7 and 29 years of age. The children have suffered much in their young lives and with your help our partner can give them hope of a better future. What kind of volunteer work is available? Depending on your experience, you may be asked to teach, counsel, do feeding, cooking and even cleaning. Our partner places a huge focus on the children having FUN, being happy, enjoying the rest of their lives, in contrast to the devastating conditions they have experienced in the state run institutions. What age do I have to be to volunteer? You must be between 21 and 60 years of age for this program. You just have to be in good health and will be required to provide a doctors certificate. When will I know specific details on the placement? When you have confirmed your place on the program by paying your application fee you will be sent the link to our online program guide. The program guide contains the details of the program as well as country information and everything you need to know to prepare for your time in Romania. At this point we can also put you in touch with past volunteers and our partner in Romania. Do I need to speak Romanian to become a volunteer? No, however if you learn a little Romanian before you go it would greatly enhance your volunteer experience. When do I need to arrive in Romania? You can start the program at anytime during the year and you can volunteer anywhere from a minimum of 6 weeks to a maximum of 3 months. Longer placements can be arranged after consultation with our partner organization. Volunteers are required to either take a taxi from the airport upon arrival or train into Tecuci. What are the living arrangements when volunteering? Volunteers stay in their own apartment within walking distance of the children's homes. Individuals will be required to share a room with another volunteer. Where will I be located? The group homes are located in jud Galati, which is about 150 miles from Bucuresti, a 3 1/2 hour drive by car. How do I get to the project? Volunteers are required to either take a taxi from the airport upon arrival (the cost will be approximately $125 and Sandie will book this for you and you will pay her on arrival to the mission),or take a train to Tecuci, Romania. You can take a taxi to the train station from the airport, and TRM will then personally pick you up in Tecuci, 10 miles from the mission, if you notify them of your arrival time. How many volunteers are there in the group homes at the same time? We are currently limited to six volunteers in Romania at any one time. Are we able to do any sightseeing while volunteering? Yes. Volunteers are able to take at one 4 day weekend in a 3 month placement to explore Romania a bit. Normally volunteers also will have 2 free days each week. If you need a longer time to travel we suggest you make time for this prior to or after your volunteer placement. What hours am I expected to take part in the program? You should expect to work a full 8 hour day. What resources are available for the program? Craft supplies and ideas books are available in the group homes. However if you have specific activities in mind you may like to think about bringing your own additional supplies. Contact your GVN coordinator for further details. Is training provided? Job training is provided informally by the house manager when you arrive. On the job training will also be provided by established volunteers and house staff. How do I pay my fees? Your application fee secures your place on the program (remember this is fully refundable if you decide not to take part in the program). Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 8 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer. Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of the program fee are at the volunteer's expense, e.g. if a bank transfer incurs a bank fee at the point of origin, that is at the expense of the volunteer. Eighty percent (80%) of your program fee is refundable until one calendar month before the 1st of the month you are due to begin your program. What clothing is appropriate for the program? Modest casual clothing is appropriate. Are there more expenses once I arrive? The in-country fee covers accommodation and all meals during your placement. If you arrive early or intend on staying on in Romania for longer than you are volunteering then you will need to have spare money for this time. Also some money may be required for your days off depending on what you intend doing. Other costs include airport transfers, departure tax and any shopping you will do personally. Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement? If you need one you will organize your Visa through your travel agent before you leave for Romania. This information pack also includes links to Romanian Embassies throughout the world. Do I need travel insurance? As with any overseas traveling, insurance is recommended. The Global Volunteer Network has arranged a comprehensive travel insurance package specially designed for volunteering. It includes excellent medical and accident cover as well as a 'loss of deposits' cover which covers all fees paid to GVN, Airlines etc (up to US$8,000). The cost is US$150.00 for the first month and then US$100.00 per month after that. If you would like to learn more just follow this link: http://www.volunteer.org.nz/insurance/. Is there any time of the year when I can't volunteer? Volunteer placements are available throughout the year. 6 volunteers can be placed at any one time. What is the climate like in Romania? Romania has distinctive seasons with summer being extremely hot, over 30 C and winter temperatures plummeting below 0 C. You will find yourself wrapped up in snow gear and then wearing the coolest summer clothes possible if you are volunteering long term. What immunizations/vaccines will I need?
Can I bring my family, including children, to this program with me? Because of the nature of the accommodation, and the work that volunteers participate in on this project, it is not appropriate to bring children with you for this project. It is fine to volunteer as a couple in this project. How safe is it to volunteer in Romania? Romania is safer than most Eastern European countries. The thing to remember is that all western travelers are considered wealthy in Romania so it is important to keep valuables out of site. What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program? Each applicant is considered by the information they provide on the application. If further information is required applicants will be emailed to request this. Please refer to the program requirements listed on the program page which outlines the minimum requirements for this specific program. We also look further at your application as to skills and experience specifically related to the program you have applied to. We look at volunteer experiences, travel experience, your experience with children and also your particular interest in the program to make our decision. Do I have to be from New Zealand to volunteer through Global Volunteer Network? No, you can volunteer through the Global Volunteer Network from any where in the world. Can vegetarians be catered for in this program? Vegetarians can be catered for with many salad options. Please let us know your dietary requirements on your application form. ------ Question not covered here? Please check the generic FAQ, and if still unanswered, please submit your question here. (We aim to answer all email within 48 hours). Click here to apply for the Romania program. |
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Vietnam
Volunteers have the chance to teach English, care for and play with children in placements around central Vietnam. > Read More
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